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Burke growled. “But he’s harassing you anyway.”

It wasn’t a question, but she nodded. “He waited for me at the bus stop outside my job. He didn’t approach, so he didn’t violate the order. But he prevented me from using the bus and screamed things at me. He didn’t come close and never said my name, so the police couldn’t do anything about it. I also received messages and threats from unknown numbers. Nothing to prove it was him.”

But it was, and Burke wanted to destroy the man.

Marcus tapped his notebook on the table. “The man needs to be behind bars. I’ll contact the station there and see what I can find out. When did he last contact you?”

“It’s been a couple of months. I thought he’d finally stopped because I never responded to him. I hoped he got bored and forgot about me.”

Marcus nodded, but Burke knew they were both thinking that people with obsessions rarely forgot, unless they found another target. Burke wouldn’t wish that on anyone. If Dan Coulson had left the device, they’d catch him and ensure he never hurt Rissa or anyone else again.

But that didn’t explain the card on the IED.

Knox moved beside them and rubbed Rissa’s shoulder. “You’re safe here, Rissa.”

Rissa lifted her head. “I’ll move on, so Dan doesn’t focus on your farm. I won’t let him hurt any of you more than he’s already done.”

Her gaze turned to his with those last words, and he firmed his hold to stop her from sliding off his lap. “You’re not going anywhere.”

That sounded like an order, but it was the way he felt.

Beside him, Amber laughed and leaned forward. “What my brother is trying to say is, we all want you to stay.”

“But if it’s Dan⁠—”

Amber cut her off, which was so rare it had Rissa blinking at his sister. “We want you to stay, Rissa. Believe me, everyone here at the farm has experienced some trauma. Some of it followed us here.”

Amber patted Boomer with one hand and reached for Gray’s hand with the other. “We’ve all got stories we’ll share one day. With the help of everyone here, we’re safe and happy while the bad guys are in jail where they belong.”

Knox grinned. “We’re a formidable bunch. Lots of brains and plenty of training. Now, we’ve got our badass Boss Man here, too. He won’t let any asshole get to you, and the rest of us are here to back him up. We’ll get this guy. Whether it’s Dan or someone else, he won’t get away with threatening one of us.”

Burke heard Rissa’s soft inhale at that. Her eyes misted, and she swallowed hard.

“He’s right, Rissa. We want you to stay. I want you to stay. If you have to leave, you’re not going on your own.”

Her eyes widened at that, and she bit her lower lip.

He nodded to emphasize his point. “You’re not on your own anymore, Rissa. Never again.”

It was a vow, one he planned to keep.

Rissa wanted to believe Burke’s words. Intensity and truth resonated in his tone and shone from his eyes.

You’re not on your own anymore, Rissa. Never again.

Those were powerful words and triggered even more powerful feelings.

She had to swallow hard to keep the emotions inside. Since arriving in Phail, she’d experienced more positive emotions than she’d had in years. Working at the science center had been a dream come true. Having someone buy online lessons gave her a thrill. Teaching in person was something she’d never believed she could do, and she loved it.

But all those emotions paled compared to the ones she felt now. Belonging. Acceptance. Maybe even love.

Her own emotions bounced around in her chest, and she hugged them to herself, just as Burke hugged her to him.

Home. She felt at home.

So, she couldn’t let Dan or anyone else ruin it.

As Mara passed around a fresh batch of apple fritters, Marcus had Burke explain to the entire group what had happened. She should probably move back to her own chair, but she didn’t. Being held by Burke was precious. If she needed an excuse to remain as she was, she could claim she didn’t want to disturb Frizzle, who snoozed in her arms.