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Jules couldn’t imagine not living in Texas. She wasn’t like Zoe, who bolted to California the second she graduated. Jules was rooted here. She loved her job, her quiet bungalow, and the close proximity to her parents. Texas grounded her. Brock, onthe other hand, had Trevor. She knew he’d never want to live far from him.
She didn’t expect him to choose her over Trevor. She would never ask that; she just wanted a place in his life.
Could she trust him? She was beginning to think she could. And she did understand now—at least better—why he’d felt the need to protect Trevor at all costs, even if that meant going back into a bad situation.
She pushed back the covers and swung her legs out of bed, grateful that it was Saturday. After everything that had happened this week, a day of rest was a gift. She dressed, fixed her hair and makeup, then padded downstairs.
Brock stood in the center of the living room, phone pressed to his ear. One look at his rigid expression sent a warning ripple through her chest.
“Okay,” Brock said into the phone. “Watch your back and keep me informed.” He pushed a hand through his hair. “Yeah, we’re all good here.” He glanced at Jules. “I’ll be sure to stay on high alert.”
The phrase hit her like a punch to the gut. High alert? Panic surged through her.
“What’s going on?” she squeaked as he ended the call.
“You’d better sit down.”
Her knees went weak. She crossed the room and sat down in one of the armchairs, bracing herself for whatever was coming.
Brock shoved his phone into his pocket and sat down across from her. “I just got off the phone with Luke. He’s up at Eagle Mountain Lake now.”
She nodded for him to go on, her throat too tight to speak. “Leroy was out there early this morning. He’d been scouring the area and found the green pickup—Steve Randall’s truck—parked in front of a remote cabin.”
A gasp slipped from her throat. She clasped her hands together in her lap, fingernails digging into her palms. “What happened next?” she croaked.
“As soon as Luke heard what was going on, he rushed to Eagle Mountain Lake to meet Leroy. I told Leroy to hang tight, that backup was coming. I then called the police.”
“Did Leroy wait?”
Brock pressed his lips together. She could read the answer in his eyes.
Tears blurred her vision. “What happened?”
“Leroy parked a short distance from the cabin. He hiked in, circled the place, and checked the windows. It looked like no one was inside, so he went in. He sent me a video of the interior.”
Her heart pounded. “What was on it?”
“Pictures,” Brock said grimly. “Dozens of them. Most of them were of you.”
Shivers ran down her spine.
“But there are also pictures of Asher and Dr. Caldwell. All of the surgical staff. Notes. Details about your routines, where you live, when you come and go to work.”
A tremor racked her body. “And then what happened?” she managed.
“We think Steve came back and caught Leroy by surprise. When Luke and the police arrived, the front door was wide open. Leroy had been shot. Steve had fled.”
“Is Leroy … dead?”
“He is.” Regret darkened his eyes.
“No,” she gasped. “No—no, no …” Tears spilled down her cheeks. “This is a nightmare.”
“There’s more,” Brock said grimly. “They found a slew of guns and ammunition, even some assault rifles. Steve’s planning something. And now we know he’s not afraid to kill.” He leanedtoward her, urgency sparking in his eyes. “We have to get you to safety.”
“No!”
“What do you mean, no?” Brock’s voice rose. “We need to move—now.”