Caleb’s cell phone beeped. He read the message and frowned. “Detective Jameson wants to meet with Gabe and me in Polson. They’ve found some photos of us in Chapman’s motel room. He wants us to look at them and give him an idea of when and where they were taken.”
Gabe looked at Natalie. “You should come, too.”
Caleb shook his head. “Jameson said she’ll be safer here. A couple of reporters have been asking questions about Natalie.”
“It’s okay,” she said. “Sherlock and I can look after each other.”
Gabe still looked worried. He turned to Caleb and asked, “Are you sure Leith Chapman is at the police station?”
“They’ve already charged him with breaking and entering. I guess that’s why they want us to look at the photos. If there’s enough evidence to charge him with stalking, they’ll do that, too.”
“I don’t like leaving Natalie here, even with Sherlock.”
Natalie knelt in front of Sherlock. “We’ll be fine, won’t we, boy?” She had a strong suspicion that Sherlock’s goofy grin had more to do with having his ears rubbed than looking after each other. “See…he agrees with me.”
Gabe scowled. “If anything happens, we’re at least forty-five minutes away.”
She scrambled to her feet. “I won’t leave the house. I’ll keep the satellite phone with me at all times and I’ll bake Caleb a chocolate cake as a thank you for looking after us.”
“Sounds good to me,” Caleb said. When Gabe remained silent, he pointed to his house. “I agree with Detective Jameson. Natalie’s safer here than in town. Look at my home. It looks as though Ma and Pa Kettle live here and not an international bestselling author and a world-renowned artist. Chapman is at the police station and Natalie’s mom and your agent are the only people who know you’re here. Nothing will happen.”
“I want your security system activated. If anyone arrives or leaves, we need to know about it.”
Natalie looked at Caleb.
“The security system hasn’t been off since you arrived. My phone will send me an alert if anyone breaks the infrared beams.”
She swung her gaze to Gabe. “Does that make you feel better?”
“Not much.”
“Well, it will have to do. Russell Jameson is waiting for you.”
After more grumbles, Gabe finally left with Caleb.
Natalie kept her gaze on the plume of dust long after the truck was out of sight. Apart from Sherlock, she was on her own. And despite what she’d said to Gabe, she was just as worried as he was.
* * *
Natalie tookthe flour and baking powder out of the pantry. Caleb didn’t have a lot of cocoa, but there was enough for what she’d need. When she got back to Sapphire Bay, she’d buy a shopping cart full of groceries and give them to him.
He had been so generous with his time and home that she didn’t know how she could ever repay him.
The satellite phone beeped. With the mixing bowl in her arms, she walked across to the dining table and smiled. Just as he’d promised, Gabe had texted her to let her know they’d arrived in Polson.
She checked the time. Depending on how many photos the police wanted them to go through, she might have another ninety minutes to finish the cake and make lunch for everyone. As long as the cake went into the oven in the next half hour, she’d be fine.
Sherlock padded across to the back door and scratched on the frame.
“Do you want to go outside?”
Sherlock’s brown eyes stared up at her.
“Okay, but only a quick trip.” She left the bowl on the dining table and unlocked the door. “I told your dad we wouldn’t leave the house.”
Sherlock ran outside. As soon as he stepped off the veranda, he turned and whined.
“You’ll be okay.” Her encouraging words didn’t seem to make any difference. Sherlock’s head swung from her to the trees. She couldn’t blame him for going stir crazy. Staying inside wasn’t her idea of fun either.
