“It’s come in a little too handy,” I muttered.
“I bit him. He tried to strangle me and tore my dress. I scratched at his face, and then that guy saw and yelled.”
I had to close my eyes, trying to battle back the images assaulting my brain: Addie crumpled on the floor. Her dress torn. The fear in her eyes.
Addie lifted my hand to her lips. “I’m okay.” She whispered the words against my skin.
I tugged my hand from hers, wrapping my arm around her and pulling her closer to me. “I know. But it doesn’t change the fact that I’d like to rip out the guy’s spleen.”
Hayes pinched the bridge of his nose as he tapped stop on the recording app. “Please don’t talk about murdering anyone in front of me.”
Everly patted Hayes on the shoulder. “He’ll have to wait in line behind me. I was thinking more of going after his balls with a meat tenderizer.”
Addie choked on a laugh. “Sometimes, I forget how vicious you can be.”
“When it comes to my baby cousin, I’ll do just about anything.”
Addie melted into my side. “Thanks, Ev.”
I brushed my lips against her temple. “We have your back. Always.”
“He’s right,” Hayes said. “I’ve got this place and The Gallery on heavy drive-by rotation for the department. But we got a sighting of his car outside Los Angeles this morning.”
My eyes flared. “Think he’s headed for Mexico?”
Hayes broke off a piece of his donut. “I wouldn’t be surprised. I’m hoping we’ll catch him at the border. Agents have his photo, name, and the vehicle make and model.”
God, I hoped so. If Walter Crichet spent the rest of his days in a cell, the punishment would still be too light.
37
ADDIE
My gaze jumped around the market as we set up the tent. There wasn’t a ton I could do, other than organizing supplies how Beckett wanted them. Unfortunately, I kept getting distracted. I was on alert for any sign of unwelcome, familiar faces. My father, Brandon, Walter. Though Walter was likely in Mexico by now.
Hadley bumped her shoulder against mine. “Everything okay?”
I nodded quickly, turning my focus to her. “I think we’re ready to go.”
She hadn’t meant it in that way, but I was tired of answering the how are you question. Hadley seemed to understand and sent me a reassuring smile. “Good.”
I leaned back against the exam table. “It was really kind of you and Calder to come and help out.” My eyes traveled to the men assembling the second table.
“It’s great what Beck is doing here, and I like spending time with him, making sure he’s okay.”
Her words seemed to hold a question.
“I think he’s doing well.”
Hadley smiled. “You’re good for him, that’s for sure.”
My cheeks heated. “I hope so. He certainly is for me.” In so many ways I’d lost count. But the biggest was how he restored my hope. Beckett was a good man—the best. He made me realize that not everyone had cruelty lurking beneath the surface.
“I think you guys ground each other in a really wonderful way.”
“I think so, too.” I plucked at a loose thread on my jeans. “He makes me feel safe yet like I can do anything at the same time.”
“He’s your launchpad.”