Page 87 of Ozzie

He nods. “She’d had a crush on me for years, and that was her last attempt to get my attention. When it didn’t work, she moved to Oregon.”

That’s one hell of an attempt, not something I would think meant you liked the other guy.

“How the hell was I supposed to know that’s what was going on? How could anyone see through her games?” Durango asks.

“I don’t think you could have. But Willow’s older now, and it sounds like she’s willing to be honest. That’s a good thing.”

He tips his head back and stares at the ceiling. “Yeah, maybe.”

It is a good thing. I’m happy she’s finally telling the truth so we can all move past what happened.

“I need to get going, but if you want to talk some more, call me.”

He laughs. “Not when you are on an assignment.”

I shake my head. “Fine, but as soon as I’m back, I’m here for you.”

“Thanks.”

“And you might be mad at her, but a lot of time has passed. People change.”

He nods, then stands up and walks out of my office. Hopefully, Willow and Durango can talk through everything and it will help Durango have a change of heart. Like I said, people change. I have to believe that.

CHAPTER 26

Piper

“What do you mean,he just told him?” I’m pacing around my apartment, hoping I’m hearing my sister wrong.

“What’s wrong?” Durango asks as he walks into the room.

I turn my speakerphone on. “Millie, can you tell Durango? You’re on speakerphone.”

Millie sighs. “That asshole, John, practically burst in here, demanding I tell him where Piper is. I refused and asked him how he injured his ass. Dad was there, and I had hoped he’d confess something to him. He didn’t. But then Dad says, ‘Piper’s not here. She went back to New York.’ Can you believe that?”

Durango clenches his fists. “When was this?”

“Five minutes ago,” Millie says.

Earlier, I’d thought it would be great to get John backhere to face the court, but now the idea of him getting close causes me to shudder. If he comes for me again, he’s going to use more force. Who knows how far he will go? I can’t let anything happen to Durango. Thankfully, Ozzie is away on an assignment.

“Do you think he can sit down? Could he drive here again?” I ask.

“I’m not sure,” Millie says. “He stormed in here and seemed fine. He never sat down. Then he left, and I was so mad at Dad that I didn’t think to see if he drove away or had a friend waiting for him. I’m sorry, Piper.”

Unfortunately, his anger is stronger than any pain he feels.

“Can you guys keep an eye on him in any way? Find out if he leaves town and let us know?” Durango asks.

“Yes, I talk to his parents daily. I can do that,” my mom says.

“Good. Hopefully, he won’t be dumb enough to try to come back here.” Durango walks out of my room.

“Hey, I gotta go. Keep in touch, all right?” I say as I end the call.

I go to check on my cousin and almost run into him in the hallway. He’s carrying what appears to be a toolbox.

“I’m going to install a couple of cameras outside so we will be alerted whenever anyone goes near our doors.” He opens the box and pulls out a camera.

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