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I’m out front.
The next minute seemed to stretch into eternity, and his heart lodged up into his throat as he waited. Would she even care that he was here? He read the reply with a sigh of relief.
I’ll be down in a minute.
He slipped his phone into his back pocket and waited a beat, staring out at the barn. Other than one light above the double doors, the front of the house sat in darkness. The front door opened. Jacquie stood in the doorway wearing a pair of jammies, her hair mussed, and sleep in her eyes.
He didn’t think she’d ever looked more beautiful. “Hi. Can I come in?”
21
Jacquie stepped backas Chase walked through the door. She hoped he wasn’t there to give her bad news. When she’d left the hospital, Aiden was still in surgery. “How’s Aiden?”
“He’s holding his own. He’s strong, he’ll make it.”
The words seemed to unclench something inside of her and suddenly her body was able to relax. “Good to hear. I can understand if you are upset with me right now. I never should have asked you to stay and help me and Courtney. Not when he needed you for backup.”
“You needed me more. You and Courtney. I’m not upset.”
She gave him a small smile. “Thanks for saying that. Come on, let’s get some water.” She walked toward the kitchen. “So why are you here?”
“Quentin escaped.”
She stopped as dread washed through her. “What?”
“I was surprised too. I really thought he was too hurt to move. I didn’t think he’d actually make it or I never would have left him like I did.”
“It’s not your fault. The man is an animal.”
“It’s why I’m here. Like it or not, I’m not leaving you alone until he is caught and behind bars.”
She considered arguing with him, but she was too tired. “Suit yourself.” She poured them both a glass of water and handed one to him. “You can stay in the guest room upstairs.”
“I’ll be fine down here on the couch.”
She raised an eyebrow. “He isn’t getting in this house.”
“I’m not taking any chances,” he insisted.
She took one look at his stubborn jaw and shrugged her shoulders. “Okay, fine. I’ll get you a blanket and a pillow.”
He grinned. “That was too easy. You must be tired.”
“It’s been a long day.” She started for the stairs to get the pillow and blanket then turned back to him. “Thanks for being here, Chase. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome.”
She turned and was almost out of the room when they heard one of the horses whinnying. She stopped and turned back to him. “That was Cash.” He whinnied again. “Somethings wrong.”
She bolted into the study, picked up her gun, and slipped on her shoes. Within a minute, they were out the front door and running toward the barn.
“It could be a trap,” Chase said, as he jogged by her side.
“Then let’s split up. I’ll go in the front, you go around back.”
“All right, but Jacquie, be careful.”
“Always.”
