Mrs. Jenkins patted my shoulder.
"There you go, dear."
I sighed.
Defeated.
Completely defeated.
For the first time in days.
And as I headed toward the guest room, I caught Sadie watching me.
Worried.
Soft-eyed.
Relieved.
Something tightened in my chest.
Something that had nothing to do with Gerald.
Nothing to do with danger.
And everything to do with her.
Behind me, Wolf's voice carried through the kitchen.
"Ten bucks says he's in love."
"I'll take that bet," Trigger said.
"You're only taking it because you know he's in love too."
The entire kitchen burst out laughing.
I slammed the bedroom door.
The laughter got louder.
25
GERALD
The lights glowed from the ranch house.
Warm.
Safe.
Protected.
Gerald hated it.
He sat inside his truck on the ridge overlooking the property.
Watching through binoculars.
