Christmas at Conifer Creek

By Melanie P. Smith

Escape to Montana for the holidays? Think again.
Barely existing after the death of her husband two years ago, Lexie just wants to find a way to move on. But someone has other plans. He’s always there — watching — waiting, but only strikes during the holidays. And he won’t stop until he gets what he wants.
Lexie believed she could hide from her stalker in the quiet mountain community of Mount Haven, Montana. She was wrong. Her peaceful retreat turns dangerous when she’s injured in an ambush. When the attacks escalate, Lexie must join forces with a small group of local heroes in a race against the clock to find out who is behind the violence.

What’s harder — confronting a stalker or falling in love again?
Lexie finds herself caught between two men — her deceased husband; and Tucker, the handsome cowboy trying to protect her. Can she overcome the guilt of moving on, or is she destined to be alone forever? Can Tucker protect her from a stalker’s deadly obsession, or will he become a victim himself? As the truth unravels, Lexie realizes a person she trusted may be the one she should fear the most.

This suspenseful installment in the THIN BLUE LINE SERIES will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end. If you enjoy romantic suspense and small-town charm, you’ll love this thrilling read. Grab your copy now before the price changes. And don’t forget to check out other books in the series for more heart-pounding suspense.

• Language: English
• Publisher: MPSmith Publishing
• Release date: Jul 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9781948629263

Melanie P. Smith

Melanie P. Smith went to Dixie State College and the University of Phoenix where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. She also has a Postgraduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Negotiation from the University of Utah. She worked for the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office for over 26 years. Most of that time was in the Special Operations Division where she worked closely with the SWAT Team and The Child Abduction Response Team coordinating communications and logistics. She also worked closely with Search & Rescue, The Mounted Posse, K9 and the Motorcycle Squad. Melanie has been able to utilize both her knowledge of police operations and business practices to make her novels fun and exciting.

Book preview

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Book Description

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Escape to Montana for the holidays? Think again.

Barely existing after the death of her husband two years ago, Lexie just wants to find a way to move on. But someone has other plans. He’s always there — watching — waiting, but only strikes during the holidays. And he won’t stop until he gets what he wants.

Lexie believed she could hide from her stalker in the quiet mountain community of Mount Haven, Montana. She was wrong. Her peaceful retreat turns dangerous when she’s injured in an ambush. When the attacks escalate, Lexie must join forces with a small group of local heroes in a race against the clock to find out who is behind the violence.

What’s harder — confronting a stalker or falling in love again?

Lexie finds herself caught between two men — her deceased husband; and Tucker, the handsome cowboy trying to protect her. Can she overcome the guilt of moving on, or is she destined to be alone forever? Can Tucker protect her from a stalker’s deadly obsession, or will he become a victim himself? As the truth unravels, Lexie realizes a person she trusted may be the one she should fear the most.

This suspenseful installment in the THIN BLUE LINE SERIES will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end. If you enjoy romantic suspense and small-town charm, you’ll love this thrilling read. Grab your copy now before the price changes. And don’t forget to check out other books in the series for more heart-pounding suspense.

Copyright © 2024 Melanie P. Smith

First Edition | Series: Thin Blue Line

Edited by LaPriel Dye | Dye-Namics Editing and Proofing

https://dyenamicsediting.com

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No part of this document or the related files may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means (electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the Author.

www.melaniepsmith.com

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. All trademarks are the property of their owners and are acknowledged by the proper use of capitalization throughout.

Contents

1.Chapter One

2.Chapter Two

3.Chapter Three

4.Chapter Four

5.Chapter Five

6.Chapter Six

7.Chapter Seven

8.Chapter Eight

9.Chapter Nine

10.Chapter Ten

11.Chapter Eleven

12.Chapter Twelve

13.Chapter Thirteen

14.Chapter Fourteen

Books By

Melanie P. Smith

Chapter One

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Lexie gritted her teeth and tried to block out the holiday cheer erupting around her. Music played in the background and the lights decorating the Christmas tree flashed, matching the pounding in her head. Seriously, it was barely after Thanksgiving, Christmas was a month away, and they were already having their annual holiday party. Maybe if she remained quiet and didn’t move, nobody would notice her. She basked in that hope for all of two seconds before it was dashed.

