Ruinous Love Trilogy, #2
Leather & Lark
by Brynne Weaver
Contents
Chapter Twenty-Four: Apparition
Overview
Lachlan rushes to Ethel’s facility but finds Lark missing. Conor uncovers video of Stan’s killer using Lachlan’s tool, and staff mention a Bible-quoting temp. Lachlan, Rose, and Fionn find Bentley stabbed and Lark abducted.
Across the street, they discover the stalker’s lair, identify him as Abe Mead—Harvey Mead’s brother—and a map indicating Portsmouth.
Summary
Lachlan arrives at Shoreview Assisted Living to support Nina and Damian after Ethel’s death, but realizes Lark hasn’t shown. His texts and calls go unanswered, triggering rising panic.
Conor sends decrypted footage from Stan’s cameras showing the killer wielding Lachlan’s WUTA edge beveller and wearing a Carhartt cap. A nurse mentions a Bible-quoting temp named “Steve,” matching the man’s description. Lachlan suspects the same man targeted Lark and races home.
With Fionn and Rose, Lachlan enters the apartment to find Bentley stabbed and bleeding, Lark’s phone blood-smeared, and signs of a struggle. Fionn begins emergency care for Bentley while Lachlan and Rose press for leads.
Remembering a watcher across the street, Lachlan and Rose breach the opposite building. Inside, they find obsessive sketches, surveillance aimed at their windows, syringes, and a KEX ticket with Lark’s name—proof of premeditated stalking.
Conor can’t locate records for “Abe Midus,” but Rose finds a Bible inscribed “Abe Mead.” Conor links him to Harvey Mead, killed in Texas by Rowan and Sloane. A map taped to the door marked Portsmouth gives the first concrete destination, and Lachlan sprints out to pursue.
Who Appears
- LachlanHunts for missing Lark; connects Stan’s killer to his own tool; leads search; discovers stalker’s lair and Portsmouth lead.
- RoseJoins the search, picks locks, finds crucial clues, declares love to Fionn, insists on rescuing Lark.
- FionnStabilizes Bentley’s stab wound; stays behind to save the dog; begs Lachlan to keep Rose safe.
- ConorDecrypts Stan’s footage; identifies the killer’s gear; confirms abductor’s true name and connection to Harvey Mead.
- Abe MeadReligious stalker and abductor; likely Stan’s killer; surveils Lark; linked to Harvey Mead; leaves map to Portsmouth.
- LarkMissing and presumed abducted after Ethel’s death; signs of struggle found at home; central focus of the search.
- BentleyLark’s dog; stabbed during the abduction; survives thanks to Fionn’s first aid.
- NinaMourns Ethel; worries over absent Lark; receives Lachlan’s updates.
- DamianSupports Nina at Shoreview; offers to help; stays to watch for Lark and the suspect.
- Shoreview nurseMentions the Bible-quoting temp “Steve,” tipping Lachlan to the suspect’s presence.
- EthelBeloved aunt whose death precipitates events; remembered as sharp and formidable.