Page 115 of Ozzie

He jogs across the street as I keep my eyes focused, making sure not to look directly at John, but I’m ready for when he runs that way.

Piper takes a step back and turns around. “I see him,” she says. “He ran into that store.”

I look where she’s pointing, and John isn’t there, but Durango is, and he’s running into the store. I want to help him, but I can’t leave Piper. That’s what John wants. Instead, I stand there with my arm on Piper, keeping watch all around.

A few minutes later, Durango walks out of the storeand back toward us. He shakes his head. “He got away. I don’t understand how he could run so fast. You guys said his ass was punctured, right?”

“Yeah, maybe it wasn’t as deep as I’d hoped,” I say.

We really don’t know how severe the injury was. Although I’d hoped it would keep him down longer than it had.

Piper shakes her head. “No,” she says. “I’m not going to keep hiding from that asshole. We are going to draw him out and put an end to this once and for all.”

“She’s right,” Willow says. “Guys like that won’t stop. He’s going to keep playing games and tormenting her until he can grab her again.”

I arch a brow at Durango.

“I filled her in on what’s going on. She understands more than most,” he says.

I had sensed something bad happened to Willow with her willingness to leave Oregon so quickly, but I didn’t pry. I glance at her now, and she’s staring at Piper with what appears to be compassion. I wonder what they talked about in the bathroom. But now is not the time to get into that.

“It sounds like we need to come up with a plan,” I say.

Piper steps back from me. “I know what we need to do.”

“What? Because whatever it is, we aren’t using you as bait,” I say.

Piper crosses her arms. “If we don’t, then I’m stuck, always living in fear. Using me is the only way to trap him. Let’s go back to our place, and I’ll share my plan.”

I really don’t like where this is going.

CHAPTER 33

Piper

Durango and Ozzieare not fully on board with my plan. I can’t say I’m surprised. But this is what it will take to lure John out. And that’s why the three of us are on our way to a church now. Durango keeps staring at me in the rearview mirror.

“What?” I finally ask.

He sighs. “Something’s been bothering me. The other night, with you and Willow at the restaurant, you two weren’t getting along. Until you went to the bathroom and came out best friends. What the hell happened in there?”

Ozzie turns in his seat to face me. “I’ve been wondering the same thing.”

I cross my arms. “Did you ask Willow?”

“I did,” Durango says as he pulls into the parking lot. “But she said it was girl talk.”

“It was.”

“Bullshit.” Durango parks and turns around in his seat. “Did you threaten to beat her up?”

My brow shoots up. “What? No!” It looks like Willow hasn’t been willing to open up yet, and I won’t betray her trust, not after what she’s been through. “Look, I wanted to talk to her because I had the impression she really didn’t like me. But once she opened up, I realized it wasn’t about me. It’s not my place to say what’s going on, but she’s going through a lot. Be nice to her, Durango. She’ll open up to you in time.”

He slumps in his seat. “Yeah, I’m not so sure she will.”

I place my hand on his shoulder. “Her walls are high, so it might take a little while. But trust me, don’t push her. Just be there for her.”

He nods.

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