Lexie, I know you don’t normally take part in our holiday activities, but Travis said the party is mandatory. Mr. Paisley is supposed to be there. He’ll notice if you miss it, Barb, her perky, flirtatious, adorable co-worker — that loved this time of year — warned. Come in, mingle for five minutes, then fix a plate to take home, and bolt. Just — she hesitated. Well, while you’re there, eat a cookie or something. The rest of us gain ten pounds before the festivities are done. Which is why losing weight is the most common New Year’s resolution on the planet. You always lose at least five pounds because you don’t eat enough — not during the holidays.

Lexie glanced at the open doorway and felt like she might have a panic attack. Her heart started to race, and the red and green lights blended as they glowed and pulsed all around her. Joyful Christmas music continued to fill the area as it spilled out of the large meeting room and into the open workspace. People mingled and danced to the upbeat sound of Jingle Bell Rock, others sipped punch and nibbled on festive finger foods. She couldn’t go in there. She had to find a way to skip the party again this year. She wasn’t ready. Barb didn’t understand, would never understand, but she just couldn’t go in there. Not yet.

Oh, never mind, Barb said in exasperation. I tried.

Lexie watched her friend pivot and stalk angrily across the room before she disappeared; instantly engulfed by the crowd, the lights, and the holiday festivities. She won’t be mad for long, Lexie assured herself, not believing it for a minute. Barb — short for Barbara — would be angry, but she’d let it go, eventually. Lexie turned and focused on her computer screen. She’d apologize to Barb, but that was a problem for another day. Right now, she needed to get back to work. She was so focused on the page she was creating that she actually jumped and let out a soft squeal when someone spoke behind her. The voice was soft, but stern.

Ms. Ford? Conrad Paisley studied the monitor.

Yes, sir, Lexie swallowed hard. Paisley was the owner of the entire company. She wasn’t sure which surprised her more; the fact he knew her name, or the fact he was standing behind her, starting a conversation.

I assume you received my memo, he sighed. Lexie Ford was nervous and slightly intimidated by his presence. He was a man who reveled in the art of intimidation when it suited him, but he never liked to scare his workers. The event in the conference room is mandatory this year. We’re late. Come along, I need to get this started.

Lexie’s mind was racing. How was she going to get out of this? If she defied the boss, she could be disciplined — or fired.

I’m aware of your situation, Conrad softened. I understand this will be difficult for you, but it’s necessary. I’ll only take a few moments of your time. I need to address my company — all the employees that work for my company. Then, once I’ve finished, you can come back here to work, or head home. The choice is yours.

Well, Lexie thought. She couldn’t argue with such a simple request. She knew how unreasonable it would seem. Plus, he wasn’t asking. He was telling her to get her obstinate butt inside and listen to what he had to say. With a sigh, she pushed back her chair and followed her boss into the cheerful room from hell.

The instant she stepped through the large double doors, she braced herself on the back wall. Her breathing had become labored, and she struggled to swallow the enormous lump that had formed in her throat. Someone shut off the music, but Lexie barely noticed. Her world was spinning out of control. Her mind returned to Christmas two years earlier. Everything had been magical. They found the perfect tree, took it home, and decorated it that night. It was the most amazing memory — and a promise of forever. She laughed with her husband, drank wine; and once they finished decorating, made love in front of the gas fireplace with the tree glowing in the background. She’d been so happy — so hopeful. She remembered that night like it was yesterday. Especially now, surrounded by the bright lights of the Christmas tree, the long tables covered in red and green decorative cloths and the festive decorations that seemed to cover every inch of the room.

Suddenly, her thoughts shifted to Christmas Eve. She slammed her eyes shut and concentrated on breathing. In, out, in, out. This was something she could control. She wouldn’t go back to that night, to Christmas Eve, to the night Mike was killed. Her heart was still racing, but she was slowly regaining control when Paisley’s voice traveled to the back of the room and caught her attention.

…as a thank you for your hard work and dedication, especially the past few months, I’m giving all of you the rest of the year off — with pay, of course. It’s been an amazing year and you have all gone above and beyond during this busy season. I also know we never could have achieved this level of success without you, and I am truly grateful for the time and effort you put into each project. So, for the month of December, the company will be completely shut down and will reopen January 3rd. And by that, I mean completely. No employee from the top all the way down to the janitor will have access to this building.

