Page 32

Chapter Thirty-Two

By the time Logan arrived at AJ’s dad’s house around midnight, he was worn ragged. The day had not turned out at all how he had hoped. Having dinner with AJ was out of the question. He’d hated to have to tell her he couldn’t, but the station had been crazy. The full moon might not be until Saturday, but all the crazies had been out tonight.

Logan had been stuck at the station dealing with the influx, as his sergeant had refused to let him go out on patrols after nearly being shot the night before. Logan had argued but hadn’t put in much effort because he knew AJ would appreciate it.

He drove her dad’s old truck down the driveway and parked between AJ’s car and the house. Logan hoped to talk AJ into at least letting him take her to work tomorrow, but he was afraid of starting another fight. Then again, maybe they could have a repeat of the fun they’d had that morning … well, not with how early she needed to go to work. He still wished he could convince her to call in, but she’d always had a strong sense of duty, and if she said she’d be there, she would be.

But he would do what he could to keep her safe.

Inside, the house was quiet. All the lights were off except one by the door and another in the kitchen. On the wall by the hall, stuck there with a strip of painter’s tape, was a note. He took it down and read it.

Logan,

I was too tired to stay awake any longer. Please come sleep beside me. I know we don’t see eye to eye about going to work, but I still need to know you’re safe, and I want you near me. I love you and am sorry we fought.

Love, AJ 3

He smiled and tucked the note in his backpack, which was in the living room. He’d keep that note. It might not be much, but it meant the world to him. After getting ready for bed, he snuck quietly into AJ’s room.

He wished he’d gotten to talk to her, but he’d have to get up when she did in the morning and insist on taking her. He kept praying and releasing his anxiety to God, but he still had a bad feeling about tomorrow.

After putting his phone and gun on the nightstand, he slid into bed next to her and wrapped his arm around her. He kissed her temple and whispered, “I love you.”

She snuggled against him but didn’t really wake up.

He laid his head down and fell asleep with AJ tucked under his arm. At least she was safe right now.

AJ caught her alarm before it got too loud. She slid out of bed without disturbing Logan too much. He reached for her but remained asleep even when he didn’t find her next to him any longer.

She’d been able to sleep much more soundly once he was beside her. Knowing he was safe gave her body and mind the freedom she needed to fall into a deep sleep.

After getting dressed and brushing her teeth, she grabbed a pre-made protein shake. Before she went out the door she slipped back into the bedroom and kissed Logan’s temple. “I love you.”

He barely stirred past a smile. He was exhausted. She hoped he’d be able to sleep for a few more hours.

At 6:40 she climbed into her car and headed toward town.

About three miles down the road, the car started making some strange noises. It wasn’t exactly a new car. And when was the last time she got an oil change? Had she waited too long again? Before they split, Logan had been sure to take care of all those things. It was hard for her to remember to call and schedule it. Hopefully, Logan could take that task over again.

As she approached the edge of town, the car sputtered.

“No, no, no, no, no.”

Had she run out of gas? The gauge said there was still enough in the tank, but the car was acting like it was out.

She pushed the car as far as she could. Rolling through a stop sign, she turned down another road. Will’s house was only three blocks away. At least she’d feel safer there than on the edge of this country road barely wide enough for two cars.

But it didn’t make it.

The car gave its last gasp and coasted to a stop.

AJ slapped the steering wheel.