Chapter 32

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Brynlee pulled into the driveway and sighed heavily, the weight of exhaustion settling on her shoulders as she turned off the engine. The rental car was unfamiliar, and it felt strange as she gathered her belongings and climbed from the front seat. Her muscles protested the movement and she bit back a wince as agony ripped through her torso.

According to the scans, nothing had been broken, but her ribs were bruised, and every cell of her body felt tight, like her skin had shrunk two sizes. Today had been relatively easy, all things considered, but she’d declined to use the medication the doctor had prescribed for her. Once she got inside, she planned to take a long bath and relax.

She’d spent the morning making arrangements to rent a car for the next week or so. She’d called the sheriff’s department—bypassing Sawyer completely—and spoke with Cam, who told her that her car was still being processed for evidence, but they hoped to get it released by tomorrow. After that, she would need to get it fixed.

The past week had been a huge blow to her bank account, but at least Cam had promised to smooth the way with the insurance company.

She’d just reached the sidewalk when Sawyer exited his side of the duplex and headed straight for her, a box in his hands. “This was on my porch. Looks like it’s for you. Must have been delivered to the wrong unit."

Her steps faltered, and her stomach dropped to her toes. He must have seen the look on her face, because he gave a small shake of his head. “It’s not from Zane.”

Her gaze shot upward, clashing with his, and Sawyer cleared his throat uncomfortably. “I forgot to tell you. I, uh… had a run-in with your ex yesterday.”

The box in his hands momentarily forgotten, she stared at him. “What happened?”

His gaze slid away before meeting hers again. “I was sitting inside last night when I heard something outside. I looked out and caught him peeking in your windows.”

Her mouth dropped open. “What?”

Sawyer nodded grimly. “I told him to stay the hell away from you. I think he got the message.” He extended the box her way. “Besides, this actually has a return address.”

A relieved sigh rushed from her lungs, and she juggled her purse before taking the box from Sawyer. “Thanks.”

“Any time.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and studied her, his gaze sweeping over her from head to toe.

Brynlee tensed under the scrutiny. She’d was still banged up from the car accident, and she knew she looked like hell. If he was going to judge the way she looked right now, she was going to throttle him.

But he surprised her when his eyes slid back up to hers, softer this time and full of concern. “How are you feeling?”

She blinked at him before slowly responding. “I’m… fine.”

He stared at her. “How’s the salon coming along? It looked really nice yesterday when I was in there.”

Her gaze narrowed. Why the hell was he being so nice to her? This was completely uncharacteristic of him. “Did you have a stroke?”

His eyes flew wide and he gave a startled laugh. “What?”

She held up a hand in his direction. “I’m trying to figure out what’s happening right now. Are we actually having a civilized conversation?”

Sawyer’s lips pressed together like he was holding back a laugh, and he tossed a quick wink her way. “Don’t worry—I’m sure it won’t last.”

She couldn’t help but smile, and she shook her head. “The salon is almost back to normal. Thanks for asking,” she added as she took a step toward the duplex. “The massage room should be done by the end of the week.”

Sawyer fell into step next to her as they headed up the sidewalk toward their respective porches. “I’m glad it’s coming together.”

“Me, too.”

She paused near the bottom step, and Sawyer tipped his head her way. "Anyway, I’ll let you get inside. Looks like you could use some rest. Yell if you need anything.”

“Thanks.” Brynlee shot him a small wave as she headed toward her front door. “See you later.”

Inside, she made her way to the kitchen, then dumped her purse, and cell on the counter, setting the box next to them. She paused and glanced around. "Scooter! Here, kitty kitty!"

Silence hung heavily in the air.

That was odd. He always came out to greet her whenever she got home. Of course, after the last couple of days, maybe he was being extra cautious. Ainsley had stopped by to feed him and take care of him while she’d been in the hospital, and Ainsley reported that he’d hidden under the bed until she left.

She checked there first, but he was nowhere in sight. “Scoot! Here, kitty kitty!”

A twinge of worry pricked at her as she walked through the small house, checking all of his usual hiding spots. "Come on, Scooter. Where are you?"

The animal door immediately popped into her head, and she crossed the small kitchen, then bent down to check it. The wood was still firmly attached, so he couldn’t have gotten out that way. Maybe Ainsley had come over again today and let him outside.

Pulling open the back door, she peered into the yard. “Scooter!”

But there was still no sign of him.

With a sigh, Brynlee returned to the kitchen, worry forming a cold ball of dread in her stomach. He was an expert at escaping, but she thought she’d fixed that. She grimaced. Hopefully he wasn’t over at Sawyer’s place wreaking havoc.

The box on the counter caught her attention as she closed the door behind her, and she moved toward the cutting block, where she pulled out a pair of scissors.

She glanced at the label, noting with relief that it wasn’t Zane’s handwriting. But… That was strange. The return address was for her salon. Maybe Melanie had sent her something?

Intrigued, she carefully cut through the tape, then lifted the flaps. For a moment, the dark, matted fur and lifeless eyes didn’t register. Then, slowly, everything took shape.

Her stomach pitched and a scream tore from her throat.