Page 23

NETTIE SHIFTED UNEASILY in the cramped back seat of the vehicle, feeling the palpable tension that hung in the air like thick fog. The men surrounding her were utterly stoic, their faces etched with seriousness as they stared intently out of their windows, scanning the landscape for any signs of danger. The only sound breaking the silence was the occasional whimper of the dogs in the cargo area, their restless energy adding to the atmosphere of unease.

Desperate to break the heavy silence, Nettie took a deep breath and said, “So….” She trailed off and was unsure how to lighten the mood.

Doc turned his head, his expression revealing a flicker of curiosity. “Yes?” he replied, his tone encouraging yet cautious.

“Where are we headed?” she blurted, her heart thumping as she sought to break the tension.

“To a safe house,” Doc answered, raising an eyebrow as if the answer should have been obvious. “Anything else?”

Nettie hesitated, feeling a rush of embarrassment for her previous question. But one more thought slipped out before she could stop herself. “Is Casper one of the good guys?” The moment the words left her lips, she almost wanted to cover her mouth in shock at her curiosity.

To her surprise, the men shared a soft chuckle, breaking some tension.

“I mean—” she began.

“I know what you mean,” Doc said gently, a knowing look in his eye. “Believe me, they don’t get any better than Casper when it comes to good guys.” With a thoughtful nod, he returned his gaze to the world rushing by outside.

Feeling increasingly self-conscious after her slip, Nettie settled into the cramped space between two muscle-bound men, her fingers twiddling as boredom crept in. She gazed at the passing scenery, wishing she had brought a case file for work. Her boss must be in a frenzy without her contributions, considering they had promised she would be available to work remotely during these hours. After all, it was the peak of work hours for both the courthouse and the DA’s office, and she felt the weight of her absence pressing down on her.

“We’re here,” Pup announced, steering the vehicle down a winding, tree-lined drive. The gravel path crunched beneath the tires as they approached an impressive house, its elegant facade framed by towering oaks and whispering pines. In the back, a serene pond glimmered under the afternoon sun, its still surface reflecting the vibrant hues of the surrounding foliage.

Nettie couldn’t shake the disbelief that washed over her. The stunning residence felt more like a luxury getaway than a safe house, an impression that left her uneasy. This level of comfort was beyond her means. Just then, a nagging thought struck her—she realized they had never discussed who would foot the bill for her security. The sheriff’s office certainly wouldn’t cover it, and Casper seemed an unlikely candidate. She typically managed her expenses with care, but this? “Um, is this really a safe house? Because it feels more like a vacation retreat.”

Doc, with his calm demeanor, nodded reassuringly. “It is indeed a safe house. The owners are currently on vacation, and we use their home in their absence.”

A twinge of fear nudged Nettie as she asked, “Do they know we’re here?”

The men burst into laughter, a sound that rubbed her the wrong way. She couldn’t stand when they shared those moments of amusement at her expense.

“Of course they do,” Doc replied, still chuckling. “Think of it like one of those modern options for lodging, where you stay in someone’s home instead of a hotel.”

“But I’m not on vacation, and I can’t afford to rent a place like this,” she exclaimed, her anxiety rising.

“Didn’t Casper mention it? This is pro bono,” Doc said, stepping out of the vehicle.

As they emerged, Doc and Cowboy flanked her, their imposing figures casting long shadows in the fading daylight. Meanwhile, Pup moved to the back of the vehicle, the familiar sounds of rustling leashes and eager barks signaling the release of his dogs. At the same time, Nemo, a silhouette with a rifle cradled in his arms, strode away, losing himself in the woods surrounding the house.

Nettie felt a surge of frustration. She wasn’t the type to accept charity, yet she remembered Casper’s words echoing in her mind. Though she had never truly believed he possessed the authority to make such decisions, she had underestimated him.

“Do you think I’m still in danger?” she asked.

