“Who was it, buddy?”
“Just some guy. He said to tell you that it’s not over.”
Lead weighed down her stomach. “Give me the phone.”
JJ brought it to her, and she took it from his hand and unlocked it. Recent call list showed her last call asPrivate.
“Who was it?” Reid asked through gritted teeth.
“There’s no number. Just saysPrivate.” She laid the phone on the table and rubbed her temples.
“People can dial star 67 before the number they are calling to hide their phone number. Probably what our caller did.”
“Momma, what did the man mean when he said it wasn’t over? Is he going to try to hurt us again?” He climbed into her lap.
Tears stung her eyes. He was so smart. She couldn’t lie to him, but the truth hurt too much. Emotions clogged her throat. What could she tell him?
“He might try to hurt you, but as long as I’m here, I won’t let him succeed.” Reid’s face had gone from gentle giant to mad dog.
“You promise?”
Reid pulled the kitchen chair over next to them and sat so he was eye level with JJ. “I promise.”
JJ smiled and threw his arms around Reid’s neck.
More tears threatened to spill over. She whispered a thank-you and turned away, trying to compose herself. She couldn’t let JJ see she was scared.
“JJ, don’t answer the phone anymore, okay?” Reid said.
“Yes, sir.” JJ nodded.
Quinn wiped her face, took a deep breath, and turned back to face him. An upbeat melody started from the phone. She just stared, afraid to touch it.
“Hand it here and let me answer.”
Quinn scooped the phone from the table and held it out to him like it was disease ridden.
He flipped the phone over. “There’s a phone number. I doubt it’s our mystery caller.” Reid swiped to answer and put the phone to his ear. “Hello?” His face softened as he listened. “Just a moment.” He handed the phone to her. “It’s Detective Jacobs.”
Quinn frowned. “This is Quinn.”
“Ms. Matthews, there’s been a few developments about what happened yesterday, and we may have identified the people behind it. Could you come in and take a look at some mug shots?”
“Yes, sir. I’ll have Reid bring us in.”
“Good. Just come in like you did yesterday and ask for me.”
“We’ll be there in a few minutes.” She disconnected the call and set the phone back on the table. She nudged JJ off her lap. “Go get your shoes and socks on.”
Reid waited until JJ disappeared into the bedroom. “What did he want?”
“He said he thinks they’ve found the people who attacked us but wants us to come in and take a look to confirm.”
Reid took her hand in his. “Maybe, this is the end. They could arrest these guys, and you can get on with your life.”
She held her breath. Her hand burned in Reid’s. She’d never had a reaction like this to a man before. It was like he was branding her with his touch. She wouldn’t mind being his. JJ came stomping into the kitchen, scaring some sense into her. Now was not the time to entertain thoughts of how Reid made her feel. She needed to get herself under control. JJ was her world. No room for anyone else.
JJ spent the ride to the police station talking about lizards and all the things he’d seen on his short expedition around the cabin. Quinn glanced at Reid every so often. He was zeroed in on the road and their surroundings. He probably hadn’t heard a word that was said.