Lexie’s legs began to give way. She reached to her right and gripped the chair that was leaning against the wall. She couldn’t work this year. Spending her time lost in her next project was the only thing that got her through the day — well, through the entire week of Christmas, if she were honest. What was she going to do?

In addition, Paisley continued. My wife and I have purchased gifts for each of you. Consider them a small token of our appreciation for a job well done. I hope you enjoy them. My family wishes you all a very Merry Christmas. Now, when Mary reads your name, please come forward.

Lexie decided it was time to escape. The meeting was mandatory. She attended. Now she could leave. She turned and froze when Mary Rutherford — Conrad Paisley’s personal assistant — called out her name. Resigned, she swallowed hard, pivoted, and took a tentative step. With trepidation, she slowly moved forward — one step at a time — shutting out the greetings from her colleagues, shutting out the lights, shutting down all her senses completely. She just had to walk up to the small make-shift stage, accept her gift, and escape. She could do this. She had to.

Paisley understood just how tough this was going to be for his hardest working web designer. Her gift was the most difficult of all his employees to select. He grinned when Lexie reached him and forced a smile. Lexie, he practically whispered. I think this gift might confuse you. I’d like just a minute of your time before you leave today. Let’s say… fifteen minutes from now in Travis Carter’s office.

Oh, again, Lexie wanted to object, but she knew she couldn’t. Alright.

Somehow, Lexie gripped the small envelope and exited the large room in a daze. She hesitated when she reached her desk and frowned. She didn’t remember how she got there. She didn’t remember anything once she accepted that envelope. Unnerved, she closed her eyes, inhaled, exhaled, and counted to ten. When she blinked her eyes open several seconds later, she was back in control. Okay, fifteen minutes, a meeting with the boss, and then she could escape. An overwhelming feeling of longing for her small apartment threatened to overcome her, but she pushed it back. Home would have to wait; she had a meeting with the boss.

Lexie rolled her neck that was now tight and a little sore, straightened her shoulders and began to shut everything down for the day… or a few weeks. A huge ball formed in her stomach at that thought. How was she going to pass the time?

Exactly fifteen minutes later, she made her way across the large open office area and hesitated in the open doorway that led to Travis Carter’s office. Conrad Paisley currently occupied the large chair positioned behind the desk. Should she knock? Announce her arrival? Run as far as she could as fast as she could?

Come in, Lexie, Conrad invited. He stood and moved to stand in front of the expansive window. Shut the door.

Lexie frowned but obeyed. She moved slowly forward and wondered if she should remain standing or settle into one of the cozy visitor chairs.

Please, Conrad motioned to a chair. Have a seat. He pivoted and leaned against the large windowsill. This has been an exceptional year for us, he began. When I started this company, I was following a dream. Millie, my amazing wife, had complete faith in my vision. I have to admit, I was a little more skeptical. Mille is my biggest supporter. She’s been there through the ups and the downs. And trust me, there have been plenty of downs. But I don’t think either of us ever truly believed our little company would achieve the level of success we now enjoy. I owe that to you and the rest of the crew out there.

We have a great team of people, Lexie agreed.

That we do, Conrad pushed off the windowsill and once again settled into the expensive executive chair. Which is why Millie and I decided to do something spectacular this year for the holidays. I think, for the most part, we succeeded. My wife and I were able to give each of our members a gift they will enjoy and remember. Unfortunately, we also immediately realized shutting down the office completely will have the opposite effect on you. Yes, we know about Mike. We know how difficult this time of the year is for you. And I know you worked the holidays last year, including Christmas Day. I assume you planned to do the same this year.

I didn’t realize you knew, Lexie whispered. I just…

Yes, Conrad sighed. It was the only way you knew how to cope. But I’m not willing to make the guards work this year. It’s not fair to them. They’re willing to do it — to volunteer again for you, but I can’t allow it. We want the entire operation to shut down. We want our people to have the chance to spend time with friends and family. If that means a trip out of town, we want them to be free and unencumbered, so they can do that. The success we’ve achieved this year is a result of long hours, dedication, and exemplary work by every single employee.

The guards worked on Christmas because of me? That news horrified Lexie. The last thing she wanted to do was ruin the holiday for the security personnel. They were always so kind and routinely went above and beyond to help her with the smallest of things.

