Page 145 of Light My Fire Three Times
Richard Stokes may have thought he had me cornered, but now it’s my turn to do the hunting.
And I’m just getting started.
I stand there, phone still in my hand, the weight of the moment settling over me. A deep breath escapes me. It's almost like I can feel the air around me shift. I’ve done it. I’ve finally taken control.
I unlock my phone and pull up Sloane’s number, my fingers moving quickly as I type out the words, my heart pounding with each tap.
Olivia:I just called Richard. He’s freaked out. Publish the story!!
I pause for a moment, watching the screen as the message sends. A wave of excitement tinges the air around me, but I don’t have time to guess myself second anymore.
Richard can beg all he wants, but this is bigger than him. I know it. I feel it.
My phone buzzes almost immediately. I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face as I see Sloane’s reply pop up.
Sloane:Holy shit, Liv. This is HUGE. I’m so damn excited!! I’m already drafting the piece. This is going to blow up. It’s going to be amazing for my career, but most of all… it’s justice for you. You’ve got this, girl. You’ve really got this!
I laugh out loud, the sound of it both freeing and empowering. The excitement is bubbling inside me, the kind of thrill I haven’t felt in ages.
It's not just about the victory. It's the moment I realized I’m no longer the victim. I’m in charge of this story now.
Olivia: I’m counting on you. Make it loud. Make it impossible for him to hide anymore.
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. A mix of relief and exhilaration floods me. It’s all happening. He can’t stop it now. The truth is coming out, and there’s nothing he can do to take it back. Not this time.
Sloane: You’re a hero, Liv. I’ll keep you updated. Get ready for the fallout, but also get prepared to stand tall. This is your moment.
The screen goes silent after Sloane’s message, but the weight of it all is finally starting to settle in.
I smile, feeling the last of my doubts dissolve—no more fear. No more looking over my shoulder.
I’m walking out of this as me.
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
Karl
DECEMBER 31ST
The cold airbites at my face, but it feels good tonight. We’re all dressed up, ready for the New Year’s Eve celebration in Coyote Glen.
Usually, we work tonight, but because we have so much to celebrate, Riley and the other guys were more than happy to take the shifts for us. Thank goodness.
No more running from the past. No more shadows hanging over us. Richard Stokes is about to get his. And damn, does it feel good to say that out loud.
I’m in the back seat of Jesse’s truck with Olivia beside me, while Jesse drives and Leo rides up front. The vibe is different tonight. Lighter. Every time I glance at Olivia, I see it. The weight’s been lifted from her shoulders. The last few days have been a damn rollercoaster, but tonight? We’re all stepping into a new era.
“Can you believe it?” Leo says, his voice half laughing, half amazed. “Richard Stokes is going down. Really going down. Sloane’s story has set his life ablaze.”
Jesse lets out a snort, slapping the steering wheel. “The bastard’s going to have a lot of time to think about all those ‘business decisions’ in prison.”
We all chuckle, but there’s something about the idea of Richard being behind bars that doesn’t quite feel real. The guy had been a ghost in our lives for so long. Always lurking, always trying to make Olivia the fall guy for his mess.
“It’s insane, right?” Olivia says, still processing how everything has shifted. “I never thought it’d come to this… but Sloane really pulled it off.”
“You’ve got to give her credit,” I add, leaning back against the seat, feeling the weight of it. “She got the ball rolling. And now Richard's scrambling. Probably already trying to hire lawyers who can’t fix the mess he’s made.”
Olivia shakes her head, a soft smile creeping onto her face. “At least he can’t do anything tomeanymore. I get to stay here, in Coyote Glen, running my coffee truck, without any stress.”
