Why did I know about the signs and symptoms of pregnancy? Because my sister was very open with everything that changed when she got pregnant with my niece, leaving very little to the imagination.
But one thing was certain. I needed to find out more. And I had a feeling Ashe had no fucking clue.
I was almost thankful for the SWAT callout that had me leaving my bed early that morning. Because I knew that if she woke up beside me, we’d be taking the truck straight to the store and finding out if my assumptions were correct.Chapter 15
I don’t always go the extra mile, but when I do it’s because I missed the exit.
-Ashe’s secret thoughts
Ashe
“There’s another box,” I whispered into my phone at the back of the class.
Ford paused for a second, I assumed to get to somewhere quieter, and then said, “What?”
I repeated my earlier statement, getting an ugly-eyed glance from the girl a few seats over.
“Fuck,” he said. “Give me ten minutes, then I’ll go.”
Relief poured through me.
After last night, I kind of expected him to say no.
He’d been acting very strange this morning when I’d called him after I woke up, barely sparing a word to me.
Eventually, I’d just written it off to him being in a weird mood and began my morning routine.
Which led to now, an hour later, as I told Susan that Ford was on his way and was using my keys to get into the shelter.
Thirty minutes later, I got confirmation that Ford had picked up the kittens and gotten them settled inside the cages.
He’d also sent me photos of the kittens from last night playing away as if they didn’t have a care in the world.
Which made me grimace because now our shelter was officially full. And seeing as we were a no-kill shelter, we’d stay that way until an adoption event could be held.
My mind whirling away on that, I barely paid attention to the guest speaker we had today. Which sucked because he was awesome. Forcing myself to pay attention and listen, I concentrated and was able to listen long enough for the teacher to call a break.
Since this was my three-hour class once a week, I was thankful for the reprieve and hauled ass to the bathroom.
The coffee from this morning had gone right through me, practically forcing me to sit there for the last half hour in miserable silence until the teacher called a break at the usual time.
I’d just rounded the corner on my way back to the class when I bumped into something solid.
Stepping back with an apology, I was startled to know the person that I’d run into.
Hayes looked at me, a grin on his face.
“What are you doing here?” I asked curiously.
He gestured with a vague flick of his hand to the classroom that was several steps behind him.
“That’s my dad,” he said. “The guest speaker.”
My mouth fell open in surprise.
“Your father is Vlad Greer?” I gasped.
Hayes’ eyes went behind me, but I couldn’t stop myself from gushing.
“How in the… he’s… he was the one that found the Gun Barrel City killer! He’s the one that… holy fuck, Hayes! Vlad is famous in my circle.” I narrowed my eyes. “How could you not tell me this? I literally discussed my unicorn case with you, and you never said a word.”
Hayes’ eyes were sparkling.
“I’m afraid that’s my fault, dear.”
I turned woodenly to find Vlad standing behind me.
“Ummm,” I stuttered. “Sorry, sir?”
“It’s my fault that he won’t discuss me,” he repeated. “There are people who don’t like me because I helped put their loved ones behind bars. He tries to not mention who I am in case someone turns out to be a little bit psycho. Hence the different last names.” He gestured between him and Hayes.
My eyes sparkled as I turned back to Hayes.
“Is that right?” I asked.
Hayes rolled his eyes. “I have to pee. Drank too much coffee this morning.”
Then he was gone, leaving me with his father who was smiling down at me hugely.
“My son told me about your case,” he said. “I’m going to look into it.”
I grinned widely.
“That honestly makes my day,” I told him. “I had a friend who was a victim of the Hell to Haughton killer, which was originally what brought the case onto my radar. From a young age, it truly influenced me, and it really means a lot that someone with such knowledge will be taking an interest in it.”
He winked at me.
“Better go get to the bathroom myself,” he said. “I’d love to speak more after class if you have time.”
I nodded my head. “I was planning on going out to lunch with my boyfriend, but I’m sure he won’t mind you joining us.”
Only, Ford did seem to mind him joining us, and I didn’t know why.