Ch. 13 Letting Go

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*** Andie's POV ***

I was practically tripping over my own feet as I rushed back to my place across the back lawn. Lou had been hot on my heels until Parker stopped him. He uttered a growl under his breath, but played the dutiful uncle. But not before telling me...no commanding me to prepare myself because he wasn't waiting any longer. The thought both excited and scared me.

I had anticipated his visit since he asked earlier, spending my late afternoon obsessing over having him in my personal residence. For all the confidence I felt in owning and operating the inn, I lacked when it came to my space. It was simple, cramped, and a degree of untidy that my grandmother would have never approved.

I was smoothing my hands over the afghan I threw over the back of my couch when I heard a sharp knock on the backdoor. I stood up straight, butterflies zinging all around my stomach as I imagined that hungry look in his eyes and nothing preventing him from digging in.

"Come in." I called.

The door nearly flew off its housing and Lou stormed in. His face was not wearing the cocky, playful smirk from earlier. He looked pissed. Like he did when he was fighting with Paula.

"Lou? What's wrong?" I asked, my voice trembling a bit.

It made the hard look on his face melt for a second. He sighed and dropped down onto my couch with a sigh, lacing his fingers behind his head and staring up at the ceiling for a long moment of silence. I stood there awkwardly watching him, not knowing what to say or do.

Finally, he spoke. "The kids took it upon themselves to say goodbye to their friends by creating new fake social media accounts. They were only supposed to exist long enough to get some closure. Parker closed his, but Riley..."

"She kept it, didn't she?" I guessed, knowing how a teen's mind works.

He nodded and dropped his gaze to the floor. "Yeah, and Stan found it and started sending her harassing messages about finding Paula."

"Jesus." I muttered, covering my mouth in shock.

"She shut it down but if he's even the least bit tech savvy, he'll know where we are." He still kept his eyes on the floor.

They had to leave.

I hopped to my feet, adrenaline coursing through me. He finally looked at me with a confused expression. I explained. "We need to get you all packed up and out of here. You probably shouldn't go to your place, though. I can make some calls and help you with lodg..."

"We're not going anywhere, Andie. The kids agree." He reached for my hands, but I pulled away, crossing my arms and fixing him with a hard stare.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm calling the agent in the AM. If Stan wants to come here, he's signing a one-way ticket to prison. I'm making sure of it." Lou said calmly. My mouth hung open. It sounded dangerous, irresponsible even. Lou smirked at me.

"Why would you do that?" I sputtered.

He stared at me for a moment before he rose to his feet. He stepped toward me, taking hold of my elbow. He tilted his head to look down at me, his eyes soft.

"Say we leave. Stan comes looking. He finds you. Alone." Lou painted the possibility for me.

"So what. I'm not afraid of him." I stood tall, trying to tap down my anxiety.

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