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They spent an hour outside, chatting about Mark, the incredible mansion, about the process of leaving Oregon. All-in-all, Arabelle seemed to be taking the situation pretty well. Considering she had lived her whole life in Portland, Jennifer had expected a bit more resistance about coming all the way to Pennsylvania.

"I don't see myself staying here forever," Arabelle explained, "but I don't want to be far from you, and I don't see you or your man wanting to leave this wonderful place."

"You're welcome to stay here as long as you would like, mom." Jennifer smiled. "I'm sure Mark won't mind. It's not like we lack space."

"I know, I know, but I'm not an old lady, remember. Not yet, at least, no matter what the cancer tries to do to me. Once I'm better, I'll be looking for a place of my own. Maybe in the citywe drove through on the way here, or ... I've always wanted to live in New York. Not too late to live young dreams."

Jennifer hugged her mom close, leaning their heads against each other. It made her happier than she could describe that for the first time in over a year, Arabelle was looking toward the future, not just the days ahead ... or worse, the past.

Later, after bringing Arabelle back inside to rest, Jennifer grabbed her purse and headed for the stairs to the underground parking area. Although Mark mostly used the SUV, she'd been quick to discover that he had multiple vehicles down there, any of which he said she could take to go to town or travel with.

Jennifer still didn't know what kind of surprise she was going to come up with for Mark, but she was intent on finding something, and right now she just needed some ideas. Going out and exploring the city seemed like a good way to find inspiration for now.

As she approached the stairs down, the front door burst open. Mark strode in, but when Jennifer looked up at him, eager to see him again, his eyes were wild. It was a look that made her freeze in place, so unfamiliar and scary on his face it was.

Helooked afraid, and Mark didn't seem like the kind of guy to be afraid of anything.

"Mark? What's wrong?" she said, climbing back up to the landing.

He wrapped his arms around her. She noticed how he was breathing heavily, and he held her close to him almost as if he hadn't expected to find her at home.

"Have you been out recently?" he said, his voice harsh and out of breath.

Jennifer's heartbeat picked up. "Arabelle and I were outside this morning, just in the yard. Why? What's going on?"

"You have to stay inside."

"Mark, you're scaring me. What's happening?"

"It's fine for now, but I need you to stay inside. Don't go out for any reason."

His tone was so strange, crackly like it pained him to talk. But his command was also so sure, leaving no room for her to refuse him. She wished he would tell her more, but Jennifer trusted him with her life—her heart. She had to believe she would get answers later on.

That didn't stop her from being worried, though.

"Okay, I won't go out. There's enough to do in the house anyway," Jennifer said, trying to push aside her concerns to do as he asked, but that was easier said than done.

So far, Mark had been open about almost everything ... so him coming here, keeping secrets, something that clearly distressed him, was very concerning. But she had to stay strong for him.

"Promise. It's important, Jen. For everyone's safety."

He squeezed her tighter, and she burrowed her face into his neck, breathing in his reassuring scent, letting his warmth and strength steady her.

"I promise," she said.

"Good."

He kissed her, soft and slow on the mouth ... almost enough to forget how, just a second ago, he'd seemed worried and afraid. His tongue and lips spurred her desire for him, but she kept that need at bay, at least for now. When he slowly let hergo, he looked much more at ease than before, though there was still a hint of worry in his eyes.

"I'll explain everything later, I promise," he said. "Just be careful for now. I have something to deal with."

He kissed her forehead and then let go of her, taking his warmth and stability with him. Jennifer was concerned, but she trusted Mark. She had to. She just wished that whatever was going on, he would trust her, too.

With a sigh, she pushed her messy hair out of her face. So much for going out and finding a surprise for Mark. Now she would have to use what she had in the house instead ... or come up with something altogether.

Chapter 10 – Mark

As requested, Jake hurried to the mansion after Mark called him. Within an hour, he joined Mark in the main security room, and they were both staring at the screens showing the feeds from the perimeter cameras.