They volunteered, Conrad admitted. I’m sure constantly hearing how Mike was a hero, how he died saving the lives of a terrified woman and an innocent child, only makes it more difficult to live with the loss. Your husband was an honorable man. He was a special man and I can see why you haven’t been able to move forward and put that tragedy behind you. I don’t want to add to your pain by bringing up that dreadful time — but the history matters. You matter, Mike’s sacrifice matters. The guards out there — they would do anything to help you get through this. They didn’t mind sacrificing a few hours on Christmas if it helped you make it through a difficult time. They volunteered and I’m told they’ve already developed a schedule to cover the next few years. But I just can’t allow it this year. I’m determined to reward all of my employees for our success. If you work, they have to work.

I understand. Lexie swallowed hard. It was still difficult to talk about Mike. Not because he was a local hero. He was, of course. But Lexie had known the kind of man she married long before that fateful night. He was brave and courageous. He had more integrity than anyone she’d ever met — before or since — and he loved serving his community. When she learned he gave his life trying to protect a frightened woman and her infant child from an armed robber holding up a convenience store — she wasn’t surprised. But it had destroyed her. She stopped living that day and two years later, she simply existed. Lexie no longer planned for the future, she didn’t dream of a happy life, because she no longer believed in happily ever after. But her issues shouldn’t impact the people around her. Learning those men worked on Christmas because she worked made her feel guilty and more than a little selfish. I’m sorry. I didn’t know they were working because of me. I assumed… well, I should have known. It just never occurred to me. I promise it won’t happen again.

I’d like to talk to you about that gift I gave you, Conrad decided this topic was just causing Lexie additional stress.

Okay. Lexie ran her finger over the envelope. I haven’t actually opened it.

It’s an all-expenses paid vacation to a little town called Mount Haven, Conrad explained.

Lexie frowned and focused on her boss. I’ve never heard of it.

That’s because it’s in Montana, Conrad said flatly. I know, that might sound daunting. But it was the best option I could come up with.

I don’t understand, Lexie admitted.

My sister, Stephanie, married a rancher, Conrad began. Trent inherited the land from his father, who inherited it from his father. I guess you could say the wild spirit and love of the west was in their blood. Stephanie loved it out there the instant she saw it. I never understood that, not until she was gone. They were traveling home in a terrible snowstorm and a semi that was headed in the opposite direction lost control on the black ice and hit them head-on. Steph and Trent were killed instantly. That was three years ago. Their two kids, Alliana and Tucker, are trying to make a go of things on their own. He looked up and realized Lexie was confused.

Stephanie ran a small country inn that closed when she died. Alli has decided to continue where her parents left off. She’s trying to reopen the family business, but it’s struggling a bit. I don’t know what’s going to happen out there. I’ll help those kids as much as I can, though. Alli’s been running a string of hotels for her husband’s family for the past seven years. She knows the hospitality industry as good as anyone, but she just suffered another blow. Chances are good she’s headed for a divorce and that ranch is her last best hope.

Conrad suddenly shook his head and gave Lexie an embarrassed smile. I’m rambling. I’m sorry. You’re not interested in my family drama. What I meant to say was this… I chose that gift because, if you get out there and you need something to do other than take a nice, long relaxing vacation — go ahead and work. Alli needs a new website for the inn. She needs to market the place, target previous customers, and she needs to attract new ones — this was going to be your next project, anyway. You won’t be here, in New York, at the office working, but I will not stop you from starting on that project if you need to.

Oh, Lexie sat up straighter. This was a new twist she hadn’t expected. She sometimes headed out, visited the clients’ place of business, and got a better feel for a new project if it was local, but she’d never traveled outside of New York on an assignment before. She’d just think of this as a new opportunity. Thank you.

Conrad smiled. Maybe you could pretend, for just a minute, that you’ll try to enjoy your time out there, that you will try to relax and have a nice vacation — not spend the whole time working.

Lexie smiled. Wow, thank you so much for this vacation getaway. I’ve always wanted to see Montana in the winter.

Conrad laughed. At least, the girl still had a sense of humor. I am serious. Try to take some time for yourself. I hear they have a lot of fun activities; you could try some of them. When you get back, we’ll settle your pay. Just keep track of the time you spend working. Now, he stood. I’ll let you get home to pack. I’m going to mingle with my people, eat too much food, and hope I don’t gain twenty pounds before I head home. You leave in two days. I’ll send a company car to pick you up, so you won’t have to deal with a cab or airport parking. Once you arrive in Montana, Tucker will meet you at the airport and drive you out to the ranch. Don’t let him intimidate you. He’s a good man, he just hides it well. The grumpy exterior is a shield to keep people a safe distance away.

