87|Remnants Of His Past—Part 2

"What's wrong?" he asked, setting the notes beside him.

Marybeth hesitated, one foot in, the other out, clearly unsure if she should venture inside since he'd never given her access to this room. But she was his wife, and he didn't want to keep anything from her unless he absolutely had to. So he beckoned her closer, "come here and tell me what's wrong."

Marybeth crossed the room and paused in front of him. He'd barely pulled her in his arms when she began to sob uncontrollably.

Austin had seen her when she was furious, amused, and maybe happy, even. But he'd never seen her so…devastated. He felt utterly helpless and had no idea how to help her.

"Hey," he planted a kiss in her hair, running his hand on her back in soothing motions. "Tell me what's wrong. Who do I need to shoot? Is it your father?"

She shook her head, hiccuping a few times before finally easing out a tearful explanation, "Detective Stone texted a while ago. I couldn't sleep."

"What did she say?" Austin unconsciously ti