To Sissy. To her baby. To Naomi. To every woman who believed this place could keep them safe.
Millie tried to draw in a breath but couldn’t.
She hadn’t felt like herself lately. Garrick had successfully broken her spirit.
But still . . . how could she have been so careless? She was usually so good with details. She should have thought of this possibility sooner.
She glanced at Caleb. She should tell him the truth—the whole truth. He’d been so kind and concerned since she arrived. Though he’d broken her heart, she still somehow felt safe with him.
She should say something right now—before the threats got worse.
But the thought of admitting her mistake made her stomach twist.
Caleb ended the call and turned toward her.
He took one look at her face and stilled. “Millie. What’s wrong?”
She opened her mouth, unsure how to start.
Before any words left her lips, the door behind them flew open, cutting off whatever she was about to say.
chapter
twelve
As the door flew open,Caleb pivoted toward the sound.
Max’s familiar figure came into view.
Max.
It was only Max.
He stood in the doorway, breath steady, eyes alert. “Hey. I thought I’d check in. You need any help in here?”
Caleb released his breath before shaking his head. “No, I think we’re fine.”
Max hesitated before scanning the room. Then he nodded and stepped back, as he seemed to realize Caleb and Millie were in the middle of a discussion.
“I have a few more things to do outside,” he murmured.
As soon as he was gone, Caleb turned back to Millie.
She looked away.
Whatever she’d been about to say—whatever had put that look on her face—had disappeared.
Instead, she lifted her chin. “What did the sheriff tell you? Was it about that car last night?”
“He ran the plates.”
Her fingers tightened on the water bowl. “And?”
“The car belongs to a man named Travis Henderson. His family used to own this land—long before Sarah and her husband bought it. The Hendersons were behind on their property taxes, and Richard—Sarah’s husband—bought it legally. But the Hendersons never forgave him for it.”
Understanding dawned slowly on her face. “So this Travis guy . . . he was just . . . watching?”
“He was posturing. He’s reckless and likes to make noise. So far he hasn’t crossed any lines.” Caleb paused. “His family still owns a couple of acres bordering us. They’re close enough to be a nuisance when they feel like it.”
