Page 17 of Second Chance for the Grump

People laughed as Mary threw a towel at Frank. “Now look what you’ve done.”

Conversation resumed once Frank had the table upright again, but my feeling of unease stuck around. Something was still off.

Maisey walked over carrying two small takeout cups. “Hot cider? You look cold.”

“Thanks.” I accepted the cup from her and took a small sip. Not bad.

She smiled, but it faded right away. “You’re doing it again.”

“What?” I wasn’t doing anything.

She lifted an eyebrow as she removed the cup from her lips. “You’re staring at nothing in particular, looking like we’re going to war.”

I tried to chuckle, but even I thought it sounded forced. “Something feels wrong.”

Maisey stiffened. “Do you think something bad is going to happen? Is it Jonathan?”

“I don’t know.” And that was the fucking problem.

I hated not knowing. Bad things happened if I wasn’t on top of my game. I could handle any danger thrown at me, but I hated uncertainty.

My phone buzzed, and I pulled it from my pocket, giving the surrounding area one last scan before checking the screen.

A text from an unknown number. I clicked on the message.

A single photograph.

My jaw tightened, and my body locked. This was go-time.

The picture showed Charlie tied with a short leash to a tree.

Maisey’s Charlie. My Charlie.

“What?” Maisey asked, noticing my change instantly.

I repositioned my body, turning the screen away from her line of sight. She didn’t need to see this in a crowded festival, especially if he was watching.

My pulse hammered as another text arrived.

Having fun with my girl?

A third message appeared.

Maybe you should come get the dog before I find another use for him.

A steady beat of anger flooded my veins. He wanted to fuck with me? No, that wasn’t going to happen. This ended now.

“Rowan?” Maisey asked, stepping closer and putting her hand on my arm. “What’s wrong?”

I caught her gaze with mine. “Stay close.”

“Rowan?” she asked again as I moved away.

I paused, staring at her harder. “Maisey, I have to do this.”

Something in my tone got through to her because she stood straight, and her eyes narrowed. “What is it? I want to help.”

Before I answered, another text arrived.