He was a rabid animal with no sense of control. He threw glass containers and equipment at the walls, smashed my mirrors, knocked all the nail polish to the floor, and turned the table in the back. My heart raced, but I couldn’t move as I watched him destroy my business. He walked over to the front desk and wrote something on a notepad for a few minutes before reaching for my cash register, and throwing it on the ground.
I squeezed my eyes and took a deep breath. Thank the heavens I had the policy of putting all the money in the safe every day after closing. I opened my eyes and watched him run out.
A minute or so later, blue and red lights flashed into the building and I snapped out of it. It was three in the morning, but I hopped out of bed and threw on some sweats and a sweater before booking out of my house to my salon. I fumbled with my phone as I drove and put it to my ear.
“What’s going on?” Flynn’s voice was alert, as if I hadn’t woke him.
“Gerald broke into my salon. Can you meet me there?” I pulled into the parking lot with several cruisers and at least six deputies scattered about.
“On my way.”
I hung up the phone. I didn’t know why I’d called him rather than Mags or Faith, but he made me feel safe. I needed to feel safe.
I swung open my door and hurried over to the sheriff.
He was a friend of my fathers and the one I’d talked to about Gerald when I came home from Faith’s wedding. He ensured the restraining order. He was the epitome of authority with his gun tucked away on his holster. His dark blue uniform and shiny shoes stood out among the rest of the deputies.
“Sheriff Sanders, thanks for showing up.”
He waved his hand dismissively. “It’s my job. Are you doing alright? I’m sure you’ve seen the footage.”
I bobbed my head. “I’m upset and confused. Why’s he doing this? He’s going against the restraining order. Isn’t he?”
“He’s breaking, entering, and vandalizing your property. I’ll make sure he goes away for this. We just have to find him first. He’s not at his address or any of his family members.” He pulled out a piece of paper and offered it to me. “Wasn’t sure if I should give this to you, but here. No need in hiding it either.”
I plucked it from him with trembling hands and read it.
Oh sweet Eve,
How I’ve missed you. The days merged into weeks, and the weeks into months. It has been a year now. You seem happy, flirting with every man and woman that walks by. Don’t think I haven’t noticed. I keep to your every shadow. Without you, life’s hollow.
You’ve started drinking coffee. You’re using those damn essential oils. You’re getting cozy with Flynn Rockwell. Isn’t that the ex you’ve cried to me about? Why are you letting him around you? Are you fucking him? I thought I warned you. You couldn’t be with anyone but me. He’s only got half a leg, right? It’ll be easy to take him out.
You got me a restraining order. I think some discipline should teach you a lesson. Should I teach you or Flynn the lesson first? I’ve been watching you since I got back. But when I saw that man sleeping on your couch, keeping you company… my heart broke. You broke my heart, Eve.
I threw the rock through your window as a warning. But did you listen? No. I saw you kiss him by the lake. I saw you sleep in the same tent. I’m pissed. Sleep with one eye open, darling. You’ll be mine again.
YOUR ONE TRUE LOVE,
Gerald
I clenched the paper in my hand as tears fell onto the words. I pinched my lips shut to keep in the bile that was crawling up my throat.
An arm wrapped around my shoulders and I flinched back before noticing it belonged to Flynn. My head was spinning.
I threw myself in his arms, and he wrapped them around me. “Thank God you came!”
“I’ll always be here when you need me.” His hand stroked my hair.
Sheriff Sanders cleared his throat, and I pulled away from Flynn but kept a grip on his arm for comfort.
“Did you read it?” I asked him.
“Yes. I need to keep it for evidence since he confessed to everything.” He nodded at Flynn. “If you want him to read it, it’s best he does it now.”
I nodded, handing the letter to Flynn. “So, what happens now?”
“He’ll have a warrant out for his arrest. He’s showing dangerous behavior. I’d feel better if you had someone stay with you. Whether it be Flynn or your parents. We know he’s going against the restraining order now and participating in illegal behavior.”
“Of course.” I nodded.
Flynn’s jaw was clenched as he handed the letter to Sheriff Sanders. “Better hope you all catch him before I do.”
His eyes narrowed. “I understand the high emotions, so I’ll ignore that threat, Rockwell.”
Flynn gave a curt nod in reply.
I glanced over at my building. “What about my salon?”
“I have a police report ready to go. I need you to sign a few things, then you need to call your insurance and they should give you the money to replace it all.”
My shoulders deflated. I’d have to close for at least a week or two and let my staff and customers know. I signed a few papers before we headed back to mine. He followed close behind me.
I was on edge, knowing Gerald was out there somewhere. How had I not known he was watching me? He’d violated me and my privacy for the last time.
When we got to my place it was already five in the morning, and I was exhausted.
