Page 537 of Not Over You

You can’t complete a DNA test if you don’t have a body to take a sample from.

Knowing this will make our next decision easier.

SHANE

It’s been a few years since I’ve been to this old place. An abandoned warehouse on the wrong side of the tracks near our old school sat shuttered for the longest time.

The three of us used to cycle here on the rare occasion when Willow would skip school with us. We scoured the place looking for treasure or something left behind of value but never found a thing.

Alex bought it and the land for next to nothing a year after we graduated, and it’s been sitting neglected while we think of a good use for it.

Today it has a purpose.

A single SUV sits in the dusty lot out front and Tray exits the passenger side as we approach.

“I thought you didn’t have him when we saw you in the hospital.” Alex checks his gun and secures it in his belt at his back.

A quick phone call to our lawyer and I found out Dale left as soon as Willow’s mother said she was on her way in.

“I didn’t. But what I do have is some damn good help.” He waves his hand and the driver opens the door and gets out. It’s the same guy who was with Tray when I went to Candi’s. “Riggs here was searching the grounds when he saw you pull up.” Tray lifts his chin to me. “Remembered you from last night and decided to hang back and check to see if anyone else noticed you too. Found him hiding near the parkade, watching you and the girl.”

“Thanks.” I speak to his guy and both men nod.

“How do you want us to do this?” Tray asks.

Alex speaks for both of us.

“He’s ours. Stay near.”

Tray waves at Riggs and he turns to lead us into the building. He nods at a guy standing by the second door down the hall before pointing over his shoulder, and the guy heads toward Tray in the vehicle outside without saying a thing. Riggs opens the door and motions in the same way to the only man standing in the room with Dale.

Riggs leaves without a word and shuts the door behind us.

A beaten Dale kneels on the floor with his hands bound behind him and a gag over his mouth. He isn’t tied down, so he can stand but he stays where he is as he watches us circle him.

He’s smart not to stand up. I’d just knock him back down until I was ready for him.

Alex approaches him from behind, loosening his gag and Dale flexes his jaw before coughing and staring between us.

I take a step into his space.

“Let’s skip past the formalities. You know who we are. I believe you wanted to send us a message. Where are my manners?” I crouch in front of him to get in his face and he cowers. I look at Alex. “Untie him. He can’t defend himself if his hands are bound.”

“Look, man. I don’t want any trouble with you.” He splutters, pulling his hands closer to him as if that will make Alex stop loosening his binds.

I laugh in his face. “No. You just want trouble with women who aren’t in a position to fight back. Isn’t that right, Dale? You figuratively bind their hands before the abuse starts.”

Alex stands with crossed arms watching us as he towers over him.

“I don’t know what that bitch told you. It’s a lie. I didn’t—”

“Who?” I ask for clarification to see if he’s talking about Candi.

“Willow.”

As soon as her sweet name leaves his wretched lips, I slap him hard across the face.

“You won’t say her name ever again. You won’t even think it.” He flinches when spit flies out of my mouth onto his face. I rise and step back, releasing my gun and handing it to Alex. “Stand up.”

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