Page 36 of Mountain Shadow

“It was taken in the backyard of Damien and Tess’s home. With the mountains in the background. Looking at the mountains, he could—”

“He could pinpoint the approximate location of Damien and Tess’s home. I know.”

“Oh God, we need to call Tess, we need to—”

Jens was beside her in an instant, his arms strong and solid where her own limbs shook.

“Damien is dropping Tess and Jamie at his father’s place as we speak. They’ll be safe there.”

“Are you sure?” she asked uncertainly. They couldn’t take the risk of anything happening to Tess and Jamie. No matter what, they had to be protected.

“They’ll be fine, Sarah. Damien will get somebody from the team to stay with them as well.”

“What about Damien?” she asked, surprised to hear he wouldn’t be staying with them.

Before Jens could reply, the doorbell rang. She tensed like a rabbit in headlights until she realized Jens was expecting the visit.

“That must be Damien. He was going to stop by after dropping Tess and Jamie off.”

Jens unlocked the door and her brother-in-law strode inside. Damien looked calm and in control, as always.

“How are you holding up, Sarah?” he said, leaning down to give her a quick hug. She didn’t detect any anger or condemnation in his eyes.

He should hate me for bringing my problems to his doorstep.

“Are Tess and Jamie okay?”

“They’re fine. This is just a precaution, Sarah. We don’t know that this man—”

Sarah stood up to her full height. It wasn’t much compared to that of the two men towering over her, but just the action made her feel marginally better.

“Please don’t treat me like an idiot, Damien. This man has made my life hell for months, harassed me on social media, forced me to change my phone number, sent me an animal heart in the mail, broken into the station and my home, and assaulted one of my coworkers. I’d say he’s resourceful enough to find your home if he really wants to.”

Damien’s piercing blue eyes looked straight into hers.

“You’re right, Sarah. He may be able to find the house—and if he does, my team and I will be waiting for him. What we need to think about now,” Damien said, looking at Jens as if for support, “is what to do with you.”

“She’s staying here, Damien,” Jens said, taking a step forward. He had a couple of inches on Damien. “With me.”

Damien breathed out slowly. “What do you mean, with you?”

“I mean exactly what you’re thinking, Damien. I would have told you earlier, but there hasn’t been a chance.” Jens’s eyes glinted dangerously. “Sarah’s not going anywhere—unless she wants to.”

Damien’s eyes narrowed. “Jens—”

“Careful with what you say next, Damien, please. You’re not just my boss. You’re also my friend.”

Sarah moved to stand next to Jens in a silent sign of support.

Damien nodded slowly. “You’re both adults. I have to assume you know what you’re doing.” A small smile crossed his lips. “I will ask that you talk to Tess about this, Sarah, so I don’t have to do it.”

Sarah laughed. “Don’t worry about my little sister, Damien.”

Damien’s look went serious again. “What do you want to do, Sarah?”

She looked Damien straight in the eye, knowing she couldn’t waver now. “I’m staying with Jens.”

“I’ll protect her with my life, Damien. I swear it.”