“Liberty's house was broken into earlier today and trashed.”
“Holy shit! Are they okay? Why the hell didn't Liberty call me?”Asher's anger came through loud and clear.
“They just got home, and other than being shocked, they're fine,”Rafferty reassured him. “I'm sure she would have calledyou immediately if she wasn't numb and worried about what the landlord would do about the damaged property.”
“I see,” Asher said.
“Therefore, they can't stay here. It’s not safe. It's unclear who broke in, but I don't want to assume it's not related to the trial. Not after Justus and Chaney were threatened after the deposition yesterday. Haven't you talked to Liberty?”
Asher swore again, “I've been on assignment, so we couldn't talk yesterday. Where are you proposing they go? I have room for Liberty at my place, and Justus can always sleep on the couch, but I'm sure she'd rather have a bed.”
“I read the report after receiving this assignment, and I saw there was a reason she was in Colorado Springs instead of Fool's Gold,”Rafferty said. “They wanted her away from where she had been held hostage. So, going back there would defeat that purpose. Taking her to a secure location here would be better. Do you think Liberty will go for them not staying together?”
“Hell yes, if it will keep her sister safe,”Asher said. “I have a few hours free this afternoon, so I'll head there. Help her get her things together.”
“I'll let her know. I'm looking forward to meeting you in person.”
“Same here. Thanks for calling.”
Rafferty ended the call and went outside to rejoin the women who were sitting side by side. For All trotted toward him, dragging his leash behind, and Justus grabbed at it, looking surprised.
“Liberty, you should call Asher,” Rafferty suggested. “He's worried.”
Her face flushed, and she closed her eyes. “I bet Asher's more than worried. I bet he's mad that I didn't immediately call him. I'm a horrible girlfriend.”
“He knows you've had other things to deal with, and you're okay, but he'd like to hear that from you. Not me. Besides, he's on his way here,”Rafferty explained, picking up the little dog.“Hey, buddy. Miss me?”
“How do you know him?”Justus asked.
“We're old pals,”he explained. For All began biting at his finger.
“Since when?” she demanded.
“Earlier today.”
She glared at Liberty, her mood souring. “You met up with him while I was in counseling?”
Liberty waved her off and turned away as she was on the phone. Justus frowned, watching Rafferty with her dog. The two were getting along so well. Why couldn't she do the same with him?
As soon as Liberty ended her call, she pounced on her. “So, you knew he was following us coming home?”
“I couldn't be sure it was him when you said something, but I suspected.”
“And yet you didn't say anything?”Justus demanded.
“What was there to say?”Liberty pointed out. “Stop getting so worked up over every little thing. I know things are stressful for you, but you must stop being so expressive and relax.”
“How can I when everyone keeps treating me like a child, making decisions for me?” Justus fought to control her temper. “I’ll never start healing rom the trauma unless I start making at least some of my own decisions!”
“We are not!”Liberty said.
Rafferty suggested, “Maybe she needs a routine to distract herself from what is going on.”
“I've tried that with assigned chores every day,” Liberty said. “We run errands twice a week. And when we go to therapy sessions, we try to do other things after that.”
“That's good to know,” he said. “I'll remember that when Justus is with me, and you’re in Fool's Gold.”
“What?”Justus jumped up. “Who says she's going to Fool's Gold?”
