Before I can move forward, Tyler rushes over and kicks the gun away. It all happens so quickly that even I’m stunned at how fast Natasha went down.
Tyler wraps his arm around Everleigh. She immediately drops the Taser, and I see the darts buried in Natasha’s skin. The woman is on the ground, hissing out in pain, and when she tries to move, no one moves forward to help her. Sirens blare in the distance, and within a few minutes, the police are on the scene.
A few officers and EMTs surround us. Tyler informs them that Natasha is the one who held us at gunpoint. They help her onto a gurney and let her know she’ll be cuffed as they bring her to the hospital. She’s banged up, but honestly, the woman needs some mental help. She doesn’t say a word as she glares at us.
After they wheel her to the back of an ambulance, I focus on Everleigh and hear Tyler scolding her. “You did a good thing, but you should never tase someone who’s got a finger on the trigger of a gun! She could have shot you guys.”
“I know, but I panicked,” she says with tears in her eyes, the reality of what happened catching up with her. “I didn’t know what else to do. I was so fucking scared. Thank God it worked, and you’re alive.” She meets my eyes, then pulls me into her arms.
Her body shakes, and I kiss her hair, trying to soothe her. “Thank God we both are.”
Officer Proctor walks through the crowd, then over to us. “You’re both very lucky,” he states. “One of the callers said Everleigh almost got run over, and then the driver whipped out a gun. I’m assuming she knows you personally?””
Everleigh nods, and I speak up. “She’s the one who stabbed her too. I recognized her face. She’s also driving the same vehicle that was following us.”
As Everleigh tells him every detail of what happened, the officer jots notes down on his pad.
“What’s going to happen to her?” Everleigh asks once she’s done.
“She’s going to the hospital, then we’ll question her. If she cooperates, we may be able to offer her a lesser sentence. If she doesn’t, she could be charged with attempted murder,” he states. “Amongst other things, depending on what the prosecutor finds.”
Once we’re finished talking to Officer Proctor, Gemma and Katie rush over just as shaken up as the rest of us.
“Oh my God, Everleigh.” Gemma hugs her, and Katie joins in. “We didn’t know what was going on. All of a sudden, we heard the squealing and screaming, then a crowd formed. Once we saw the gun, neither of us knew what to do besides stay put.”
“That’s good,” Everleigh says. “That was the smart thing to do, considering I think Natasha followed me and was waiting for me to come out.”
“I’ve got to go back to work. Dana’s running the shop alone, and I’ve already been gone for two hours.” She watches the tow truck hook up to the SUV.
“You should probably call Lexie and see if she can cover for you,” I suggest, but she doesn’t respond.
“Everleigh. You can’t force yourself to work in this condition. You’re really shaken up,” I finally say, grabbing her car keys.
“She’s already done so much for me over the past few months.”
“And I’m sure she’ll be more than happy to continue to help. Otherwise, close the shop early, but you need to take the rest of the day off.”
“Fine,” she complies.
I take her hand and lead to her car, then guide her into the passenger side. After she buckles in, Everleigh pulls out her phone. Before I get to the driver's side, Tyler comes over and pulls me into a tight hug.
“Thank you,” he tells me. “I could’ve lost my sister again if it weren’t for you.”
“I promised I’d take care of her, Tyler. I meant every word.”
“I know you did, and I appreciate it so damn much. Also, you should take the rest of the day off and be with her. I’ll cancel your afternoon appointments. This is more important.”
“I agree,” I say.
I get in the car and start the engine but don’t drive off yet.
“Lexie’s gonna go in. I owe her so fucking much. And you?” She faces me with a look of disbelief. “I owe you everything.”
I shake my head. “No, baby. I’m here to protect and love you. It’s my honor to keep you safe.”
“Archer, you could’ve been shot today.”
“You’re right, but I would’ve taken a bullet for you, Everleigh.”
Tears begin to fall down her cheeks. I reach over and pull her into my arms. “Don’t cry, sweetheart.”
“It’s just too much. All of this. I’ve constantly been looking over my shoulder, waiting for when she’d come after me again. The thought of losing you…”
“Baby, I’m not going anywhere. You’re safe. I’m safe. And we’re going home to snuggle for the rest of the day.”
“That sounds like heaven,” she says as I wipe away her tears.
I do a U-turn and drive us home.
When we get inside the house, Everleigh bends down and tightly hugs Sassy. The dog has no idea what’s going on and that she almost lost us.
“Babe, you know what sounds nice right now?” I ask, hoping to calm her.
“What’s that?”
“A hot bubble bath and a glass of wine.”
Her face breaks into a small smile. “I love you more than life itself, Archer Boone. You’re seriously my dream come true.”
“I could say the same about you, baby. Now go get undressed and start the water. I’ll grab the wine.”
She nods. “Sounds like a plan.”
Chapter Nine
EVERLEIGH
Besides winter, because Christmas is everything, summer is my favorite season. Alabama weather in early May is perfect, and everyone’s moods brighten with the school year ending. Before it gets too hot, I open the boutique doors and bring sales racks of clothes onto the sidewalk. It’s the best.
This time, it’s even better knowing that Natasha is behind bars. I haven’t completely let my guard down because Krystal is still out there somewhere, but the woman who tried to kill me twice is no longer a threat.
After evidence and statements were provided and collected, there was enough to put her away for a while. She was charged with stalking in the first degree along with attempted murder. Though I do hope she’s able to get some kind of psychological help since Eric’s murder is what essentially made her snap.
It’s been a few weeks since the incident, and besides the threatening messages from Krystal, life has gone back to normal. Archer and I have grown closer than ever, but a few women have still come into the boutique asking about him. But now, I get the pleasure of telling them he’s all mine. What’s even more exciting is attending Katie and Noah’s wedding as a couple next month.
Today I’ve stayed so busy with customers and keeping things stocked that hours pass before I realize what time it is.
Everleigh: Make sure to wash your face after dinner tonight.
Archer: Huh? Why?