Chapter 39: Panther Hunted

Lainie put the final bag in the trunk of her car, ready to just get the trip over. After the latest ambush from her father, the veiled threats from both him and Miles, she just wanted out of Draven Falls and away from anything that had to do with Daniel Everest. Alanna and Josh loaded her car down with more of Josh's own possessions, leaving the bulk of the dishes and household items behind for his sister to use when she returned from her vacation. She would keep the apartment for now, relieving Josh of the burden of getting out of his lease. His family was supportive, of course, and Lainie was just a little bit jealous.

By the time they finished all the heavy lifting and showers, the ladies sat around the front room in their bathrobes, towels on their heads, while Josh sat there in shorts and a T-shirt, bare feet propped up on the coffee table. Everyone held a beer, even though Lainie wanted something stronger.

"You see?" Josh said after lowering his beer from his lips. "This is how