Page 52 of Rip Ryder's Second Chance

“Very sure. He was with me.”

“Oh? So, you two really are…? Well, well. You like the country type, huh?”

Noelle had no interest in speaking about what her relationship was or wasn’t with Rip to Gavin. “He’s a good man.”

Gavin sniffed loudly. “You deserve a good man. I truly mean that, Noe.”

“Thanks. I know you mean that.”

The door opened and Bend stepped inside. He swiped off his hat and greeted Noelle with a tight smile. “Sorry, but I need to ask Gavin some questions now that he’s awake.”

Noelle stood. “Sure. I’ll leave you two alone.”

Rip was waiting for her when she walked into the lobby. “You okay?” The concern in his gaze made her feel warm inside.

“I’m okay,” she said with a forced smile. “Gavin though took a licking.”

“Is he okay?”

“Someone roughed him up. I think we can guess who did this. Yet, why?” It sickened her that she’d come to town and stirred up trouble.

“Bend will find a lead and we’ll get to the bottom of this. Do you want me to take you home? It’s late.”

“I think I’ll stay for a bit longer. He’s going to be okay, but he’s here alone and he is Ollie’s father.” She didn’t owe Gavin anything but it wasn’t for him as much as for their son.

“Here, take this.” He slipped off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. “Would you like some coffee to warm you up?”

“I’d love some. Thank you.”

Chapter 18

Rip dropped some coins into the vending machine. The cup dropped and the motor oil looking coffee poured in slowly. He guessed it’d have to do. Once the last drop sputtered out, he took it out of the sliding door and started toward the lobby when he ran into Bend heading his direction.

“Hey, I was coming to find you.” He motioned for Rip to join him in an area of the corridor away from the hustle and bustle of activity.

“Did you find out something?” Rip asked once they were away from any listeners.

Bend reached into his shirt pocket and withdrew a plastic baggie with a photo inside. Rip looked closer and realized it was a photo of Noelle from graduation night. “Where’d you find that?” Rip asked.

“It was a parting gift from the attacker. I asked the victim if the picture was his and he’d never seen it before. The guy’s got attitude but I think he’s honest.”

“So, the person who attacked Gavin is the one who’s been sending Noelle the photos?” Anger gripped Rip. He didn’t like loose ends.

“It would seem that way.” Bend rolled a shoulder as if an old football strain was bothering him. “The hotel night clerk let me view the security camera. The quality isn’t the best, but I was able to see a grainy view of Gavin returning. Thirty seconds later I recognized a familiar face following.”

“Who?” Rip tightened his grip and some of the coffee spilled out onto his hand. He didn’t even flinch. His adrenaline coursed through his veins like a spooked horse.

“Hold tight to your boots. Buddy Calhoun.”

“Shit.” Rip shook his head.

“And he just happens to be on that list of names Noelle gave me of those who attended the party.”

“Buddy, though?” Rip narrowed his gaze in suspicion. “He’s always had a crush on her, but he’s always seemed safe. He doesn’t seem like the type who’d drug her, take advantage of her, send her photos, and then beat up her ex.”

“Do they ever seem like the type, bro?” Bend muttered, looking more tired by the minute. “Who would have thought Mellough would turn out to be scum of the earth?”

“True.” Rip wouldn’t put anything past anyone at this point.

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