Doc nodded gravely, his eyes darkening with concern. “You were shot at even after the initial shooter was taken into custody. Someone is after you.”

“Or Casper,” Cowboy interjected, his Southern drawl thickening the air with an unexpected layer of unease.

Nettie turned her head sharply, her heart racing as the implication hit her like a freight train. “What?”

“Nothing,” Doc replied swiftly, trying to dismiss the weight of Cowboy’s words.

“No, he said ‘or Casper.’ What did he mean?” The concern for Casper’s safety twisted in her gut, confusing her more than ever. Why did she suddenly care about someone who had inadvertently dragged her into this perilous situation?

“Listen,” Doc said, his tone firm yet gentle. “You’re the one who’s been receiving threatening notes. Casper lived in Maryland. He wasn’t expected down here, so Casper’s not in danger. Besides, the shooter claimed to be after you.”

“Oh.” The realization washed over Nettie like cold water. While she understood the logic, it did little to quell her rising dread. The idea that someone wanted her dead felt surreal, a nightmare she couldn’t shake off. She believed there had been attempts on her life, but what had she done to provoke such vengeance? The haunting question lingered in her mind, gnawing at the edges of her sanity.

She and her vigilant guards lingered in the shadows of the imposing SUV, its dark frame blending seamlessly with the dim surroundings while Pup and his dogs scoured the area for any sign of trouble. Nettie felt a knot twist in her stomach as she glanced anxiously around. She had no clue where Nemo had slipped off to, but an unsettling feeling crept over her, whispering that his departure had to do with the urgent need for security. The presence of the men flanking her should have offered some reassurance, yet the vulnerability of being exposed in the open gnawed at her. Had someone followed them? The same ominous figure who had unleashed chaos at her home.

Her home. The thought struck her like a physical blow. Her once sanctuary turned into a haunting memory tainted by gunfire. True, she had complete faith in Beau to handle the aftermath of the attack, but it was still her home—her domain—and the weight of that responsibility felt heavier now than ever. A flicker of doubt surged through her. Would she ever feel safe inside those walls again? And what exactly was this perilous situation they were entangled in? When would the suffocating anxiety finally dissipate, and they could breathe freely once more?

Suddenly, a phone vibrated, cutting through the tension in the air. Doc reached into his pocket and answered the call, his expression shifting into one of focused intensity as he spoke. “Doc,” he said, his tone steady yet cautious.

Nettie, usually not one to pry, found herself leaning closer. Her curiosity piqued as she wondered what could warrant a phone call during such a critical protection detail. Yet, she held back the urge to ask, sensing the moment’s gravity.

After a brief exchange, Doc ended the call and stepped closer to her, a gravity in his approach that sent shivers down her spine. “He’s closing up loose ends,” he disclosed quietly.

Nettie felt her blood turn to ice at those words as both men moved closer to her. Even she, amid the turmoil, understood the chilling implication behind his statement. She had to confront the unsettling truth that she was the target. The realization hit her like a cold wave, sweeping away any lingering thoughts about Casper and his brother’s case, which now seemed distant and insignificant, fading away like the landscape in her rearview mirror. Yet, despite the distraction of the past, she could not shake the feeling that danger still hovered ominously in the shadows, ready to strike at any moment.

Why did she suddenly want Casper to join her security detail? Perhaps it was because he had an uncanny ability to appear just in time to rescue her from the shadows of uncertainty. Or maybe it was because she craved his comforting presence, his steady hands entwined with hers, providing solace amid the chaos. She regretted persuading Cassie and JD to care for her kittens while she was away. The absence of their soft purring and warm, small bodies nestled in her arms left a hollow ache in her heart.

“All clear,” Pup announced, securing the leashes around the energetic bodies of the two labs, who dutifully followed his lead, their tails wagging as they eagerly anticipated their next adventure.

“Nemo?” Doc queried, his tone serious yet calm.

