Page 51 of Always My Love

“It may only be for a few nights,” Tom jumped in. “You’re welcome to come stay with Kate and I, but you’d have to sleep in a single bed,” he added with a smile.

Hailey threw up her hands. “Fine.” She turned to Reece. “I’ll stay with you. I am not going to spend a night listening to them. Seeing them kiss once was enough for me.” She rolled her eyes but had a smile on her lips.

He wanted to argue that his guest room was two whole floors below his and on the other side of the home, but seeing Reece’s smile, he remained quiet.

“I’ll help you get your things,” Reece said and then followed Hailey inside.

“Want some help getting your things?” he asked Harper.

“No.” She looked at Tom. “Just… make another sweep around the place and make sure he’s gone.”

When she disappeared inside, Tom turned to him.

“He?” Tom asked.

“Long story, but while we have the time, unlock the patrol car. I have a few names I want you to run for me.”

Tom nodded and unlocked the car.

The first search was for Fred LeRoy out of Georgia. There were more than a dozen and since Nick had no clue as to the man’s age, he had Tom print out the list for him.

The next search was Heidi Davis. This one was much easier.

Heidi Nichole Davis. Died six years ago, July tenth in Jasper County of an overdose of heroine. Time of death was marked as at or before eight o’clock p.m.

Which meant that her mother had already been gone long before Harper snuck into the room to poison the drugs.

Was that why Fred had been on the floor? Had he stumbled into the bedroom and, seeing her dead, he’d fallen asleep on the floor?

Nick’s stomach turned.

“Is that their mother?” Tom asked. Nick nodded. “Is the Fred character their dad?”

“No, he was the mother’s drug dealer and the scumbag that abused the girls.” Nick glanced towards the house. “This stays under wraps. That last part anyway. Put an APB on Fred LeRoy. I don’t want anyone with that name so much as stepping a foot in Pride again.”

“I can check with a few of the hotels along the highway. I’m on shift for two more hours and it’s a slow night.”

“Thanks.” Nick slapped his brother-in-law’s shoulder just as Hailey and Reece stepped outside.

“I’ll follow you,” Hailey said firmly.

“Fine, but flash your lights if you think someone’s following you,” Reece told her.

Nick wondered what Hailey had told the man. He wanted to ask, but just then Harper came outside with a bag.

Nick reached over and took it. “I need to grab some things for Lucy.” She disappeared back inside.

“Oh, I forgot…” Hailey also disappeared inside.

Taking his chance, he turned to Reece.

“What has she told you?” Nick asked.

Reece shrugged. “Not much other than she and Harper have a stalker. It’s why she’s taking self-defense classes and Harper’s taking shooting lessons from you.”

This was news to him, but he played along and nodded. Yeah, that wasn’t such a bad idea. He could at least teach Harper a few of the basic self-defense moves as well. Why in the hell hadn’t he thought of it first?

“Keep her safe,” he managed to say before the sisters stepped outside again. “If you see anything, call me or Tom.”