Chelsea’s skin prickled.It would explain the lengths Johann had gone to to get Lilydale.
“Understood,” Ethan said.“Keep us up to date with anything new.”
“I’ll try.”Josh hung up.
Ethan ran a hand through his hair as Heath asked, “What do we know?”
“Johann’s in the wind,” Ethan replied.
“Last seen?”Rhys asked.
“Leaving his house at six.Supposed to be going fishing, but he’s not with his friends.”
“What do you need?”Noah asked.
“We’ll keep it casual,” Ethan said.“Do work in areas we can’t be seen from the road, so he doesn’t know how many of us there are.”
“Is he likely to come here if the police are after him?”Chelsea asked.
“We don’t know what he’s likely to do,” Ethan said.“I don’t want you going anywhere alone today.One of us should always be with you, even if you’re going inside to use the bathroom.”
Concern filled her.“Why would Johann attack me, especially with you all around?”
“He might be desperate and not thinking straight.It might be simply for revenge for messing up his plans.I’m not risking it.”
Around him the rest of the men nodded.Mila came down the stairs looking refreshed.Her footsteps slowed.“What happened?”
“They couldn’t catch Johann, and his company is associated with organised crime,” Chelsea told her.
“Level of danger?”Mila asked Ethan.
“Unknown, but Johann’s probably desperate.”
Mila nodded.“We’ll keep together.”She smiled sympathetically at Chelsea.“At least there’s plenty to keep us busy.”
Chelsea was soothed by her forthright acceptance.Mila knew what these men were capable of and had faith in them.Chelsea knew Ethan wouldn’t let anything happen to her.Some of her fear faded.“I guess you’re right.”She smiled at her new friend.“Can I get you a coffee?”
***
Unease settled around Ethan as they divvied up the tasks for the day.He pulled Chelsea aside.“Why don’t you spend the day going through Aunt Maggie’s things?”
She glanced at him.“You mean lock myself inside?”
“Yeah.”
“Not going to happen.Besides, the next room I need to go through is Aunt Maggie’s and Dobby is sleeping in it.”
He opened his mouth and she put her finger over it.
“No, you’re not waking him.I’m not hiding away because Johann lied to his wife about where he would be.I haven’t done enough work in the garden, and I can’t expect you and your friends to work so hard on your days off.”
“We’re not great at relaxing,” Heath joked.“You saved us from a weekend of boredom.”
She rolled her eyes.“Nevertheless, I want to do some of the work.I want to look back and know I contributed.”
“You’ll have plenty of opportunity,” Rhys said.
Chelsea just looked at Ethan.
