“Toby has nothing on me,” he retorts in his usual cocky tone.
“I don’t know, he’s been very focused lately.”
Kyle rolls his eyes, and I grin.
“See ya later,” I tell him. I love seeing the progression of the younger guys who’ve been training with me since I started. Every week they come in, ready to learn, and advance their skills.
When I run into Tyler, I let him know I’m gonna take my break since I have an hour before my next client arrives. I head to the break room and grab the sub I packed.
As I check my phone, I see a text from an unknown number. It’s the first one she’s sent in a couple of weeks. When I open it, there’s another photo. It’s a selfie of Krystal, showing the top of her black hair, and I notice she’s near a playground. Behind her, I see Annie pushing Sadie on a swing set, and I nearly drop my phone as my adrenaline rushes.
I wait for her threats to follow, but they don’t come. It’s perfectly clear that Annie and Sadie aren’t safe.
Immediately, I check Annie’s location, and it says she’s near her building.
Archer: Where are you guys?
Annie: At the park across from the apartment. Why?
Fuck. Krystal’s watching them right now.
Archer: I need you to take Sadie and go home. Lock the doors.
Annie: Tell me why.
Archer: Please, just listen to me.
I could tell her that Krystal is there, but I don’t want to risk Annie or Sadie getting hurt. Annie will find her and make a scene. If Krystal’s as close as the picture looks, she’s in violation of her restraining order, but I doubt she cares. By the time I called the cops, and they arrived, she’d be gone.
Annie: Okay, fine. Sadie and I are walking home.
Archer: Text me as soon as you’re inside.
For the first time since the messages started, I reply instead of blocking the number.
Archer: Don’t touch them. Tell me what you want, Krystal.
Surprisingly, she responds right away.
Krystal: For you to feel the pain I went through when I lost Chad.
Archer: He hurt my sister, and I was protecting her. You can have me. Just leave them alone.
Krystal: Is that a promise?
I pinch the bridge of my nose because I don’t know what else to do at this point—Krystal's unpredictable.
I think about everything that’s happened, and I’m convinced she’s not acting alone. She can’t be in Wyoming and Alabama at the same time. Someone is keeping tabs and feeding her information.
Archer: Just tell me when and where to meet you so we can handle this face-to-face.
Moments later, she sends a Nevada address.
Then Annie confirms they’re home.
Krystal: Tomorrow. Come alone or I’ll immediately have my team deal with Everleigh.
Motherfucker. I need to know how many people are working with her.
Archer: I’ll get there as soon as I can.
I feel sick to my stomach. Everleigh will never let me go without her or backup, but I can’t risk something happening to her. She means everything to me and because of that, I have to leave her behind.
After booking a flight, I schedule a cab to drive me to the airport. I hate doing this in secret and lying to my loved ones, but I have to finish this once and for all. If I tell Tyler, he’d try to stop me or worse, join me.
“Hey, I’m not feeling well,” I tell him, glancing at Gemma who’s running the smoothie bar today. “I thought maybe I was hungry, but I just threw up my lunch.”
“Shit. Maybe it’s the flu?” Tyler suggests, then backs away from me. “Go home and rest. I’ll cover the rest of your schedule today. Just let me know how you’re doing later so I can figure something out for tomorrow if you’re still sick.”
I nod and thank him for understanding. The walk home is quick as my mind races. Though I haven’t interacted with Krystal in years, there’s no doubt she’s crazier than I remember. I can’t underestimate her. If I’m walking into my own funeral, then so be it. Protecting the ones I love is all I care about right now.
As I pack a bag, a heavy weight rests on my chest. I need to give Everleigh a reason not to come look for me. If she knew I flew to meet Krystal, she’d worry and be on a plane. She has to believe I’m never coming back, and honestly, a part of me thinks that could be a possibility.
Sassy’s at my feet as I sit at the table and write her a note.
* * *
Dear Everleigh,
I refuse to keep putting you in danger. Annie, Sadie, and you are the three most important people in my life and every day, I fear something will happen to one of you. Staying here in Lawton Ridge puts you at risk of getting hurt. The only solution is for me to leave. Don’t come looking for me. This is the best option for everyone. Never forget how much I love you. Please stay safe.
-Archer
PS: I’m sorry.
Anger fuels through me as I fold the note and write her name on it. I set it down on the kitchen counter, then look around at the place I’ve called a home. Best-case scenario, I outsmart Krystal and return to the woman I love. Worst case, I lose my life.
I blocked Everleigh’s number, knowing that if I read her upset messages or heard her voice, I’d crack. The only reason I don’t turn off my phone is so I can keep tabs on Annie. I’m not telling her where I’m going or what I’m doing, but I’ll be watching her location to make sure they stay put. She probably thinks I’ve lost my mind, and maybe I have, but Krystal could pull some shit before I arrive in Nevada. Though she sent me pictures of Everleigh, it’s obvious now that Annie was always her target.
After traveling all day, I check-in to my hotel at midnight. I’m mentally and physically exhausted. Since I landed, Tyler’s called me three times, but I ignored him. While on my flight, I came up with a plan, but I can’t tell Tyler, at least not yet. I have no idea if it’ll work, but I’m going with my gut and trusting that it will.
Chapter Seventeen
EVERLEIGH
Though it’s been a slow day at the boutique, I’ve stayed busy unboxing the new fall clothes I ordered. It’s almost October, which means it’s time for cute furry boots, Halloween-inspired infinity scarves, and pumpkin spice-themed long-sleeved tees.
Heidi ran the front of the store, and I focused on hanging and pricing everything in the back. Before I knew it, I’d work straight through lunch and dinnertime.
“You need to go home,” she tells me after finishing all the closing duties. “All that will be here for you tomorrow.”
I sigh with a small smile. “Yeah, you’re right.”
When I check my phone and don’t see a text from Archer, I frown. He usually sends me messages throughout the day, but sometimes, he gets really busy too.