Page 62 of Fight or Flight

“Tyler, let’s go. I can’t sit here any longer. I’ll have my attorney activate Winston Oil Refineries’ best investigators. I’m sure they can get the job done without making me feel like I’ve done something wrong.” Katherine stood, then turned her back on the misogynistic moron. She didn’t wait for Tyler to follow her. If he didn’t, she’d find a way home herself.

She reached the main entrance before Tyler caught up with her. Outside, the sun had set, and it was downright cold.

“Katherine, slow down,” Tyler said.

Standing beside his Bronco, she waited for him to unlock the door. “I didn’t mean to make a scene back there. He was just so damn condescending, treating me like I did something wrong! And that receptionist! I’m sorry . . .”

Tyler held up his hand to stop her. “No need to apologize. I’m not a fan of Davidson, either. And Miss Lucy Anne is harmless enough. Just a big gossip. I think you hit a sore spot. But I’m glad to see you standing up for yourself. I don’t claim to know the old Katherine, but I say she’s coming back.”

Katherine smiled. “I actually think I’m a new, improved Katherine. I’ve missed out on so much and was treated so poorly for so much of my life. I won’t go back there.” Katherine shuddered. “Can you put a little heat on? It’s been forever since I’ve actually experienced being outside. I’m freezing. I need to acclimate to this weather.”

“Of course. Turn it as high as you want.”

“Thanks, but this is fine. I remember what it was like to be in an overheated car. In Texas, there’s not much cold weather. Sometimes I would go out with my mother and her driver, Teddy. I remember once, in December, a cold front hit Texas. I must’ve been ten or eleven at the time. I don’t recall what the temperature was, but she had the heat up so high, it made me physically ill. I threw up in the back seat. She slapped me in the face and had Teddy take me home. She was so angry, she made me clean myself up, and then I had to clean up the vomit in the car. I couldn’t complain, because she’d been in a mood that day, and I’d had enough of her wrath. There wasn’t any help at the house to watch me. She had to take me with her, and for days, all she said was I’d ruined her Christmas. I didn’t receive any gifts that year.”

“No wonder you’ve been hiding. I might’ve resorted to doing the same if I’d had a parent like yours.” Tyler backed out of the parking spot. “Why don’t you and I have dinner? We can drive to Asheville. While we’re there, you can get a jacket or whatever you need. Call Doc and tell him we’re going to Asheville for dinner. Also tell him what a jerk Detective Davidson was and that you want this investigation made public. You can keep Ilene’s men stationed at your house on your dime. Will that work?”

“Absolutely.” Katherine made the call, explaining what had happened. When she finished, she realized she still hadn’t called Karrie back. “Doc is good with it all; he’ll tell Ilene what happened,” Katherine relayed to Tyler. “I’m going to call Karrie now.”

“Are you sure it’s not too late?” Tyler asked.

“I don’t care what time it is. If this Jameson Thurman has returned home, she’s going to be faced with the brunt of his anger. If I can prevent it, I don’t mind pretending to be Darby.”

Tyler glanced at her, then placed his hand on her leg. “How do you feel? I need to know before you make your call.”

“Like myself. I’m good, I promise.” She laid her hand on top of his. Katherine couldn’t believe this change had happened so fast. Being with Tyler had a lot to do with it. Before she had a chance to change her mind, she dialed Karrie’s cell. It rang several times before going to voicemail. Expecting to hear Karrie’s voice message, she was surprised when a gruff male voice said, “Karrie is grounded and does not have phone privileges.” Then the automated female voice said if she wished to leave a message to press one. Katherine hung up.

She told Tyler what the voicemail message had said. “It must be her father, but does that mean he’s home? You said she called the night of the break-in. She had her phone then. This is weird.”

“I agree. Let’s try to figure it out over dinner. Listen, I need a change of clothes. My place is close by, do you mind?” Tyler asked.

“This day has been focused entirely on me. I don’t mind at all.” Actually, she was curious to see where he lived. Plus, she wanted to meet Pickles.

Still heading in the same direction, Tyler turned left. He clicked a button on the car’s visor, and two large gates in front of them opened.

“Talk about fancy,” Katherine said.

“It’s too much, I agree, but I have drugs at my place. Prescription medication for emergencies. Can’t be too careful these days.”

His driveway went steeply upward, then curved to the right. Katherine saw the driveway rounding off as they reached the front of a large brick home. It was Colonial style, with evenly spaced windows and large columns on either side of the main entrance. Kathrine smiled. “Nice, Tyler. And classic.”

He drove the Bronco close to the entrance, then shut the engine off. “You want a quick tour?”

“Yes, but let’s do it another time. I’m worried about Karrie.” She hoped that he didn’t take offense.

“You’re right. Come inside for a minute while I get changed. I’ll have you over again as soon as we get this business with Karrie and her father resolved.”

As soon as Tyler opened the door, lights came on, showcasing a grand staircase curving up to a landing. “I’ll just be a minute.” He ran up the stairs with the energy of a young boy, which reminded Katherine that she didn’t even know Tyler’s age. Not that it mattered. She watched him turn to the right, and then she could hear drawers opening and closing and water running.

Tyler’s home was beautiful, yet it lacked the lived-in look she’d tried to create downstairs at her place. She doubted he cared about little details such as throw pillows, sweet-smelling candles, or soft blankets tossed about.

Tyler returned, running down the stairs. “Okay, let’s go have dinner or do whatever else we need to do. I think we should see if we can locate where Thurman’s been staying, try to figure out if he’s still here. Check the airlines in Asheville.”

While dinner with Tyler would be her first choice, Katherine needed to solve this Karrie thing and move forward with her life. Knowing Lisa Pratt-Stevens, all Katherine needed to do was call and ask, and Lisa would track down any information she requested. “I didn’t see Pickles.” It was totally off topic, but Tyler had talked up his kitty, and she wanted to see the furry little guy.

“He’s at my mom’s today, frolicking with his sister. I’ll make sure he’s here next time. Here, put this on for now, until we can get you some warmer clothes.” He gave her a blue sweatshirt with DUKEUNIVERSITYembroidered on the front and back.

“Thanks.” She slipped it over her head. It was too big, but warm enough for now.

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