Page 225 of The Darkest Chase

“I know the feeling,” I mutter, my chest tight as that resonates like mad.

It’s an odd kinship, this unspeakable thing we both know.

I suddenly wonder if Janelle Bowden ever felt that with her asshole husband, and what it must have broken in her when she realized it was all a lie.

No, there’s been no sign of Chief Bowden all these months. Raleigh PD concluded he must have drowned or bled out when he jumped in the water and crawled away, and they’re just waiting for his remains to surface in the next year.

I have my doubts.

The pure evil looking out at me from the chief’s face when he finally came unmasked doesn’t die that easy.

There’s a sixth sense like a blade running over my neck, telling me the day will come when we’ll have to deal with this shit, and next time we’ll finish the job.

Janelle’s been soldiering on as best she can, but it’s been torture, realizing the man she married, the man she loved, was a criminal stranger.

I hope like hell I’ll never hurt Talia with any dark surprises, even if mine would never scratch Bowden’s fuckery.

She’s taught me how to be honest with her—and with myself.

It’s a lesson I won’t forget.

“Gerald?”

“Hm?”

“Thank you.”

“For what, son?” His wrinkled brow furrows.

I chuckle. “For being you.”

Gerald’s only answer is a thoughtful look and a slow smile.

Yeah.

He gets it.

We drive the rest of the way in happy silence, making our way home.

When we get back to Redhaven, I drop Gerald at the shop without going in just yet.

I have a few things to throw together first. I don’t think Talia even realizes I’m outside. Through the window and half-open workshop door, I can just make her out, bowed over her drafting table and focused.

I wave Gerald off, waiting until I’m sure he’s safely inside, then pull away to go do a little shopping.

It’s well past sunset and I’m dirty and sweaty by the time I’m done.

I stop by my place, shower, change, pack a camping bag, and head back to the shop. The front lights are out and the door’s locked, but there’s still that telltale golden cone of light through the door, the lamp over Talia’s desk shining off her autumn-fire hair.

I head to the side door and knock.

Gerald tromps down to let me in, already smirking. “So you’re gonna do it tonight or what?”

“Shhh,” I hiss as I step inside.

“She’s not gonna hear you, son. She’s in another world. Seems like somebody needs to give her a good reason to take a break.”

“Yeah, I’m working on it.” I take a deep breath. “Wish me luck.”

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