Stevie grimaces as she walks into the closet. “All of this is insane. I need a fucking glass of wine. Scratch that, I need a whole bottle.”
“Maybe later.” I smile.
Stevie showers and changes before we both crawl into the enormous bed. I expect more questions from my sister, but she falls into a deep sleep.
But I can’t, because my mind still is unable to settle, so I slip on my shoes and head into the gardens.
I step onto the short pebble lined walkway, and watch the early morning sun shine through the trees. It casts a beautiful orange glow into the space.
I take a seat on the long white bench, I lean back, breathe in a deep gulp of fresh air, listening to the last remaining crickets chirping from only a few feet away.
“Couldn’t sleep?” a rough, but sultry voice comments from the side.
I don’t see him at first, but I know it’s him.
“Do I ever sleep anymore?” I reply.
His darkfigure steps from behind the tall rose bush and he comes to face me. “Not since I’ve been watching you.”
“I’m sure.”
“How’s your sister?” The back of his knuckles smooth across my cheek. It’s comforting and makes me want to crawl into his arms.
“She took the news better than I thought. After a flurry of emotions, ranging from shock to sadness and disbelief,” I say. “Then she passed out. She just needs time to process it all.”
“I get it.” River sits next to me. His leg brushes against mine, sending little tingles up my spine.
“Did you talk to her about staying here until this is all over?”
“I mentioned it, but she wasn’t very receptive.”
“Give her time. She’ll be in a clear mindset after some sleep.” River’s arm extends behind me, resting on the back of the bench. I lean into him, tucking myself into his chest.
“I know.” Peace washes over me as I cuddle River on the bench in the middle of a tranquil garden. Something River mentioned earlier in the night is still in the back of my mind. “You said you have reason to believe Andrew targeted me based on my connection with law enforcement…”
“Yes.” His chin lowers to the top of my head, causing my chest to flush from our closeness. “When I spoke with Andrew, he let it slip about you not being a stranger.”
“Maybe he’s confusing me with someone else?”
“I’m not sure yet, but until we have more information about what Andrew is referring to, Stevie should stay here with us. I’ll also have someone watching over your dad just to make sure.”
I sigh. “I’ll talk to her. I need to make her think it’s her idea, because Stevie can be a bit of a rebel. If she feels forced, she won’t do it.”
River’s chest rumbles with a chuckle. “You two have that in common.”
His playful sarcasm catches me off guard in the best away and I lift my head, pulling my mouth to the side giving him attitude. “Is that so?”
He laughs and pulls me closer to him.
Then I remember what my dad mentioned a couple weeks ago. “My dad said something about this possibly being a copycat from the ring of twenty years ago.”
River’s brows furrow, but he expression doesn’t change as if possibly having background already. “I’ll look into that.”
We sit together until the sun rises, indicating it’s time to get some sleep.
Chapter 27
River
