Obsession Falls(90)

And on the grass, a short distance away, was Colin.

He had a driving range, complete with a green and a large net to catch his golf balls. Not a bad setup, although I hated golf.

And I hated this guy more.

I walked, as casually as I could, to where Colin the douchebag stalker was hitting golf balls.

“Colin Greaves?” I asked.

He jerked, like I’d startled him, and put a hand on his chest. “You scared me, I didn’t realize anyone was out here.” He narrowed his eyes at me. “I’m sorry, who are you?”

“Josiah Haven.”

“And what are you doing here?”

“We need to talk.”

He set his golf club end down and held the handle in both hands. I was very aware of how dangerous a weapon it could be. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re referring to. If this is a legal matter, you need to make an appointment.”

“It is a legal matter, but I don’t need a lawyer. You probably do, though.”

Recognition seemed to dawn on him. “Wait, I remember you. You’re the guy from Tilikum.”

“The one who threw you out of the bar.”

“I wouldn’t say you threw me out, but you didn’t exactly extend a warm welcome.”

“You weren’t welcome.”

“Is that why you’re here? That was a while ago and in case you haven’t noticed, I haven’t been back. Audrey was a sweet piece of ass back in the day but no pussy is worth that much trouble.”

I wanted to rearrange his face for that comment, but I decided to let it go. He had much bigger things to answer for. “I know what you’ve been up to.”

He looked around, like he was confused. “I’ve been up to a lot of things. Busy legal practice. Pillar of the community.” He tilted his head. “Fucking a few girls on the side, but I doubt you care about that, since I’m sure you don’t know any of them. But maybe you can help me narrow it down.”

“I know what you’ve been doing to Audrey.”

“Oh, right. The stalker. It’s not me. I admit, I can see why you’d think so, especially if you thought Audrey broke my poor innocent heart back in the day. Trust me, she didn’t.”

“No? She said you were angry.”

“In the heat of the moment, maybe. But I got over it. I was already fucking Lorelei on the side, so it wasn’t hard.”

“Then why did you come looking for her at the Timberbeast?”

“She was back in town.” He shrugged. “I thought she might want a go for old time’s sake. Apparently not, but it’s her loss. Like I said, not worth it. After that, I forgot she existed until the cops started showing up at my office asking questions.”

I hated to admit it, but I almost believed him. Was this a guy who hated Audrey? Who’d been holding a grudge for years and finally decided to unleash his anger?

Something didn’t fit.

“So even though you two have history, you don’t give a shit that she’s back.”

“Not a one.” He took a step closer and I was still well aware of how dangerous that golf club could be if he decided to use it on me. “She didn’t matter that much to me back then. She certainly doesn’t now.”

“Colin!” His wife’s voice carried across the grass. “What are you doing out there?”

“She’s lucky she’s still hot,” he said, with a you-know-what-I-mean wink. “Just talking, precious.”

“Come inside!”

“Did she answer the door?” he asked.

“Yeah.”

“Was she drunk already?”

“Probably.”

“What do you think? Too drunk to fuck? It’s important to 'Goldilocks' the situation with my wife. Too sober and she just bitches about everything. Too drunk and she passes out. I need her just right.”

I stared at him, disgust turning my stomach. “She knows you cheat on her.”

“Yeah.”

“And you know she cheats on you.”

He nodded, completely nonchalant. “Judge away, my friend, but I hit the jackpot with Lorelei. Any other woman would get all pissy about my side pieces. That life would suck balls. Lorelei? She doesn’t give a shit as long as I fund her bank account, and the liquor cabinet, and fuck her senseless a few times a month.”

“So aside from that, you just fuck whoever comes along?”

He paused, like he was thinking about it. “Whoever’s convenient, yeah. Lorelei’s here and apparently wants some action. My newest lay can’t get away until later, so fuck it.”

This guy didn’t hate Audrey. He wasn’t holding a grudge. He was a spoiled child. He’d try to grab a shiny new toy—or shiny toy from the past, as it were—if it was right in front of him, but otherwise, he didn’t care.

This guy wasn’t out to get anyone. He just wanted to screw whoever would drop their pants for him.

I was so grossed out, I didn’t bother saying anything else. I needed a shower—or maybe ten showers—after just being in their house.

As I hurried back to my truck, I was all too aware of what this meant. If Colin wasn’t the stalker—and I really didn’t think he was—the stalker was still out there. And I wasn’t with Audrey.