Lexie left the office, wondering why a Montana cowboy would need a shield. She stopped at her desk and smiled. Barbara had packaged a large plate with all the basics for her to take home. She had dinner covered, now she just needed to get home and take care of her laundry. Two days to prepare for a long trip wasn’t much, and she had a lot to do if she was going to be ready.

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Lexie stepped through the door, set the plate of food on the kitchen table, and started for the laundry room. She hesitated when her phone buzzed. With a sigh, she clicked on the display and stared at the new text. Fury flowed through her the instant she read it.

Bad choices have consequences.

Lexie itched to delete it, to erase the text, and erase the harassment from her mind, but she knew she had to save it. Instead, she took a screenshot and moved it to her cloud account with all the others. Then she tossed her phone onto the couch and headed down the hall. She might be forced to deal with it, but she didn’t need to deal with that right now. At least once she was out of town, she’d have the comfort of knowing she was a thousand miles away from her holiday stalker. Things were looking up already.

Once she had a load of clothes started in her small machine, she headed for the door and stopped just outside her neighbor’s apartment. After a brisk knock, she waited, knowing it would take Mrs. King a little longer than most to get to the door. The spunky old lady might be slow, but she was sharp as a tack. The door slid open and the seventy-eight-year-old woman’s bright smile greeted Lexie.

Hello, dear, Charlotte King slid the door open further. I wasn’t expecting you. Come in.

Lexie stepped inside the warm apartment. The succulent smell of freshly baked cookies immediately assaulted her nostrils. You’ve been baking again, Mrs. King.

I do wish you’d call me Charlotte, she said with a smile. I have sugar cookies, just out of the oven. Would you like some? I could send some home if you like.

I’ll take one now, Lexie decided. But I actually came over to let you know I’m headed out of town. My work is sending me to Montana. I don’t think I’ll be back until after the new year.

Charlotte frowned. They’re making you work over Christmas?

No, Lexie softened. She knew Charlotte King didn’t understand why she headed off to work every Christmas morning, just like any other day. This is my next big project, but I get to decide how much time I spend working and how much time I spend relaxing in front of a cozy fire.

Montana will be cold, honey. Mrs. King set a plate of cookies in front of Lexie. I think I still have… her voice faded away. She glanced over Lexie’s head and stared at the wall for several seconds. You wait right there. I’ll be back. She turned and disappeared down the short hallway.

Lexie could hear the old woman rummaging around in the back. She felt bad and a little worried. Should she follow her into the bedroom and help? She stood and took two steps in that direction when Mrs. King emerged and started down the hallway.

Here we go, she stopped when she saw Lexie hadn’t eaten any of the cookies. What’s wrong, dear? Is there something wrong with the cookies? Did I mix up the salt and the baking powder again?

Oh. Lexie snatched up a cookie and shoved it into her mouth. Delicious! she mumbled with her mouth full. She swallowed and spotted the beautiful coat her neighbor was carrying. What’s that?

I bought this coat in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Mrs. King held it out to Lexie. I only wore it twice. I’d like you to have it. It will keep you warm up there. Montana is beautiful, but it’s cold. You need something better than that old men’s coat you always wear.

I couldn’t, Lexie began. Her coat was old, but it was Mike’s and she loved it.

I insist. Charlotte set the coat on the couch next to Lexie. I’ll never wear that thing again and I just know it’s going to look amazing on you.

But…

But nothing, Mrs. King shrugged that off. Make an old woman happy and take it off my hands. I’d rather it went to you than good will.

Alright, Lexie said reluctantly. She ran her hand over the leather and practically moaned. It was so soft, and it looked warm — and expensive. Maybe I could pay you for it.

Nonsense, we’ll call it a Christmas present if that makes you feel better, Mrs. King headed for the kitchen. She returned with a plastic bag and settled into her well-worn recliner. Now, I’m going to send these with you. Take them on out to Montana, so you have something to snack on while you’re relaxing in front of that cozy fire.

