Chapter 40: Riley

Riley tried the handle and found it was unlocked. He pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Erin sat on a padded bench at the foot of the queen-sized bed, bent forward with her face in her hands. He shut the door behind him and crossed the room to sit next to her. The shit she'd been through this last week was the kind of stuff no one should have to deal with, and yet she'd taken it all in stride. It spoke to the strength of her character and her resolve to see this through till the end. She was more concerned about others than her own safety. He admired that about her even if he would like nothing better than to lock her in a closet for her own good.

"I get that this is frustrating, but we're trying to protect you and take care of Mark. It's not simple," he said.

"Don't you think I know that?" Erin pushed her hand through her hair and sat up slowly.

"Then what are you mad about?"

"Everything?" She blew out a breath. "I should have gone through his stuff sooner. I should ha