For the first time since the messages started, I reply instead of blocking the number.
Archer: Don’t touch them. Tell me what you want, Krystal.
Surprisingly, she responds right away.
Krystal: For you to feel the pain I went through when I lost Chad.
Archer: He hurt my sister, and I was protecting her. You can have me. Just leave them alone.
Krystal: Is that a promise?
I pinch the bridge of my nose because I don’t know what else to do at this point—Krystal's unpredictable.
I think about everything that’s happened, and I’m convinced she’s not acting alone. She can’t be in Wyoming and Alabama at the same time. Someone is keeping tabs and feeding her information.
Archer: Just tell me when and where to meet you so we can handle this face-to-face.
Moments later, she sends a Nevada address.
Then Annie confirms they’re home.
Krystal: Tomorrow. Come alone or I’ll immediately have my team deal with Everleigh.
Motherfucker. I need to know how many people are working with her.
Archer: I’ll get there as soon as I can.
I feel sick to my stomach. Everleigh will never let me go without her or backup, but I can’t risk something happening to her. She means everything to me and because of that, I have to leave her behind.
After booking a flight, I schedule a cab to drive me to the airport. I hate doing this in secret and lying to my loved ones, but I have to finish this once and for all. If I tell Tyler, he’d try to stop me or worse, join me.
“Hey, I’m not feeling well,” I tell him, glancing at Gemma who’s running the smoothie bar today. “I thought maybe I was hungry, but I just threw up my lunch.”
“Shit. Maybe it’s the flu?” Tyler suggests, then backs away from me. “Go home and rest. I’ll cover the rest of your schedule today. Just let me know how you’re doing later so I can figure something out for tomorrow if you’re still sick.”
I nod and thank him for understanding. The walk home is quick as my mind races. Though I haven’t interacted with Krystal in years, there’s no doubt she’s crazier than I remember. I can’t underestimate her. If I’m walking into my own funeral, then so be it. Protecting the ones I love is all I care about right now.
As I pack a bag, a heavy weight rests on my chest. I need to give Everleigh a reason not to come look for me. If she knew I flew to meet Krystal, she’d worry and be on a plane. She has to believe I’m never coming back, and honestly, a part of me thinks that could be a possibility.
Sassy’s at my feet as I sit at the table and write her a note.
* * *
Dear Everleigh,
I refuse to keep putting you in danger. Annie, Sadie, and you are the three most important people in my life and every day, I fear something will happen to one of you. Staying here in Lawton Ridge puts you at risk of getting hurt. The only solution is for me to leave. Don’t come looking for me. This is the best option for everyone. Never forget how much I love you. Please stay safe.
-Archer
PS: I’m sorry.
Anger fuels through me as I fold the note and write her name on it. I set it down on the kitchen counter, then look around at the place I’ve called a home. Best-case scenario, I outsmart Krystal and return to the woman I love. Worst case, I lose my life.
I blocked Everleigh’s number, knowing that if I read her upset messages or heard her voice, I’d crack. The only reason I don’t turn off my phone is so I can keep tabs on Annie. I’m not telling her where I’m going or what I’m doing, but I’ll be watching her location to make sure they stay put. She probably thinks I’ve lost my mind, and maybe I have, but Krystal could pull some shit before I arrive in Nevada. Though she sent me pictures of Everleigh, it’s obvious now that Annie was always her target.
After traveling all day, I check-in to my hotel at midnight. I’m mentally and physically exhausted. Since I landed, Tyler’s called me three times, but I ignored him. While on my flight, I came up with a plan, but I can’t tell Tyler, at least not yet. I have no idea if it’ll work, but I’m going with my gut and trusting that it will.
Chapter Seventeen
EVERLEIGH
Though it’s been a slow day at the boutique, I’ve stayed busy unboxing the new fall clothes I ordered. It’s almost October, which means it’s time for cute furry boots, Halloween-inspired infinity scarves, and pumpkin spice-themed long-sleeved tees.
Heidi ran the front of the store, and I focused on hanging and pricing everything in the back. Before I knew it, I’d work straight through lunch and dinnertime.