Page 54 of Been There Dragon That
“Where were Kann and those other guys going?” Rylee walked closer and pointed to one of the boxes that showed the men walking.
Penny pointed to another box. It showed a large black SUV stopping in front of a big gate.
She recognized that SUV.Fuck.Fuck. Fuck.
“That's the third time this vehicle has come to the gate. We’re pretty sure it’s the same one that gave you a panic attack at Henrietta’s store.” Penny met Rylee’s gaze and waited.
Words wouldn’t come out. Rylee’s ribcage squeezed like she was in a vice. She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t think straight.
“Hey. You’re here with us. You’re safe. I promise.” Penny’s voice was soft and soothing, and Rylee wanted to believe her. She needed to.
She sucked in a deep breath and then let it all pour out. “How does he know I’m out here? What am I going to do?”
She couldn’t stop staring at the screen. The man driving was the same man who’d hit her and Ayla in Dallas. He was the same man she’d seen stalking her at the store.
Was Jeff in the back? Where was her bastard of an ex-fiance?
“I should go. I’m putting you and the babies and everyone at risk. Jeff’s not going to stop. Wrath doesn’t understand how powerful he is. None of you do. I thought Alaska was far enough. It wasn’t.”
Penny put a hand gently on Rylee’s shoulder. “You’re part of this family now, Rylee. You came to the exact place you were supposed to. Fate sent you to Wrath. To us. Now, let us help.”
There it was again. Fate.
They all believed it.
She wanted to believe it. She was trying to believe it.
“Penny is right. Just watch.” Naomi came around from the kitchen and pointed at the screen again. Now the three men were in the same camera frame as the SUV. “Turn on the sound, Penny.”
“How did they get to the gate so quickly? It’s like a half mile down the road.”
“They ran.” Naomi popped a piece of bacon into her mouth.
They ran a half mile in like two minutes?
Penny tapped a few keys, and now the conversation was being broadcast.
“This is private property. You need to leave.”Kann’s voice held a threat that made goosebumps pop up on Rylee’s arms. The other two guys stood behind the gate, arms crossed over their massive chest like bouncers at a club.
“Sir, I have legal documents that need to be signed by Rylee Florence. I was told I could find her out here.”
“Out where?”
“Here.”
“Where’s here?”Kann shot back, obviously trying to rattle the guy. The guy was being evasive for sure.
“Is Miss Florence staying at a residence on this property?”
“I don’t know who you’re getting your information from or talking about, but this is private property, and you’re not welcome on it. Don’t come back to this gate.”
“I am a lawyer, and I’m trying to locate Miss Florence about legal matters. You would do well to cooperate.”
“That’s a lie,” Rylee said quietly. “He’s the guy who tried to kill me. I mean, I guess he could be a lawyer too, but—” She sucked in a quick breath and backed away. “Please don’t believe him. Don’t let him in.” Panic fluttered like a thousand butterflies in her stomach. This guy would try to kill her again … or take her.
“We know. And so does Kann. Penny texted him.” Naomi grabbed Rylee’s hand and squeezed it reassuringly.
A few of the butterflies dispersed from her stomach, but the guy wasn’t gone yet.
