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Better a mouse than a killer.

At his back, Jenna nestled closer, no doubt to get further from the mouse or any other critters occupying the shed for protection against the winter chill. Moving slowly and soundlessly, Brody shifted, making a half pivot toward her. He looped his right arm around her waist and drew her into the warmth of his body.

She rested against him, her head on his shoulder. A wave of tenderness welled inside, filling his soul. The urge to kiss the top of her head shocked him. He ignored such a foolish desire. Now was neither the time nor place.

Nor was he in a position to entertain any romantic thoughts toward his client’s granddaughter.

But he could comfort her. And do his best to shield her from all harm, praying for God’s grace to cover what he lacked.

Together, Brody and Jenna stood silent in the midst of shovels, tools, and cobwebs, listening as the unknown vehicle closed in on their position.

Whoever was in the car, he suspected it was one or both of the hired killers. Especially when it slowed and then stopped right outside the abandoned dairy farm.

CHAPTER 9

Jenna strained to hear what was happening outside. Her forehead fit snuggly into the hollow of Brody’s shoulder. His arm wrapped around her waist felt like comfort in a way she hadn’t felt since her parents died.

Were murdered.

She still couldn’t wrap her mind around that one. Someone murdered all her parents, biological and adopted, and according to Brody, money was the motive.

She had no idea how much money. It didn’t matter. No amount of cash would ever be worth killing for. Not in her world.

A loud engine rumbled nearer. She heard a loud squeal and winced when her hearing aids caught the sound and amplified it. What had that been?

Two doors slammed. It must have been brakes. Squeezing her eyes shut tight, she pressed her head against Brody and listened with her whole body.

There. Two voices. She heard the deep mumbling, but from this distance, could not discriminate any words. They sounded angry, though.

She tilted her head back, squinting in the darkness. Without the moonlight shining directly upon them or the flashlight on his phone, Jenna couldn’t see more than the shadow of Brody’s face. She wanted to ask him what the men were saying, but she clamped her mouth shut against the words.

It would be too risky. While she knew they might be too far away for Brody to understand, it was possible he could. Even so, he’d have to keep his voice low so they wouldn’t hear him, which would mean she still wouldn’t understand him.

She had no way of knowing what the men would hear or from how far away they’d be able to catch their voices.

She had no choice but to stay still and wait, trusting Brody to guide them through this mess to safety.

That kind of faith in others didn’t come easy. In fact, she had never trusted anyone like that except her parents and Zane.

Certainly not a man she’d known for less than twenty-four hours.

Outside, she heard the voices again. They were closer. She frowned. They weren’t sneaking around, not if she could hear them. Maybe these weren’t the people hired to come after her?

Hope started to rise.

Brody’s body tensed. The arm around her waist grew taut.

Outside the voices grew louder, angrier. Brody’s reaction alone told her she wouldn’t like what he heard. Were they talking about her? About the man who’d been killed? Or maybe even something that could lead to those who hired them?

That was a long shot, but something they’d said triggered his response.

If only she could ask. But she couldn’t take the chance. Nor could she use her phone to text him her questions. She had no idea if they’d hear the notifications, although hopefully he’d silenced them, or they might see the light from his screen.

Jenna closed her eyes and said a silent prayer for protection and for wisdom. They would need both if they wanted to escape this.

A harsh clang burst into the night, breaking into her thoughts.

Jenna grabbed Brody’s arms, certain they were about to die.