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“I understand. No, that’s not necessary. Mark’s here.” Her hand that held the phone was trembling.
“What is it?”
Sophie’s gaze met mine. They were filled with worry and something else—fear?
This time, I moved in front of her, taking her shoulders in my hands.
“I’ll let you know if I see anything unusual. Thanks, Colton.” Then she lowered the phone to the desk.
“What’s going on?”
“Police were patrolling Main Street this morning when they saw someone in black, wearing a mask in the alley behind some of the shops.”
“Where exactly on Main?” Sophie’s store was smack-dab in the middle.
“Across the street, by Lavender and The Red Toolbox. Savannah’s and Ethan’s stores,” Sophie sounded slightly breathless, as if she were in shock.
My jaw tightened. “That’s too close, Soph. I don’t like it.”
That’s when I noticed her whole body was shaking.
“Are you okay?” I moved closer to her, trying to assess her emotions. As strung tight as I was by Colton’s call and the idea that a burglar was seen across the street, I needed to reassure her.
“I’m fine.” But her voice wavered.
“You’re not. Why don’t you sit down?” I cupped her elbow and led her to the sofa.
I pushed gently on her shoulder until she sat. “Let me get you something to drink.”
“I’m fine,” she repeated, but her cheeks were pale, and she wrung her hands in her lap.
This time, I didn’t argue with her, I just hurried to grab a water and what looked like a few leftover muffins. She needed something to eat and drink. She needed to calm down.
I clenched my jaw on the too-long walk back to her, hating seeing her so upset.
When I returned, she was rubbing her arms as if she were cold when the room was warm from the heat of the ovens.
I sat down next to her, unscrewed the cap of the bottle, and handed it to her. “Drink.”
When she took a tentative sip, I unwrapped the muffin and handed it to her. “You need the sugar.”
Sophie shook her head, her eyes uncertain. “I feel a little sick.”
“You’re shaky. The sugar will help.” When she hesitated, I continued. “Please eat. For me.”
She took a small bite.
“Good girl.” Relief poured through me, relaxing my taut muscles inch by inch. I don’t think I’d ever been so scared as I was when she got off that call with Colton.
Her cheeks were pink now, her hands steadier.
“You need to take care of yourself.” I wondered if the state of her office and pantry was indicative of how she treated herself in general. Did her family and friends always come first? Did she even remember to eat or stay hydrated?
She took a few more bites and drank some water before she said, “I don’t even know why I’m so upset. I have an alarm system.”
Before I could think about my response, I said, “That alarm isn’t going to stop anyone. Anyone could get through the glass windows or the back door before police arrive.”
She shivered.
