Page 7

Levi

Once Arden is asleep, I leave the room and go out to the living room. They technically lied and our parents have gotten together to get our stuff, so Wilder and Jett are still here. “She asleep?” Wilder asks.

“Yeah,” I sigh.

“Good. A nice orgasm and sleep,” Macie says. “And I can see it on your face. She wouldn’t have asked you if it wasn’t going to be helpful.”

“I know,” I say. “I’m just scared of leaving her alone.”

“She’s right though,” Jett says. “She isn’t Charlotte and Caleb isn’t Tyler.”

“I know. We know more and we can see it coming,” I say. “Get anything off the license plate?”

“Yeah,” Jett says. “It’s registered to Caleb… I was looking at your old cases and you have three unsolved rape murders. All three victims match her description. They were drugged, restrained, raped, and then strangled. Their bodies were discovered along Route 81 over the last six years.”

“Why have the police given up?” Wilder asks.

“You’re asking the wrong questions,” Macie says as she casually rubs her belly. I raise an eyebrow at her and she sighs. “He’s a cop, guys. He started about a year after he raped her. His father is a detective in homicide.”

“Oh fuck,” I say.

“Yeah,” she says.

“So what now?” Jett asks.

“Let’s look at the cases first,” I say. “After that, if we are confident… we find him.”

“Did you give her the bottle of water?” Wilder asks.

“Yeah. She will be pissed when she realizes we drugged her,” I say.

“She needs sleep and you’re lucky I don’t drug your ass too,” Wilder replies. “Stay with your wife and I will handle it.”

“But I…” I start to say.

“Levi,” Jett says, and I sigh. “Be with your wife.”

“I know my little sister, and she is terrified. She also isn’t going to tell you that because she is trying to protect you from your trauma,” Wilder says. “Macie does the same shit to me.”

“I know you want to burn the world down for her right now,” Macie says. “But she will always remember who was where when she looks back. She will always see that her husband was by her side, comforting her, and her big brothers were kicking ass for her.”

“Yeah,” I say. “I would never forgive myself if something happened and I wasn’t here.”

“Right. So, stay here. We will update along the way,” Jett says.

“Alright,” I say, giving up.

“When she wakes, tell her the truth. I don’t know how long we will be gone, but we will check in when we can. Mom and Dad will bring stuff by tonight and they will all take turns checking in and bringing food. You three are to stay in this house, no matter what.”

“Mhmm,” I reply.

“Go on then. Go rest with her,” Jett says.

“Thank you, guys. So much,” I say when I stand.

“That’s what family is for,” Wilder says. “Macie, I love you but go the fuck to bed and lay down or I’ll tell Dr. Chavez you are not listening and resting, and she will admit you to the hospital.”

“Rude. Fine, but only because I want a nap,” Macie laughs.