Lexie stood and accepted the cookies, then draped the coat over her left arm. She leaned down and gave the closest thing she had to family an enormous hug. Merry Christmas, Charlotte. And thank you so much for the gifts. These cookies will remind me of home, and I’m going to think of you every time I pull on this coat. Have you heard from Susan? Will she be able to make it out for the holidays?

Mrs. King’s face lit up. Yes. Susan will be here in a couple of weeks. Her boss gave her ten full days off, so she’ll be able to visit over Christmas, then she’ll need to head back immediately.

That’s wonderful, Lexie exclaimed. She meant it. She was a little worried about heading out-of-town if Mrs. King was going to be stranded at home alone.

Go on then, Mrs. King prompted. I know you must have a million things to do to prepare for your trip. I’ll pick up the mail, don’t you worry. If there’s anything that looks pressing, I’ll call you.

Thank you. Lexie reached for the doorknob. Have a wonderful Christmas with your daughter. Tell her I said hello and I’m sorry I missed her.

I promise, Mrs. King smiled, leaned back in her chair, and hoped Lexie would find some peace in Montana.

Lexie entered her apartment and remembered she left her phone on the couch. She stepped forward, reached for it, and saw the notification. She had another text. She pressed a finger to the screen and regretted the decision immediately.

You can’t hide from karma. It’s your turn now. Prepare to die.

Lexie tossed the phone back on the couch and headed for her washing machine. She’d save the message later. Right now, she had laundry to do. She practically threw the wet clothes into the dryer, dumped in a second load, and headed for her room. Instead of packing, she dropped onto her bed, exhausted. Wasn’t losing her husband bad enough? Apparently not. Someone thought taunting her was funny. Each year, she’d get random texts threatening her, harassing her, and demanding she leave something at some location.

You’d think if the person responsible wanted some random object — they thought she had — bad enough to go to this much trouble, they’d tell her what it was. You’d be wrong. They never did. They just kept taunting her year after year with no end in sight. The holidays were difficult enough. She didn’t need a seasonal stalker to make it more traumatic. At least, in Montana, she could escape the fear and uncertainty that nearly immobilized her every time she left the house — when she imagined her private boogie man lurking around every corner. She wouldn’t have that this year. Spending Christmas on the other side of the country was an unexpected blessing. The messages would continue, she knew that, but it would be a minor annoyance compared to what she normally dealt with.

She settled onto the pillows and studied the ceiling. What would it be like, not being here for Christmas? New York was the only city she’d ever known. But it also turned into a festive nightmare before Thanksgiving. Still, she’d never lived anywhere else; she’d barely gone anywhere else. Would it help make the season more tolerable — or would it be worse? Well, she’d find out in a few days. She jumped from the bed and headed to the kitchen to heat the plate of party food Barbara prepared for her. The rest would have to wait. That would make tomorrow an even busier day, but she didn’t have the energy to deal with anything else tonight. She’d fix dinner, throw in her favorite movie and veg. Operation escape to Montana would start after breakfast.

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Lexie woke early and went to work preparing for an extended stay away from home. Her laundry was finished, her plants watered, and she’d arranged for a neighbor to come by once a week to give the scrawny plants a drink. Mrs. King would get her mail and the landlord knew to call her cellphone if he needed anything.

She was cleaning out her fridge, discarding anything perishable, when there was a knock on her door. Lexie frowned; she wasn’t expecting company. When she reached the door, she took a second to peer through the peephole and let out a frustrated growl. What did he want?

Hey, beautiful, Wayne said the instant Lexie opened the door. I was in the neighborhood and thought I should stop by and check on you. It’s been a while since my last visit. He pushed his way inside, glanced around, and frowned. You going somewhere?

Uh. Lexie’s gaze landed on the laundry stacked on her kitchen table and her suitcase opened at the far end. Quick trip, for work.

Oh, right, Wayne surveyed the rest of the apartment, then pulled out one of her kitchen chairs and dropped onto the surface. So, how have you been? I know this time of year is always rough.

I’m fine, Lexie sighed and pulled out a second chair. If she didn’t give him what he wanted, what he needed, he’d never leave, and she really didn’t have time to deal with him today. Wayne Brooks wasn’t a bad guy, not really. He’d been friends with Mike since they were kids. Their lives had taken drastically different paths, but Mike was protective of Wayne. Lexie never understood why. Wayne was always getting into trouble, just