Page 86 of Lock

“No one’s come by and asked yet, but if they did, I’d tell them that Cooper was here midday filling up his car.” Stepping into the gap of my open door, he lowers his voice, “Had his laptop open with a motel in Rowland up. It’s about twenty minutes south on the I-95.”

Stepping back, the older man tucks his hands into his overalls and shrugs carelessly, “Maybe I saw the screen, maybe I didn’t.”

Turning my head slowly, I catch his gaze. “Your eyes weren’t too good at your last physical.”

“No, no, they weren’t.” He shakes his head.

At that moment, I know I don’t have to worry about the cops, not from Duke anyway. He’s a family man, and he understands.

Nodding, I reach to close the door.

“Have a good night, Duke.”

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

Leonard

Tilting my head, I watch the man sleep. It was surprisingly easy to get in here. I expected more, even from this shitty little place.

No security, no cameras, no front desk staff on shift. Hell, even the room lock barely fought.

When I step forward, the light from the thin blue curtains catches the syringe in my hand, the clear liquid ready to be administered.

Midazolam. A quick stop by my office, and I had what I needed.

Cooper’s eyes fly open the minute he feels the pinch on his upper arm. Stabbing through his T-shirt, I waste no time plunging the drug into him.

My left hand wraps around his neck, squeezing. My right soon joins.

His eyes bulge, and his hands claw at my covered arms sloppily.

He falls unconscious quickly.

It takes every ounce of willpower to pull my hands away. Staggering back, I pant against the dull wall.

He’s not dying that easily.

I have plans for him.

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

Shelby

“Think you can eat all of that for me?” I ask Riley.

My sweet girl nods enthusiastically, shoving another spoonful of red Jell-O into her mouth.

“Quick”—I smirk, glancing out the window into the hall—“before he comes back and tells us off for eating too many pots. And by us, I mean you.” I tickle her belly.

Our timing is perfect. Leo appears at the hospital room door just as Riley eats the last bit of Jell-O.

Sighing, I lean back on the thick pillows and give him a small smile when he enters.

“Hi,” I breathe.

“Don’t think I didn’t see that.” He glares playfully. Coming closer, he leans down to press a kiss to Riley’s head and then mine, his hand squeezes my fingers.

I close my eyes at the feeling. It’s the only way he’s touched me since we found out about the baby.