Keeping Kenzie - Pepper North Page 0,26
the sheriff.
“She has the paperwork, but there was a fire in her apartment.”
“I’ve asked for the court records to be copied and sent. We’ll get what we need from them,” Sheriff Underwood reassured him.
Osiris thanked him and allowed Josiah to hustle him out to the parking lot. “Thanks for coming, Josiah. Having a contact at the sheriff’s office was crucial.”
“I don’t think you’re the type to sit around waiting for those papers to be sent here,” Josiah commented, leaning back against Osiris’ car.
“There’s a lot more to this story. I don’t like that he had the technology to find her cell phone. He needs to be eliminated from Kenzie’s life.”
“I agree. Even if he’s just being a bastard and trying to cause problems for her, this stinks. I’d bet just about everything but Lindy that he has some ulterior motive for popping up now.”
Osiris shook his head at that idea. He’d take care of her ex-husband in some way. His Little girl needed to be free of this man for good.
Meeting his friend’s knowing eyes, he said, “Thank you for coming. I’m sorry to drag you away from Lindy.”
“She’s having a blast playing with Shelby if I know those two. I’m going to head home. If you need me to return, I’m a phone call away. Ben Underwood will be your best ally.”
Osiris extended his hand and shook Josiah’s. “I’ll look forward to offering you a beer as thanks soon. I’m ready to start building our home.”
“Are you sure that Kenzie is your Little?”
“I’m keeping Kenzie forever. She already owns my heart.”
“Daddies do what they must to protect their Littles. Let me know if you need help. All of SANCTUM is a phone call away.”
After watching Josiah’s taillights fade into the distance, Osiris forced himself into his car. He didn’t want to leave his Little, but he had plans to enact. The first step was powering off Kenzie’s cell phone so it couldn’t be located. It was going into a bonfire as soon as they got back to SANCTUM. He’d get her a new phone when she was released.
Pushing the negative thought of if she’s released from his head, Osiris drove to a local hotel. Step two would be getting those papers. He considered as he drove who should ask to help. By the time he pulled into a parking spot, Osiris had made his decision. Pulling out his phone, Osiris selected the number of a friend and waited for him to answer.
“Osiris! Don’t tell me you’re bored already and you’re coming back?” a cheerful voice answered.
“No, Eric. I’m enjoying retirement. I highly recommend it.”
“Don’t rub it in! I’ve got three years left to go.”
“Those years will go quickly. Enjoy them.”
“Hey! I don’t think you called to make me jealous. What’s up?”
“I’ve got a big favor to ask you. It may involve you going past a fire inspector’s barrier and climbing a few balconies,” Osiris confessed.
Eric’s laugh echoed through the phone. “That girl’s hooked you bad. What do you need?” He listened carefully as Osiris described what he needed. “So, you don’t know where this paperwork is? Nor do you know what it looks like? This is more like a fishing expedition.”
“Feel free to say no,” Osiris reassured his friend.
“Now I want to know what’s in those papers. What should I do with them when I’ve found them?”
“Call me,” Osiris requested.
Entering the hotel, he checked in and carried his and Kenzie’s items to the room. Wishing to be available when Eric called, Osiris called for room service and kicked back against the headboard to wait.
Three hours later, his cell phone rang. “Yes? Eric, did you find them?”
“Your young lady is an expert at hiding things. I finally found a bundle of papers in the back of the bedroom closet. Everything’s smoke damaged but still legible. Now, what?”
“Do you think you can scan them?”
“The paper is fragile. How about if I send you pictures so you can see them now?” Eric suggested.
“Great idea. Thanks. Keep those papers somewhere safe for me, Eric.”
“Will do! You’ll want to know that one page isn’t a copy. It’s the original and contains the signatures of a couple of bad guys I recognize.”
One by one, photos appeared on his screen. It appeared to be a jumble of different papers. Shaking his head, Osiris wished he’d ordered more than one beer with his dinner. This was going to take a while.
Two hours in, he rubbed his eyes as he took a break from focusing on the small