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“She raised enough money last night with donations from all the patrons to pay Mindy’s heating bill. She supplied Mindy and the kids with enough food for a week.”

Lyric stepped toward him but caught herself. “Mindy will be working at the ranch part-time for a while.”

Viper wanted to take her in his arms but resisted, hating the need to keep distance between them. “I take it so you can recuperate.”

She rolled her eyes. “That’s what my mom and dad told me this morning when they drove me home from the hospital.”

He studied her face, worried that she wasn’t her vibrant, sweet, happy self today. Not that she should be after what happened, but he didn’t like seeing the bright light in her dimmed. “Are you upset about it?”

She scrunched her lips. “I like to pull my own weight.”

“You do, and then some,” Viper assured her. He’d seen it. And the more he learned about her extracurricular activities, the more he understood how connected she was to this town and her family.

He needed to consider that when he had time to think about their future.

The lieutenant nodded his agreement as well. “Officer Bowers will take your statement about what happened last night. We have statements from all the witnesses at the bar, so it shouldn’t take long for you to fill in anything we’re missing. As for Rick, there’s been no sighting.”

“Let’s hope he’s gone.” She pulled out her phone from her purse and tapped the screen. “But he’s not gone-gone. He posted on my YouTube channel under a new user ID that wasn’t even an attempt to hide his identity.” She turned the phone to Viper and showed him the message.

YourRick:Why can’t you see we’re meant to be? I missed you. See you soon.

Viper thought about how he worded the message. “Hemissedyou.”

Lyric nodded. “You caught that, too.”

“As in, he won’t next time?” the lieutenant asked.

“He’ll see me soon,” Lyric answered. “So I guess this isn’t over.”

The lieutenant opened the door, stepped out, then turned back to address Viper. “I’ll keep you posted.” To Lyric, he said, holding out his hand, “Bowers is waiting for you.”

“Give us a second.”

The lieutenant hesitated because they’d finished with business and there was nothing more for them to ask Lyric about the case but left anyway.

Viper waited for the door to close again, then pulled Lyric into a hug, wishing that having her close eased her mind and kept her safe, even though he knew it wouldn’t be that simple. “I’m sorry, Angel. I wish there was a simple way to end this. I wish I could be the one who keeps you safe.”

She held on tight, her nails digging into his back, but she looked up at him, understanding. “But you’ve got somewhere else you need to be.”

He traced her beautiful face with his fingertips. “I’m sorry.”

She shook her head. “I understand. And trust me, I won’t be alone. I won’t make it easy for him to get to me.”

“Stay out at the ranch. Your family, plus everyone who works there, will look out for you.”

“Officer Bowers said he’d drop me at the bar afterthis. I’ll be there until closing, then I’ll spend the night at the ranch. We’ll see what comes tomorrow.”

“If I can get away, I’ll let you know.” Viper wished he could take her to his place. If only it was safe. But he had a job to finish. And if all went according to plan, maybe he’d get it done before Rick even had a chance to come up with a new scheme to get to Lyric.

Until then, he needed to be sure she was safe.

He dipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out the round object and held it out to her. “Keep this on your person at all times, even when you sleep.”

She held up the disk. “What is it?”

He frowned, not liking this one bit. “A tracking device.”

Lyric eyed him. “You’re tagging your girlfriend?”