“As much as it takes,” Lani managed to get out around the lump in her dry throat. “I’ll be right back.” Standing, she smiled at the others and then made her way slowly through the guests. Fighting the urge to run, she nodded to the staff member on reception.
“Hi, Lani.”
“Hi, Ella.”
Keep walking. Stay calm, she chanted silently.
“Lani?” Katie grabbed her arm when she’d just about reached the front door. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing. I need to go.” Panic had her shaking. She knew the signs. Rapid breathing would follow.
“This is not nothing. I saw your face when you realized your picture was in the paper. You were scared. That’s why Cubby moved to your side.”
“I’m okay, I just need some air.” She wrenched her arm free. “I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll come with you.”
“No! Please, Katie, I just need to be alone. I promise I’ll come back, I just need a minute.”
“You are not going to be alone in this state, Lani. You’re scared. Tell me why?”
“I’m not!” The words were a shriek. Lani closed her eyes and tried to calm down. She would leave before he found her. Be gone in twenty minutes, and no one would stop her because they were all in here. She had time; he was hours away from here, surely.
Run.
“You’re not leaving here, Lani. Come and sit. I’ll make you a coffee.” Katie grabbed her arm and held it tight.
“Excuse me, Lani, but there is a call for you.” Ella held out a portable phone for Lani.”
Her hands trembled as she took it. No one knew she was here, unless…
“Hello.”
“Hello, Elaine, such a long time since I’ve heard your voice.”
“Mel!” Lani dug deep and found the strength to put a smile on her lips as she eased her arm from Katie’s grip. Pointing to the phone she then mouthed the words, “won’t be long,” and headed out the door.Please don’t follow.
“Not Mel, but your worst nightmare. Don’t run from me again, Lani. This time I have you.”
Once she was out of sight, she dropped the phone and ran. Sprinting down the street, fumbling with her keys, Lani managed to find the right one when she reached the back of the shop. Unlocking the door to the Howlery, she took the stairs two at a time. Grabbing her bag, she grabbed a handful of clothes and pushed them in. She likely had five minutes before someone arrived, probably Noah.
Don’t run from me again, Lani. This time I have you.
Fear clawed at her as she tried to pack her things.
Where was he? Was he in Lake Howling?
The moan slipped from her lips, so she clamped them together. Her thoughts were a mess and she was struggling to function. Running back down the stairs with her things spilling out of her bag, she found Buddy. Dropping to her knees, she wrapped her arms around his neck.
“I love you, B-Buddy, but I can’t t-take you with me.” The dog whined and leaned into her. Tears choked her as she struggled to let his large warm body go.
“Remember me, and take care of Bandit,” she whispered with a final kiss on his head. She walked out and didn’t look back. Unlocking her Bronco, she climbed in and turned the key in the ignition with tears raining down her face.
“I thought my phone call would have you running, Elaine. Now let’s find someone to marry us, and then I’ll kill you.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Jake had won him at auction, which did not bode well for Noah, because he’d be mowing his lawns and cleaning his gutters for a day. He’d have something to say to Lani when he reached her. She’d promised him. Mind you, he knew how persuasive his friend could be.
