Page 15 of Summer Kisses

“Gage, it’s Donnie. Are you home?”

“Yes, I am brother. What’s up?”

“Verity never picked V up. I gotta find her. I am not sure what to think about that at this point.”

“Her stalker?” He asks.

“Who else could it be?” I feel sick just thinking about the sick fuck who has been tormenting my girl for so long.

“You bringing V by here?” He asks.

“Yes, is that okay?”

“Of course. Lorelai is here as well.”

“Perfect. I’m here.” I say, watching them come out the front door as I pull to a stop in the driveway.

I disconnect the call.“Daddy, you gots to bring her home. When you do, tell her I love her.”

“I will baby. Be good for your uncle.” I say.

“I will.”

She hops out of the truck and closes the door. She rushes into Gage’s arms.

I take off not sure where I am going. Eventually, heading to the college, I park in front of the library. I will be fine since I am in the squad SUV that denotes that I am the chief. Inside the library, I don’t see her anywhere. Back in the parking lot, I find her Escalade. It confuses me more than anything. I can see her stuff sitting in the driver's seat, keys included. Using my key, I open the door. Inside, I find her books, her engagement ring, and a typed letter to me.

Donnie,

I am sorry, but I can’t marry you. I can’t, knowing I love another man. Tell Jennifer I am sorry.

Love, Your Verity

I immediately realize this was written under duress. Several things stand out. The first thing is addressing me as Donnie. She always calls me D. I also wouldn't tell Jennifer shit. And Verity. She knows she is my Sunshine or my Kitten. I wonder if she is leaving me clues or at the very least telling me she is okay.

Sweat drips down my neck. It feels cloying as I lock her car back up. When I get back to my truck, I try to piece a timeline together. V needed to be picked up at three, so she would have left no later than two forty-five. Glancing at mywatch, I see that it is after six. I call Zane at the sheriff's office.

“Hello?” He says answering immediately.

“Zane. She has been taken.”

“Whoa. Chief slow down. Start from the beginning,”

I relay the story, including the note.

“And this would be out of character for her?” He asks as soon as I am done. I clench my fists. I know he is just doing his job but questioning me isn't going to help find her.

“Yes, it is. She would never leave V by herself.” I say trying to keep my voice even. She would never leave me either. I keep that to myself.

“Even though it hasn’t been forty-eight hours yet, I will get the ball rolling on the missing person report. Do you have any idea who could have taken her?” He asks.

“I have no idea,” I say. But when I do know, I don’t know what I will do to the person.

“She told me about a creepy guy from her class, but I don’t have enough to arrest him. I can question him though.”

“Who is it?”

“Kyle Dennings.”

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