Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 41105 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 206(@200wpm)___ 164(@250wpm)___ 137(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41105 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 206(@200wpm)___ 164(@250wpm)___ 137(@300wpm)
“How sure are you about all this?”
“Five thousand percent. I have someone working on her alternate passport as we speak.”
I blink.
From what I know about Canadian policy, there are levels to the type of bans they offer, depending on how egregious the offense is. They offer a paperwork route for temporary relief to anyone who needs to enter under certain circumstances, but I can never risk filing anything.
Even if it’s for someone I like…
“What exactly did she do to get banned?” I ask.
“I’ll let you know when I find out,” he says. “Our contacts are on it, though.”
“I can’t see her doing anything too reckless,” I say, assuming she got a slap on the wrist. “When does her five-year ban expire?”
“Five years?” He shakes his head. “She’s indefinitely inadmissible. Her ban is for life.”
I pull my phone from my pocket and send Autumn a text message.
Are you awake?
Just now getting into bed…
The ellipsis feels off. Like she’s stalling. Or covering something.
I don’t text back.
It’s pointless at this moment, and while she’s busy researching me, I need to figure out where the hell I went wrong in researching her.
Then again, one of my old confidantes was temporarily banned from Canada for stealing a pack of cigarettes from a tourist stand.
I can easily make it to her place before she falls asleep…
I check the time. Then check it again.
Screw it.
Scrolling through my contacts, I call one of the men who watches over Autumn’s temporary house for me.
“Yes, sir?” he answers on the first ring.
“How long have the lights been out at Miss Jane’s place?”
“Quite a while, sir,” he says. “A long time.”
“I need you to be more specific than that.” I pause. “Since she came home, when exactly did she turn off the lights?”
“She hasn’t come home yet, sir,” he says. “I’m still waiting for her to show.”
“You’re sure she’s not there right now?”
“I swear, sir.”
I end the call.
“If you’re worried about your slight miscalculation, don’t,” Chester says. “I’ll handle it.”
“No.” I head toward the garage. “I will.”
End of Episode 5
Conundrum
EPISODE 6
Autumn
My fingers grip the heated steering wheel as I speed down 93-North.
Since Kylie is now four cities away, I’ve stopped at Target to grab blankets, snacks, and plenty of “keep-me-up” coffee like she’s asked. Ever the paranoid, she’s also requested to meet me at a public bar and follow me home from a distance.
“Just trust me on this, okay? You have no idea who you’re dealing with…”
With every mile, my heart begs me to turn around and let the facts about Ryder remain as they are, but I’m too close now.
Way too close.
I can’t get the sound of Kylie’s warnings out of my head, and every time I try, Ryder’s “You have no one to tell” overpowers them.
“New developments in the recent assault in Seattle’s Sweet Lane subdivision,” a soft voice suddenly sifts through the radio. “Today, we’re speaking to the residents of the wealthy area where established financier Nathaniel Taylor was recently the victim of a home invasion and near-fatal assault.”
“Neighbors are turning in footage from their ring cameras and assisting the authorities as much as they can, but the police chief insists that there are no leads at this time.”
“Things like this don’t happen in our neighborhood.” Julie’s voice catches me off guard. “We are absolutely devastated and are determined to make sure this never happens here again.”
“Other neighbors are voicing concern about the violent attack,” the reporter says, “but one thing is for sure. Mr. Taylor is beloved and heavily supported.”
“He’s a huge pillar of our community.” “He’s helped manage my life and finances for years after I had an accident.” “He’s an amazing man who has never—”
I change the station.
Pulling into the parking lot, I settle between a semi-truck and a sports car.
I made it.
Kylie
Okay, I’m still a way out. Can you get us a booth and ice water for me? (Did you remember to buy strong coffee?)
Sure. (Of course)
Cigarette smoke and indie rock music greet me as I walk through the bar’s doors.
The cherry red booths that line the walls are taken, so I settle for a seat at the counter and signal for the bartender.
“Hello there, beautiful.” He smiles. “What can I get for you tonight?”
“Two gin and tonics, please. Light ice.”
When he slides them to me, I knock them back within seconds.
“Thanks.” I set down my credit card. “Give me two more.”
“Um, okay… Give me a few minutes.”
I turn away from him and focus on the door, spotting a couple kissing at the hostess stand.
Both dressed in matching grey formal wear, the guy cups the blonde’s face in his hands, whispering words against her lips that only she can hear. As the last syllable drops, he presses his lips against hers and tightens his grip on her waist.
As she wraps her arms around his neck, I can’t help but picture me and Ryder in their place. I picture us against the wall, him lifting my dress and fucking me like we’re the only two people here.