“Here’s one, Archer Bloom.” She continued reading as Grady made a note of the name. The list was in alphabetical order, and she quickly passed her ex-husband’s name, searching her memory for more tidbits from their brief marriage. “Jack Henry is another.”
“You’re doing great,” Grady said.
She appreciated his attempt to sound positive. The truth was that they had no idea if any of these former fraternity brothers of Nelson’s were involved. After hearing how Eric Howington and Karla Dalton had visited her ex while his was in prison, something she was convinced these frat boys would never do, she felt certain Eric and Karla should be put higher on the suspect list. These frat brothers had probably all moved on with their lives and wanted nothing to do with a loser like Nelson.
She frowned when she passed Bobby Morton’s name. The poor guy had paid the ultimate price of being Nelson’s friend. Granted, Bobby had gotten in the car with her ex that fateful night, despite how they’d both been drinking. Bobby could have chosen to walk or take a rideshare. Shaking off the memories, she pushed on. “Andrew Salzburg, Nelson called him Drew.” She continued down the list until she got to the end. With a sigh, she sat back in the chair. “I’m sorry. I only recall these three names. There could be others. I just didn’t pay attention when Nelson talked about them.”
“Hey, three names are better than none.” Grady smiled and tapped the screen. “I’ll start with these. Maybe something will pop.”
“I hope so.” She wanted to do her part in bringing this nightmare to an end. Then another wide yawn caught her off guard.
“Hey, I think it’s time you and Lucy get some sleep.” Grady rested a hand on her shoulder. “You look beat. Take the bedroom. I’ll stay out here.”
She wanted to point out that the arrangement hadn’t worked so well when he’d stayed in the living room of the penthouse apartment. Then again, they’d been safe here at the cabin. The only near miss had been when they’d almost driven past a cop in their stolen car. Grady’s altering the plates with black tape should provide another level of protection.
She hoped.
When Grady continued to look at her, she forced a nod. There was no point in fighting the inevitable. “Okay. But I think you should get some sleep too.”
“I will.” He nodded toward the bedrooms. “Make yourself comfortable.”
Glancing at Lucy, who was fighting to keep her eyes open long enough to finish the show, she nodded and rose. “Time for bed, Lucy.”
“Aw, Mom.” Her daughter’s protest was weak. “My show is almost over.”
“Let’s see.” She sat down on the sofa next to Lucy. Eyeing the show, she realized her daughter was right. It was nearly over. “Okay, looks like it will be ending in about five minutes or so.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Lucy snuggled beside her. And before the five-minute timeline was up, the little girl fell asleep.
She was about to ease away from Lucy when Grady came to the rescue. He crossed over, keeping his voice low. “I’ll carry her.”
“Thanks,” she whispered as he lifted Lucy from the sofa. Much like in the middle of the night, he brought her blanket along with her. Lauren struggled to her feet, hoping Lucy wouldn’t wake up. Thankfully, Lucy didn’t stir as Grady carried her down the hall to the bedrooms. She moved ahead to pull the covers down on one of the twin beds. “Set her here.”
Grady did so, and for a moment, Lucy looked like she might wake up. Lauren pulled the covers up, and Lucy relaxed against the pillow.
“Thanks,” she whispered as Grady stepped back into the hallway.
“Anytime.” He glanced past her. “I promise nobody will get to her while I’m here.”
“I know.” She believed him. She stared up at him, wishing for something she couldn’t have before forcing herself to turn away. “Good night, Grady.”
“Good night.” His voice was low and husky, and it was all she could do not to throw herself into his arms.
After using the bathroom, she crawled into the second twin bed in Lucy’s room. She wanted to be close in case her daughter had another nightmare. Or if something else happened. And because of the latter possibility, she stretched out under the covers fully dressed.
For several minutes, she listened to Lucy’s even breathing, her thoughts whirling. The possibilities were endless. Karla was either Nelson’s girlfriend or helping him in the scheme to kidnap Lucy. Or maybe Eric Howington was the one who was shooting at them. And what about Joe O’Neil, the fired security guard?
When she couldn’t take her racing thoughts for another second, she closed her eyes and focused on prayer. That worked because the next thing she knew, she abruptly awoke, blinking in the darkness.
A sound? Lucy? She lifted herself up on one elbow, glancing over at the twin bed along the wall. Lucy wasn’t crying or making any sound. Then what had woken her?
“Lauren?” Grady’s low whisper had her pushing the covers aside and rising to her feet. It was so dark here compared to the city. No lights from buildings or cars. She couldn’t see anything in the darkness. But then she noticed the breadth of Grady’s shoulders as he hovered in the doorway.
“Coming.” She tiptoed across the room. As they stepped back from the doorway, she tried to read his expression. “What’s wrong?”
“I saw a police car while I was walking the perimeter.” The way he said “walking the perimeter” made her think that was another military phrase. “I’m concerned they’re homing in on our stolen car.”
She sucked in a quick breath. “You changed the plate, though, right?”
