“I know you don’t want to hear this, babe, but maybe Tyler’s right. If Krystal is after him, it affects you,” Gemma states. “As messed up as it is, he probably left without warning because he knew you’d talk him into staying.”
“Maybe Krystal gave him an ultimatum,” Katie offers.
“Like what? Because every scenario I think of doesn’t end well for him. That’s why I want to look for him. She could hurt him.”
“I’m sure Archer has it under control,” Gemma says.
I take a sip of my wine, glaring at her over the rim. I know she’s trying to comfort me, but it’s not working. The more I think about it all, the more agitated I become.
“Archer can defend himself,” Katie agrees. “And who knows, he could arrive tomorrow and tell you he took care of it.”
“As in…” Gemma makes a throat-cutting motion.
“No!” Katie nudges her arm. “Like she went to jail or something.”
I can only hope. But something in my gut tells me otherwise, and I won’t be able to sleep until Archer’s back in my arms.
Chapter Eighteen
ARCHER
There’s a chill in the air of my hotel room as I get dressed. Every muscle is tense, and I won’t be able to relax until this is over. I couldn’t sleep, knowing how badly I hurt Everleigh. This morning, Tyler sent me a few messages, and I still haven’t responded. I’ll explain everything to him when the time’s right.
I text Krystal to find out what time I need to meet her.
Krystal: Come in two hours. And don’t forget, ALONE.
Archer: I’ll be there.
I get myself ready, go over the plan, then head out of the hotel.
Krystal may think she can say or do whatever she wants to me, but I’m not going down without a fight. I can’t continue to let her control my life.
“Well, well, well…you showed up. I thought you’d be a coward.” Krystal is smug as hell as she stands on the porch of an abandoned cabin. Her dark hair is messy as I peer into her sunken eyes. By the look of her veiny, bruised arms, I know she’s still using.
We’re standing fifty feet apart. “Well, now that I’m here, what do you want?”
Her mouth curls up in an evil grin. Before she can say another word, the front door of the cabin opens, and another woman steps out.
What the fuck?
“I think you’ve met my roommate, Dana.”
My eyes move to the woman who works for Everleigh and has been close enough to touch me. She must be the one who’s been keeping tabs on us for God knows how long. But why would Dana betray Everleigh like this? How did she meet Krystal?
“The look on your face. Priceless.” Krystal laughs.
I take a few steps forward. “I showed up like you wanted. I need to know that this ends right here, right now. The stalking and harassing of Annie and Everleigh stops. You leave them alone. I’m the one you want, and I’m here.”
“Hmm…” Krystal paces as if she’s contemplating her answer, but her arrogant smirk says it all. “I don’t like to make promises I can’t keep.”
“That was the deal,” I remind her.
“Yeah well, seeing Everleigh’s expression when her shop was on fire and you flying to visit Annie when you realized I was a threat brought me so much joy. You must’ve been going crazy keeping tabs on them, and it was amusing to watch. I’m not sure I want to give that up yet. However…” She pauses briefly and whips out a gun from the back of her jeans. “It’s going to be so satisfying watching the life leave your eyes. It’s something I’ve imagined for the past five years, and now I can hardly contain my excitement.”
“Was that your plan all along? Fuck with the people I love to mess with me, then kill us all? You think that’ll bring back your abusive druggie brother?” I snap.
Krystal glowers at me as she grinds her teeth. I can see her anger boiling, and I know I’m playing with fire, but I want to hear the truth.
“Nah, just you, killer. Messing with them was just a bonus. You reacted just how I’d hoped. Scared and fearful for the ones you loved.” She releases another laugh as Dana stands close like she’s her personal bodyguard. “But I knew it couldn’t last forever, and I’d eventually get you alone. And look, here we are.”
“I think the police would be interested in hearing about your plan, especially since you just admitted to stalking and threatening our lives. And doesn’t Annie have a restraining order against you?”
“I never came within a hundred feet of her,” she retorts. “Sadie, on the other hand…”
Talking about my niece in her taunting voice has my blood boiling hotter. I take a few steps closer, ready to tackle them both to the ground.