Nettie blinked, slowly grasping that he was addressing the man through the communication system she had witnessed them operate at the bustling airport. The muted response was inaudible to her, but she deciphered the moment of silence as an assurance of safety as her guards guided her toward the welcoming embrace of her home, ushering her inside with a protective vigilance.

Pup moved to her side, the warmth of his presence surprising. He gestured theatrically toward the two dogs by his side. “This is Daisy,” he said with a proud smile, “and this handsome fellow is Bomber.” Each dog turned their attentive gaze toward him, ears perked and tails wagging slightly as if they understood their names and were pleased to be acknowledged. Nettie couldn’t help but wonder if she was imagining it—could dogs truly smile?

“Nice to meet both of you,” she said, her cheeks warming with a dash of embarrassment for speaking to the dogs as if they were people. Yet, the thought of interrupting Pup’s gentle bond with them kept her hands still by her sides. She promised herself that later, when the canines were off duty, she would take the time to give each a proper pet and scratch behind the ears.

As the day unfolded, Doc led her down a softly lit hallway toward the main suite. “This will be your sanctuary for the duration of your stay. All I ask is that you never lock the door. Close it as much as you like, but never lock us out.” His words evoked a sense of unspoken trust, a promise of safety.

Nettie nodded, stepping into the suite with a gasp that escaped her lips unbidden. The room was a beautiful haven, featuring a spacious king-sized bed draped with crisp white linens that beckoned her for rest. An adjoining ensuite gleamed invitingly, boasting an empty closet that awaited her belongings and polished bathroom counters ready for her to arrange her toiletries. She turned back to Doc. “My bags?”

Cowboy appeared then, striding in with a reassuring grin as he handed her the small overnight case. The contrast between her bags and the magnificent suite was stark, and she felt self- conscious for a brief moment.

Doc frowned slightly, his brow furrowing as he glanced at the modest size of her duffel and laptop bag. “Is that all you brought?”

Nettie looked down at the small bag, belatedly realizing how inadequate it seemed for her stay. Of course, this was all she needed—she had planned to visit Cassie and JD overnight before returning home. But now, with her carefully laid plans unraveling like a loose thread, she felt the weight of uncertainty pressing upon her.

“Do they have a washing machine?” she inquired, a hint of hope in her voice. The prospect of washing her clothes daily and rotating between her two outfits felt manageable. It was a small price to pay for the comfort of simplicity.

“Yes,” Doc replied with a nod, then turned and walked away, his figure casting a shadow as he guided Cowboy back to the brightly lit main area of the house. Nettie only caught a fragment of his words, “Tell Casper—” before they faded, leaving her momentarily alone in the quiet space.

With a sigh, she redirected her focus from the enticing allure of the large bed draped in soft linens. Work was to be done, and she was driven by an insatiable need for justice that always beckoned her. She set her laptop on the polished wooden table, alongside her notepad filled with scribbled thoughts and various files, ready to delve into the urgency of her tasks.

As her fingers danced across the keyboard, the familiar rhythm enveloped her. The idea of working remotely, tucked away in this serene environment, unexpectedly brought a sense of solace. She could now immerse herself in her work, channeling all her energy into the causes that fueled her passion until it would be safe to return to her previous life.

Despite dedicating herself fully to her work, her mind remained stubbornly anchored to thoughts of Casper and the two women who lingered like shadows in her memory. No matter how hard she tried to focus on the tasks at hand, the haunting image of losing him consumed her—only to confront the painful realization that there had never truly been a ‘them,’ and there likely never would be. It had all boiled down to a single, fleeting kiss, a momentary spark that held more weight in her imagination than in reality. She desperately needed to cling to that truth, to push aside the tantalizing fantasies that danced in her mind, insisting that a future they could never share was just an illusion.

A familiar voice sliced through the silence as she listened intently, causing her heart to race uncontrollably. It was unmistakable. He was here, stepping into her world again, sending a thrilling jolt through her.