Allie
“Iwish they’d stay away, never come back to Lonesome Creek, but I believe it’s just a matter of time before they’re back, hunting me again.”
My belief that we could end this was floundering. My eyes stung and all the fear and worry I’d suppressed over the past few days exploded.
Hail’s arms wrapped around me before I could take another breath, pulling me against his chest. His large hands stroked my sides, creating soothing patterns.
“Hey, hey,” he said into my hair, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through his chest. “It’s going to be alright. I prom-promise.”
I wanted to believe him. The conviction in his voice, the solid warmth of his body sheltering mine, made me want to burrow deeper into his embrace and never come out. But the rational part of my mind, the part that had kept me alive these past years, knew better.
“Detective Fernandez told me they were already looking for Will Carmichael,” Dungar said. “They want to question him about your father’s business partner’s death.”
Hail’s arms tightened around me. “Mr. Hendricks.”
He’d come to my father’s funeral, offering condolences and sharing stories about their partnership. A kind man with grandchildren and a sweet smile. And now he was dead because of whatever my father had hidden.
“The death was ruled suspicious, but they haven’t been able to track Will down to question him,” Dungar said.
A flicker of hope cut through my fear. Maybe there was a way out of this nightmare that didn’t involve me running for the rest of my life. Then I could actually build a future instead of surviving day to day.
“We’re still working out the details,” Dungar added. “But the important thing is that you’ll be protected every step of the way.”
I nodded, though anxiety still clawed at my chest. This felt like a temporary reprieve. Will Carmichael hadn’t built his organization by giving up at the first sign of resistance. He’d be back, and next time, he’d be prepared for the orc brothers.
But maybe that was enough for now. I could have a few days, even a week, to pretend I was a normal woman falling in love with a sweet pottery artist in a charming tourist town.
I straightened my shoulders and eased out of Hail’s embrace. “I want to maintain normal pottery demonstrations until the detective is ready.”
“Absolutely not,” Hail said, his hands moving to grip my shoulders. “It’s too dangerous.”
“We’re all in danger,” I said simply. “They’re not stupid. When they lose my trail, they’ll keep looking, hoping I’ll give my location away. But they’ll also suspect you’re involved, that you’re protecting me, that I’m still here in Lonesome Creek. If they suspect there’s a trap waiting for them, they’ll find another way to reach me. They’ll come after one of your brother’s mates. Whoever’s the most vulnerable. Maybe Grannie.” I looked toward Dungar. “When will the detective be ready?”
“Soon.”
“No timeframe?”
He shrugged. “Not yet, though he’s sending some of his team to town to watch for Will.”
“Maybe they’ll grab him when he comes back.” He would come back. When he lost my trail, he’d suspect I was here in this town right away.
“Then it makes sense for me to walk around town as if I think I’m safe. Actually draw them back.”
“Be-before the plan is in place?” Hail asked.
“He has people here. Dungar, are there enough of them to capture Will if he shows up?”
“Three,” he said.
Thatshouldbe enough. I made my decision.
“They need to think I don’t realize they’re here. So back to pottery classes. We can keep the groups small.” I looked between the brothers. “Lock the door to make sure everyone’s safe. I won’t let them destroy Hail’s business because of me.”
A protest was written all over Hail’s face, and I could see Dungar weighing the risks in his analytical sheriff’s mind. But I needed this. I wanted to feel useful, to contribute instead of hiding and causing problems.
“Allie—”
“No, Hail. This pottery barn is your dream, your livelihood. I won’t be responsible for ruining the work you’ve done to build it into what it is today.” I cupped his face in my hands, feeling the slight roughness of his skin beneath my palms. The worry and love I saw there made my heart ache. “We can be smart about it. Careful.”
