“In the event she gets out on bail before the hearing, I’d suggest filing a temporary restraining order. That way, if she’s stupid enough to come near you again, she’ll get thrown back into jail,” Detective Gains explains.
“Definitely do that,” Liam interjects. “I’ve had a few guys come for me after bailing out. Not fun times.”
I’ll do whatever they suggest just to be safe. “The judge may have you return to testify, but you’ll be kept in the loop.” I shake the detective’s hand and thank him for helping.
“Sure thing. Liam’s been an integral part of us putting dozens of criminals back behind bars. It’s always nice when we can return the favor,” he states.
“Stop kissing his ass!” Huddy blurts out from his desk.
I enjoy hearing them give each other shit, but I hold back my laughter.
Gains hands over his card and says he’ll be in touch. Although this won’t be over until Krystal’s locked away permanently, I’ll sleep better knowing she’ll finally get what she deserves. No more threatening texts or creepy pictures of my sister and niece, and no more fucking with the woman I love.
“I should call Everleigh and Tyler, and tell them where I am so they don’t worry,” I tell Liam as he drives me back to the hotel. “I don’t know who I should be more concerned about—Tyler or Everleigh. I think they’re both gonna want to kill me.”
“Guess I should tell ya then. Tyler called me this morning and asked if I’d heard from you. I didn’t wanna lie, so I told him the truth. Let him know what we planned and that you’d call once it was over.”
Shit.
“I can’t imagine he was happy.” I groan.
“Actually, he was. Said he had a suspicion you called me and wanted to make sure you were okay,” he explains.
“Wow. I’m glad he gave me your number. Couldn’t have done this without you.”
“No, you couldn’t have.” Liam laughs. “But it was fun.”
I choke-snort at his casual tone. “You and I have two totally different definitions of fun.”
He shrugs, then parks in front of the lobby entrance. “Probably. My wife won’t be happy to know I got shot, but she knew the risks of my job before she married me.”
“Well, tell her thanks for letting me borrow you,” I muse, getting out of his truck. “And seriously, thank you. I’d say I owe ya one, but after watching how you work, I’m a bit hesitant.”
Liam chuckles. “Don’t worry, man. A friend of Tyler’s is a friend of mine, and that earns you a freebie.”
We say goodbye, then I walk inside the hotel. I’m ready to fly home and hold Everleigh. That’s if she ever lets me get close after leaving her. I had to make sure that if I died, she knew how much I loved her and why I had to go.
A part of me is glad that Tyler checked up on me and knows where I am. Hopefully, that means he’s eased Everleigh’s mind so she doesn’t worry as much. I pull out my phone and type a quick text. I’ll call Annie in the morning to give her the news since it’s already late.
Archer: I’m safe. I’ll be home tomorrow.
I hit send, then scan the key card to my room.
Before I can flick on the lights, a body nearly tackles me.
Chapter Nineteen
EVERLEIGH
I haven’t been able to close my eyes for more than twenty minutes at a time. Every time I do, I see Archer. I called and texted him all night with no response. My heart hurts so damn much. The mixed emotions have made me sick to my stomach.
“You need to eat, sweetie,” Gemma tells me as I stay slumped on the couch with a piercing headache. I’ve barely moved since she and Katie left last night. “I brought you some food from the deli.”
“I’m not hungry,” I mutter as I stare at the wall.
“Try to eat it anyway,” she demands. “Tyler’s on his way over right now.”
I blink up at her. “Why? Did he hear from Archer?”
“Not sure. He just said he was coming.”
I swallow hard at the possibility of Tyler knowing something. As soon as he walks in, I jump to my feet.
“Where is he?”
“Everleigh, relax please.”
“Tell me!” I snap. “If you know something, you can’t keep that from me.”
“He’s in Nevada with Liam.”
“What?” Gemma and I both gasp.
“How does he know Liam?” I ask.
“I gave Archer his number a while back. I told him if he was ever in any trouble that he could call him for help, so I guess he did.”
“What happened? Did Krystal do something?” I ask.
“I don’t know much, Ev. But it did have something to do with Krystal. I called Liam this morning and that’s all he said. Promised he’d have Archer let me know when it was over.”
I narrow my eyes. “When what was over?”
He shrugs. “Liam didn’t say.”
I pace the living room. “Why wouldn’t Archer tell me? Or bring me with him? I could’ve helped!”
“Krystal was threatening you and Annie to get to him. Honestly, I’m glad he chose to leave, or I would’ve had to step in,” Tyler states.
“What?” I ask shocked. “How could you say that?”
“Because your life was in danger. Regardless of our friendship, you’re my sister, and I’ll always protect you.”
“I’m a grown-ass woman. I can defend myself. And that’s no excuse for him bailing on me. We could’ve done this together.” Tears surface again, but I don’t care. I could’ve lost Archer forever, and I’m pissed that he kept me out of the loop.
“He made his choice, Ev. You need to sit here and wait because this is the safest place for you right now. If I hear anything else, I’ll tell you, okay?” he says in his soft big brotherly tone. It irritates me even more.
“I think he’s right, babe,” Gemma chimes in. “Plus, Liam is the best at his job. Whatever they’re doing, Liam won’t half-ass it.”
I only know Liam through Tyler, so I don’t have a personal relationship with him, but he better make sure Archer returns in one piece.
Once I’ve settled back on the couch, we chat for a few more minutes before they leave for work. I glance at Sassy, and she gives me those sad puppy dog eyes as if she’s wondering where Archer is too.
“I can’t just sit here and wait,” I mutter to myself, reaching for my phone and searching for Maddie’s number.
Tyler met Liam in California years ago. When Liam started dating Maddie, my brother knew immediately we’d get along. So he gave her my number, and we started casually talking. It led to phone calls and FaceTimes, and at some point, we were chatting weekly. After a while, we both got busy with life, but we still keep in touch. If anyone will have information on Liam and Archer’s whereabouts, it’s her.
“Everleigh! Hey!” she answers.
“Where’s your husband?” I immediately ask, not in the mood for small talk.