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It was probably one of those random ranch noise things.

As she rounded the back corner, a dark shadow streaked across the courtyard. “Dodger!” she squealed. She almost never saw him, but she knew he was around because his food bowl was empty every morning. “Come here, Dodger.”

His head cocked to the side. Well, what did she expect? Dodger probably couldn’t speak English any more than she could speak canine. She’d tried howling at him a few days ago, and that had him running off even quicker. She had no idea what she’d said, but she hoped she hadn’t hurt his feelings. She’d never been gifted in languages.

Dodger cocked his head again, but this time stared toward her. Bending his legs as if preparing to pounce, he growled.

Joy froze. What was going on? She’d never seen Dodger do that before. Not to her. Not to anyone. Fear prickled the hairs on the back of her neck, but not soon enough.

Spinning to face her attacker, she was shocked to find Detective James standing right behind her. Before she could say a word, he lifted both hands in surrender and took two steps backward. “Sorry about that. I wasn’t trying to sneak up on you. I called out, asking if anyone was here. Didn’t you hear me?”

"No, I didn't," she said. "But then Dodger,Puggles, and I were carrying on quite a conversation. I'm sorry, Dodger is growling. I'm not sure what's gotten into him. It's very unlike him."

As if her words gave him permission, he snarled once and ran off around the corner. It was silly how abandoned she felt as he disappeared.

Slowly, Detective James lowered his hands. "That's all right. I’m sorry I startled you."

"That's okay. It seems to happen more often these days. You know, you're a really good sneaker. I bet you kill at hide and seek."

The way he stared at her made her think she’d said something wrong. "You know, you're not the first to tell me that," he said.

He seemed to be smiling… sort of… but it must be at a joke inside his head because she hadn't said anything funny.

Her Daddy didn't like Detective James, but she did. She owed her life to him. If he hadn’t helped her, she wouldn’t have survived. Some people thought that's just what policemen did, and they'd be right. But Detective James had really gone above and beyond the call of duty.

He had insisted whenever she thought of something or had a question, she ask him specifically. He’d even given her his personal phone number so she could call him directly if he wasn't at the station.

It had been such a comfort before she’d found her Daddy to know that she could talk to the same person every time. That way, she didn’t have to start from the beginning and relive everything. At least, he had until he’d come to Wilder.

Still, there seemed to be something off about him today. She couldn't put her finger on it, but something was definitely not right. Normally, she'd invite someone inside when they came to visit, but she didn't like the idea of being alone in the house withDetective James. Especially not with Dodger growling at him non-stop before he ran off.

Settling for the next best thing, she asked, "Would you like to go back to the front porch and swing? It's lots of fun and very relaxing. You seem kind of stressed today. Is everything all right?"

For some reason, that made him frown, but only for a second. Then the happy smile was back on his face. “To be honest, things have been a little stressful. I understand the people around you are being protective, but I don't understand why they feel they need to protect you from me. Have I ever done anything to make you feel uncomfortable?"

She hated he felt that way after all he’d done. He’d driven all the way up to Wyoming to complete his assignment. “No. Never." She walked around the corner of the lodge back toward the front, hoping he would take the hint and follow her.

After a pause, he did just that. "Actually, I think it's good that we stumbled across each other today. I do still have some questions, but whenever I try to ask them, your Daddy shuts me down."

"Well, I wouldn't say we exactly stumbled across each other. It's more like you drove all the way out here and stumbled across me. Is that why you came out here today? To ask me more questions? I really don't know of anything else I can tell you."

Again, he frowned at her words. "Well, I'm headed back to Nameless tomorrow, so I wanted to try one more time to talk you into going with me. I know these people think that they can keep you safe, but they don't have the backing of the law behind them. And if Eddie Sharp finds out where you are, he’ll send someone after you. Any or all of the people who live here could get hurt. Their pain would be your fault. You don't want that, would you?"

Wow. He'd just summed up her biggest concerns in one sentence. Could she really hurt them by staying? She would never do anything to hurt any of the people on Wild River Ranch. They were her family. She loved them.

She placed a hand on her stomach. The tight ball of worry that burned there seemed to form whenever he was around. Just like it was doing now.

Even the thought of leaving broke her heart. How could she walk away from the only real family she'd ever known? Then again, if she loved them like her family, how could she stay if it put them in danger?

Turning her attention back to the detective, she asked, "Do you really think the people here are in danger because of me?"

A sadness came over his expression. He nodded his head." I hate to say it, but I really do."

She guessed that was that. But not entirely. "I’m not going back to Nameless. I would be terrified the whole time Eddie or one of his goons would find me and hurt me. Is there any other place I can go? Any place to make it safe for everyone?"

He frowned. Again. It wasn’t a good look for him. “Obviously, there are other places you could go. But none of them will be as safe as being under police protection in Nameless. But hey, you don't have to decide right now. I was hoping someone would be here to show me around the ranch before I leave tomorrow, but it looks like no one's here."

She shook her head. “No, not right now. Ruby and the girls should be back soon."