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15
Ian
Ian shot to his feet. “I don’t understand. Foul play? Wasn’t he shot?”
The sheriff shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He licked his lips as his gaze bounced to each individual in the room. “He was in critical condition when we found him. It appears someone smothered him some time between breakfast and now.”
Ian’s hands clenched at his sides. “This is what I was talking about. Whoever they are, they’re after Jessica. She’s not going anywhere until they’re caught.”
Donahue nodded. “I think that would be wise. I’ll reach out to the police in Colorado Springs. Maybe they’ll recognize the men you described.” He tucked his notepad into his pocket. “I’ll keep this information secure. No one but myself will know her location.” He glanced in Jessica’s direction. “You’re lucky Ian was there. The Bakers are good people. You’ll be safe here.”
Sean walked the sheriff to the door. Brock wandered toward the fireplace, his hands clasped behind his back tightly and a scowl on his face. Cal lowered himself down on a chair across from Jessica, and Ian sat beside her.
He grasped her hand, securing it within his own to quell her shaking. Neither one of them spoke. When Sean returned a few minutes later, he had Tate and Finn with him. Their mother hadn’t returned home yet, but it appeared Sean wanted to discuss this new turn of events with all present.
Sean stood in the middle of the room, his features a mask of unreadability. “Whoever these men are that attacked Jessica and Ian aren’t going to let up. If they figure out where she is, there is no question they will come for her.”
“You can’t know that,” Brock said quietly from his position, his back still turned. “We still don’t know why they killed her boyfriend. Maybe they were just on a killing spree.”
“Then why didn’t they killeveryone?” Ian spat the question with venom. “They didn’t chase anyone else out of the diner. A handful of others escaped. Whyfollowher?”
Brock’s expression hardened.
“Ian’s right. They came back to finish off Tucker. She’s linked to him.” His serious gaze landed on Ian. “Jessica stays.” He met every one of his brother’s gazes. “And we all need to be vigilant. If you see or hear anyone coming up the dirt road, tell me immediately. Hopefully we’re wrong and they were only after Tucker. We just can’t be certain. After all the news about this dies down, we’ll reevaluate.”
Brock shook his head and headed out of the sitting room.
Cal shot Jessica a small smile. “You’re going to be okay.”
Finn and Tate didn’t have any arguments. They gave Sean a nod and left as well.
Sean folded his arms. “Mom said Jessica might benefit from having a few of her own things to make her feel comfortable.”
Jessica straightened. “Actually, there are a few things—”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. We went over this. They probably know where you live. Do you think Tucker would have kept that kind of information from them?”
“Why would they want that kind of information to begin with, Ian? I get that you’re trying to be cautious, but there comes a point when it’s too much. I understand not having my phone. But how could it hurt to pick up some of my own clothes?” Her voice lowered. “I need a little normalcy.”
Ian’s jaw ticked back and forth. He glanced at Sean, who only shrugged. His brother wasn’t any help. Running a hand through his hair, he sighed.
“Everything is too recent. It wouldn’t be smart to—”
“If they know where she lives, they probably have already been there,” Sean offered.
“Or they could be waiting for her to come back.” Ian wasn’t willing to risk it. The fact that the men found Tucker and finished the job was enough for him to know just how right he’d been.
“What if we took her? We could park a few blocks away, check her apartment for anything out of place, and let her grab a few things.”
“Please, Ian? If I’m going to be here longer than just a few days, I’d really like to have some of my own things.” Her blue eyes were puddles of insecurity. He couldn’t even fathom what she was going through at this point in time. He let out a frustrated sigh. “Fine. But only if Brock comes too. He’s the best marksman out of all of us.”
Sean nodded and left the room.
Ian turned to Jessica and opened his mouth with the intent to lay down some very specific rules.
Jessica flungher arms around his neck and held onto him tight. She murmured something into his shoulder he couldn’t understand. The only intelligible words were thank you. Slowly, his arms came around her and he returned her embrace. A flicker of heat started in his stomach and rose to fill his chest. He’d wanted to be able to do this for the last few months. He’d watched as Jessica had fight after fight with Tucker and prayed she’d finally realize she was with the wrong guy.
Now she was here, and she was in his arms. He’d consider that a win. Jessica pulled back slightly, her hands resting on his shoulders. She sucked in her lower lip between her teeth and nibbled on it, breaking eye contact with him. A soft pink glow filled her cheeks.
