“This doesn’t make sense,” Bity says while shaking his head. “The threats started before Ash and Tag even knew each other. If she was jealous of them being together, why start then?”
I was thinking the same thing, but I hadn’t wanted to voice it in front of Ash.
“I think she was just extremely obsessed with Ms. Branderwood due to the attention she receives from men. During my many interviews with several of the people in your lives, it’s rather obvious Ms. Branderwood has been very desired for many years by many men. Once she obtained your interest, it pushed her over the edge and she went from verbal threats to physical ones.”
That’s not something I care to hear. Any of it. Especially the part where Ash is so desired. As if I don’t have enough problems. I’m not even the jealous type, and now I’m incredibly jealous.
My arms wrap around her waist, and she nestles into me, not giving a damn about the apparently long line of men fantasizing about her.
“It makes sense why she went after Bity at the wedding now,” Wren adds. “He’s the only one who ever devoted her any real attention, and then he showed up with Ash on his arm. She was just trying to keep her one admirer.”
Bity shudders, and then he looks toward Wren.
“Please, don’t ever mention any feelings I had toward her ever again. I’m about to be sick as it is. I fucking chased a psychopath. I’m lucky she wasn’t interested.”
“Damn straight you're lucky,” Shannon shivers out. “She would have probably tried killing you, too.”
Ash whimpers lightly, but she clears her throat, trying her best to be strong.
“Is there anything else?” I ask, ready to dismiss the detective and hold my girl.
“Yes, actually. The lab confirmed that Dyllan Mathews was killed by the same gun that shot Ms. Branderwood.”
“Rene killed him?” Ash gasps. “Why?”
“I don’t know. From our observation, it seems he was desperate to get a hold of you in the weeks before his death. It’s possible he spotted her following you. We found pictures of you in his storage facility. For some reason, he had it under a false name. When we found his keys, we tracked down where each one belonged. He was following you, too, but we never found any pictures of Rene.”
“Can I see these pictures?” I ask.
“I’m sorry, I thought it would be too much for Ms. Branderwood so I didn’t bother to bring them. You’re welcome to come down to the station tomorrow, if you like.”
I nod, not certain if it’s worth my time now that this is over.
Russell walks in, ready to secure the perimeter as the detective starts walking toward the door.
“You should be able to relax for a while. We’re still comparing the DNA results, but I’m sure Rene is your girl. I’ll let you know when it’s confirmed.”
I nod, and then I scoop Ash’s trembling body into my arms.
“Tag, can you just hold me?” she whispers, her voice needy, making me feel like the most important man in the world.
“All night, baby,” I murmur. “As long as you want me to.”
We head into the room, and she curls against me the moment we’re in bed. Our celebration has ended, but so has our hell.
Chapter Seventeen
Misled
Ashiara
It feels like I’m moving, and I’m worried my abundant tears have forced me to feel seasick. I open my eyes and gasp loudly when I see and feel my hands bound.
“What the hell?” I screech as I jump up in the back seat of a car.
“Just sit still, Ms. Branderwood, or your son dies,” a familiar, deep voice releases.
“Russell?” I gasp. “What the fuck?”