Page 47 of Haven

“What?” My plan forgotten, I quickly cross the room, stopping in front of her. Cupping the back of her head in my hands, I force her eyes to mine. “What are you talking about? Sam didn’t call me. Declan and I just got done with lunch at The Busy Bee, so I thought I’d stop by.” An uneasy feeling hits me in the center of my chest. “Why would Sam call me, Ashlyn? What happened?”

She chews on her bottom lip.

“Ashlyn...”

“I got an email,” she answers quietly.

“You what?”

“I got an email. I already called the detectives and forwarded it to them. Then I called Sam. He stopped by and grabbed my laptop a few minutes ago. I was just locking up back there before you walked in. I’m heading home.”

“What did it say?” My muscles string tight, bracing for the hit they’re about to take.

But I’m still not ready.

“It doesn’t matter,” she says. “Let me get my purse so I can get out of here.”

“Ashlyn.” There’s no hiding the strain in my voice. “What did it say?”

Her shoulders rise and fall with a deep exhale. “He knows you’ve been staying at my house, and he’s not happy.” A sad sound slips out. “I’m guessing it’s ahe. But who knows?”

“What else did it say?” I growl, my body vibrating with a kind of anger I haven’t felt in years.

“He told me I had to stop whoring myself out and stay pure for him.”

I drop my hands from her face and fist them at my sides.

My anger burns and flares.

I want to fucking kill someone.

“Who the fuck is this guy?”

And how the fuck am I supposed to protect her from someone we can’t find?

* * *

Ashlyn

Jules

Now this asshole is emailing you?

Lenny

Who’s emailing who? And are they sending dick pics because that’s not cool.

Scarlet

You’ve been married for how many years? Why the hell is anyone sending you dick pics?

Lenny

Whatever. I’m not saying I get sent dick pics. I’m just saying... dicks are not the prettiest things in the world. Why do men like to send dick pics?

Jules

That’s a shame. Your brother’s dick is perfect. Fucking beau-ti-ful.

---