Page 163 of Wildest Forever

We all stare at him, waiting for him to explain.

“Just wait for Dixie.”

Austin rolls his eyes.

“Marty is outside, what the fuck am I gonna do? I have to work with him,” and I can hear the panic in his voice.

“Aust,” Riggs places both hands on his shoulders and walks him backwards to the open lobby part of my office, his eyes levelling with Austin's. “We're dealing with it, trust me. Nothing is going to change. You're going to still work with Marty and I promise we will have eyes on you at all times. His war isn't with you, it's with us for whatever reason...” and I watch as Riggs drops his head, and I know he is struggling with this more than he lets on. Marty was a friend, is, I don’t even know anymore. It's a blow for all of us but a lot more for Riggs.

Austin nods, dropping his head for a moment before Riggs places a hand on his cheek, lifting his eyes up to settle on his.

“I need you to trust me, have I ever given you a reason to doubt me before?” and I don't think I have seen this side of Riggs in a long time. He is fiercely loyal and protective over his family, especially when someone is threatening to rip us apart, leaving no trace of us ever walking this land.

Austin's head softly swings side to side.

“Then remember that. I need you to go out there and act normal, anything that passes his lips that you feel he is dropping in to test you, you let us know, do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“Good boy,” Riggs then pulls Austin into him and pats him on the back.

My eyes fall to my drawer, and I slip it open before I reach for the evidence bag Tyler gave me.

I haven't wanted to look through it because I don't think I need to, but maybe once I know things are settled, then I will go through it.

Nothing is going to change.

Luke and Marty killed Conrad.

We have the confession.

We also have the reason Conrad was wrapped up with them.

I am sure there is more to it, but I wasn't ready to dive into that.

Placing it back in the drawer and closing it, I spot Dixie standing on the other side of the door.

Tripp is already moving towards her, unlocking the door then dragging her in before he gives a look up both ends of the town. He closes the door and locks it back, his fingers lacing through hers as he pulls her softly towards my computer.

“What is going on?” her voice is panicked, one hand tucked under her bump.

“Nothing darlin',” Tripp says casually. “I just need your pretty eyes to tell me if I am seeing things...” he trails off as he tucks her behind my chair. I offer to stand but she shakes her head. I focus on Tripp, his hand skimming around her waist and resting on her neat bump and for a moment I find myself imagining that it was me and Morgan. Imagining a life where we have a sunshine blond boy running through the fields, giggling as we follow, chasing him down to the creek. But that's all itwould be. My imagination. Morgan has made it clear that she doesn't want kids and I have made peace with that... I think.

“Oh my god,” her eyes widen, her trembling hand lifting to her mouth.

“I'm right yeah?” Tripp looks at her side profile and her eyes fill with tears before she nods.

“What?” Riggs is now standing next to my desk, Austin mute.

“That's the guy with the aubergine cowboy boots from Randy's,” Tripp confirms.

“Okay...” I trail off, confusion masking my face as I look between my brothers.

“That's my dad.” Dixie drops the fucking bomb.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

MORGAN

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