Page 25 of Enter the Lair
How should Devon approach Sarah with this?Gerry was the only friend she mentioned other than Racheal.Was there a chance that Gerry was an innocent in this?His only crime, an accident of birth.Was Mother Nature kicking him in the balls for his stupidity because it sure felt like it?
Regardless of his apprehension, he needed to get some answers.“I’m leaving.”
* * *
Devon had driven like a crazy man.His apprehension hadn’t dissipated, knowing his mate was on the other side of the door.He knew he was supposed to give her time.He could crash down the door in a split second yet his cougar continued to push him to get to Sarah immediately.
Brian Marksmen’s voice was raised.“I’m not telling you again.It’s time for you to come home.Give up this ranger nonsense.We both know it’s just to get my attention.”
Sarah huffed.“That’s typical.You think everything is about you.”
“You pretend to be looking for Racheal, but you entered the police academy before Rachael disappeared.You decided to become a ranger after that false lead she was doing research on the Cascade wildlife.”
“She researched lots of areas.”
“She had nothing to do with you becoming a cop.You did that to spite ME,” Brian yelled.
“What if I did?Would it be so terrible that I wanted to give back to my community?One that you have been siphoning for years.”
Brian spoke in disgust.“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“All the animals that you and Donny killed, and for what?”She jeered.
“Don’t you dare talk about him.He was everything.You are nothing!”
Sarah’s voice was calm.“That’s the first honest thing you’ve said to me in years.Goodbye.”
“No wait,” Brian said.“Sarah, I’m sorry.His death was difficult.I shouldn’t have said that.”
“You never wanted anything to do with me until after Donny died.Why would you think you have any say in my life now?”
“I just want to be a part of your life.Is that so wrong?”His voice was cajoling.
Devon heard Sarah move some papers on her table.“Would you stop?”
“Stop what?”Brian asked.
“Stop the black-market animal trade.I am not just talking about the ones you stuff, but the ones you cut up and sell in pieces,” she said furiously.
Devon felt her disgust.He realized she felt obligated to atone for the sins of her father and brother.She had done nothing, but was trying to set it right.His heart reached for hers.
He’d expected to want his mate.Need her.He’d never expected to admire her.He wanted to be in the room so badly his chest hurt.She had everything under control.He tried to calm his cougar as he heard a door unlock.
* * *
“Gerry, what are you doing here?”Sarah asked.She had always loved seeing Gerry.He was the one thing she could count on.His sandy blonde hair, blue eyes, boyish good looks, and easygoing attitude had been the silver lining of her childhood.This was the first time she felt unease at his presence.
“That’s enough Brian.Hi sweetheart.”He walked over and kissed her cheek as he always had.
She indicated the connecting door.“How did you get in here?I only rented a single.That door should be locked.”
Gerry laughed.“I rented the room beside you and told the girl at the front desk you were my wife and I wanted to surprise you.”
Sarah crossed her arms.“And she believed that bullshit.”She had never had a problem calling Gerry out on one of his schemes.
He shrugged.“You know me, Sarah.I’m a charmer.”
“How much money did you give her?”He may be a charmer, but he was still a billionaire’s son.