CHAPTER NINE
–JAXIE –
By the way Seamus is gripping the steering wheel I’d say my words hit him differently than I intended.My father mentioned Seamus a few times in the past, and I know he was the best at what he did.Hence the reason why my father turned to him.Maybe it’s guilt, then Seamus’s reaction would make sense.
My thoughts are tugged in a different reaction when my phone starts to light up.I have two, my own that has no reception when I’m on the mountain, and my father’s satellite phone.The messages and missed calls are all from Elodie.Dammit, how could I’ve been so stupid not to have given her the number of the satellite phone?
I thumb through the messages, and I can’t help the gasp ripping from me.
“What?What’s going on, Jaxie.Talk to me,” Seamus urges and ping-pongs his gaze between the road ahead and me.
The alarming things in Elodie’s messages make me unable to talk, and it’s why I tap the call button.
A breath or two later Elodie’s voice fills the tight space.“Jaxie, oh thank fuck.You won’t believe the shit that happened over the past few days.I’m packing as I speak.So, I hope you’re ready for me to come early.”She snorts, but it sounds as if she’s on the verge of tears.“Ready or not, I’m getting in my truck within the hour.”Her voice is a mere whisper when she adds, “Someone killed Goat.”
“What?”I gasp.
“Who’s Goat?”Seamus asks.
A heartbeat of silence follows before Elodie states, “Hey, you’re still with Jaxie?Good.Good.Goat is...was...my horse.Maybe you could protect me too.Ugh.I don’t have the money.Hey, could you throw in a freebie, two for one deal, since you’re already watching my friend?Friend...maybe you have a friend who could protect me?It might be better under the circumstances.”
My attention is on Seamus as he checks the rearview mirror before hitting the brakes as he guides the vehicle off the road.
“Elodie, you need to tell me all the details right now,” Seamus demands.
Elodie releases a sigh.“I’d rather not relive the whole thing.The sheriff advised me to stay with friends for a couple of days.That’s why I’m leaving early.Everything is cleared with my job; I don’t have to work the final two weeks.Problem, solution.So, any chance you’d work a double shift?”
A muscle in his jaw jumps and he’s staring at me when he says, “Hold on.”
He reaches for my phone and taps the mute button, shutting Elodie out of the conversation.
“She can’t stay with you, Jaxie.I’m still researching shit.It might seem there’s nothing going on after only one fucker showing up at your cabin, but who knows?And if she’s wrapped up in trouble as well...”
Seamus glances out the front window, and I take the opportunity to say, “Y-you can p-p-protect us both.”
He shakes his head.“Too risky.There’s a reason why I retired, Jaxie.I’m not at full strength.My leg is still recovering from the complex femur fraction.I can’t give chase or last long in hand-to-hand combat if they kick my leg.Protecting you is my one and only priority.”
“Y-you can,” I insist.“P-please.Elodie is my o-only friend.”
Seamus releases a frustrating sigh and taps the screen of my phone.“Elodie, Jaxie has your address?”
“Yes,” she instantly fires back.
“Stay put,” Seamus orders.“I’m sending someone to get you.”
“Thank you,” Elodie says with a load of relief.
“Don’t thank me for sending an asshole who will get on your last nerve within the hour,” Seamus warns.
Elodie snorts.“Clearly you haven’t been around me for long.”
The corner of my mouth twitches when Seamus looks confused.
I let him know, “S-she can be very p-patient and u-understanding during therapy.T-though she also latches on to something t-to drag it o-out of you and get to the heart of t-the matter if n-needed.”
