Summer Kisses (Kissing Junction, TX 8)

“Of course. Lorelai is here as well.”

“Perfect. I’m here.” I say, watching them come out the front door as I pull to a stop in the driveway.

I disconnect the call.“Daddy, you gots to bring her home. When you do, tell her I love her.”

“I will baby. Be good for your uncle.” I say.

“I will.”

She hops out of the truck and closes the door. She rushes into Gage’s arms.

I take off not sure where I am going. Eventually, heading to the college, I park in front of the library. I will be fine since I am in the squad SUV that denotes that I am the chief. Inside the library, I don’t see her anywhere. Back in the parking lot, I find her Escalade. It confuses me more than anything. I can see her stuff sitting in the driver's seat, keys included. Using my key, I open the door. Inside, I find her books, her engagement ring, and a typed letter to me.

Donnie,

I am sorry, but I can’t marry you. I can’t, knowing I love another man. Tell Jennifer I am sorry.

Love, Your Verity

I immediately realize this was written under duress. Several things stand out. The first thing is addressing me as Donnie. She always calls me D. I also wouldn't tell Jennifer shit. And Verity. She knows she is my Sunshine or my Kitten. I wonder if she is leaving me clues or at the very least telling me she is okay.

Sweat drips down my neck. It feels cloying as I lock her car back up. When I get back to my truck, I try to piece a timeline together. V needed to be picked up at three, so she would have left no later than two forty-five. Glancing at my watch, I see that it is after six. I call Zane at the sheriff's office.

“Hello?” He says answering immediately.

“Zane. She has been taken.”

“Whoa. Chief slow down. Start from the beginning,”

I relay the story, including the note.

“And this would be out of character for her?” He asks as soon as I am done. I clench my fists. I know he is just doing his job but questioning me isn't going to help find her.

“Yes, it is. She would never leave V by herself.” I say trying to keep my voice even. She would never leave me either. I keep that to myself.

“Even though it hasn’t been forty-eight hours yet, I will get the ball rolling on the missing person report. Do you have any idea who could have taken her?” He asks.

“I have no idea,” I say. But when I do know, I don’t know what I will do to the person.

“She told me about a creepy guy from her class, but I don’t have enough to arrest him. I can question him though.”

“Who is it?”

“Kyle Dennings.”

“I want to be there when you question him.” My rage is overwhelming me right now as I grip the steering wheel.

“I don’t think that is a good idea.” Zane hedges.

“I won’t do anything. I will watch through the two-way mirror.”

“Don’t make me regret this Donnie.” He says.

I speed from the ranch back into town. By the time I get there, Zane has rounded up this Kyle Dennings person.

“How do you know Ms. King?” Zane asks.

“She is in my Economics of Fashion class.” Kyle answers. He looks squirrely. That could just be me thinking that, of course.