Total pages in book: 187
Estimated words: 174623 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 698(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 174623 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 698(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
Despite what I saw when I rode up on my motorcycle, the way she was fighting him, I knew that Whitmore would've eventually gotten the upper hand. He would've taken her from the parking garage, which decreased our chances of ever finding her. He had no goodwill in his actions. He planned to hurt her until she finally succumbed to her injuries. I don't care if the man is delusional and thinks he loves her or that she still loves him. It would've always ended in her death.
The idea of her no longer walking this earth makes my feet stumble, but thankfully, Juliet seems too lost in her head to notice.
The parking garage is still bustling with people moving around.
Some are taking notes while they evaluate the scene. Others are standing around, talking and pointing to different areas. A crime scene technician is taking photos.
Thankfully, Kayla's body is at least covered with a dark sheet, so Juliet doesn't have to see it.
I search the area, looking for someone who would have keys to an SUV we could use, and see Kincaid standing to the side talking with Farmington PD Detective Colton Matthews.
I hesitate when Juliet pauses, just at the opening to the parking garage.
I'd like nothing more than to shield her eyes so she doesn't have to visually relive the things that took place here tonight, but I don't make a move. I protected her from Whitmore, but this isn't something I can keep her from seeing now that we've taken a step inside.
I internally chastise myself for not texting someone to meet us outside as Kincaid spots us and heads this way.
"It seems so unfamiliar," she whispers. "Like I've never stepped inside this parking garage before until now."
"That's your body's way of trying to protect you," I assure her.
"I'm going to have nightmares," she says, turning her eyes to look up at me.
I nod, knowing I will as well, as my head tries to work through all the shit that could've gone wrong and how my decision to stop will ultimately end in her death.
I swallow as I lift my eyes from her and angle them toward my boss.
"Can we grab one of the SUVs?" I ask as he steps in front of us.
"Of course," Kincaid says, reaching into his pocket.
"Her car," I tell him. "And my bike?"
"If you have keys, we can get both back to the clubhouse," he assures me.
I reach into my pocket as Juliet digs into the pocket of the sweatpants she’s now wearing, and we each hand our keys over as Kincaid hands me the keys to the SUV.
"Has anyone checked on Aleah?" Juliet asks.
Kincaid briefly looks in my direction before he turns his full attention back to her.
"Aleah is at her foster parents' home. She's healthy."
"She was never sick."
Kincaid gives her a sad smile as he shakes his head.
Juliet sighs, as if she had deduced this herself but just wanted confirmation.
"It was all a lie to get me here," she mutters as she swipes at a tear rolling down her cheek.
"It looks that way," Kincaid says.
"And Kayla's connection to Graham?"
"We don't know yet," Kincaid answers. "It's something we're working on."
"She asked me so many personal questions the second she arrived," Juliet explains. "I think he got to her before she ever showed up at Juniper House."
"It's very likely," Kincaid says as he shifts his weight from one foot to the other. "I want to apologize."
"Apologize?" she whispers, her brow scrunching in confusion.
"We vetted her, like we do everyone else. We must have missed something. This never should've happened."
Juliet immediately shakes her head.
"You're not responsible for Graham's actions. You can't blame yourself for what happened."
Kincaid takes half a step back as he considers her words.
"I'll make a deal with you," he says. "I'll do my best not to beat myself up for what happened here tonight, but you have to do the same."
Silence fills the void between them as she looks into his eyes. More tears streak her face before she gives her head the slightest of shakes, as if what he's asking isn't possible.
"I left with her," she whispers.
"Kayla may have been betrayed and manipulated by Whitmore," Kincaid tells her. "But keep in mind that she manipulated and betrayed you. Neither of their actions is your responsibility. They abused your willingness to help, nothing more."
"I may have to remind myself of that a million times before I can actually accept it," she confesses with a sad smile.
Kincaid nods in understanding. "It will be the same for me. You guys head back to the clubhouse. We'll handle all the other stuff here."
"Okay," she whispers, taking a half step to the side, which puts her mere inches from me. "Do you know how long they'll hold him in jail?"
Kincaid stands a little taller. "Graham Whitmore will never experience freedom in his lifetime."