“Dear God, please keep Nash safe,” Jo whispered under her breath, watching as he tightened his grip on the gun and slipped out the front door with Duke by his side.
She continued praying, bracing for the sounds of gunfire, loud voices, anything, but it was quiet. Too quiet.
Nash returned moments later. He wasn’t alone. Carrie was with him, carrying Mr. Whipple, who was not the least bit thrilled about being whisked inside at breakneck speed.
“Carrie. What are you doing here?”
“Mr. Whipple would not settle down. He wanted to come home. I figured with you two here, it would be safe.”
“You could’ve been shot,” Jo said. “Why didn’t you call?”
“Mr. Whipple was in such a hurry to leave, I forgot. I’ve already apologized to Nash. It’s not like I sneaked in. I drove right up the driveway,” Carrie said. “Where’s your truck?”
“Parked over on the next road. We didn’t want a strange vehicle sitting in the driveway.”
Carrie’s eyes grew round as saucers. “Do you want me to move my van?”
“Whoever it is doesn’t seem to be bothered by the fact you’re here. Now that I think about it, it might convince them to make a move if they know you’re home.”
“Like a lure,” Carrie said. “Luring them in.”
“Bingo.”
“Can I turn the lights on?” she asked.
“Be my guest,” Nash said. “Jo and I need to stay out of sight.”
“Oh. Right. I’ll leave the living room lights off.” Carrie spotted the sleeping bags. “It looks like you were getting cozy.”
“We were monitoring the backyard.” Jo patted Duke’s head. “Duke alerted us to you pulling in. Good job, Duke.”
“I’ll take Mr. Whipple upstairs to his room.” Carrie headed upstairs.
Jo waited until she was gone. “Do you think Carrie being here is a good thing or a bad thing?”
“Like you pointed out, the stalker and vandal don’t seem to care if she’s here or not,” Nash said. “As long as you and I stay out of sight, it should be all right.”
Carrie joined them a short time later. “Thanks again for trying to help me. I hope something happens. This being in limbo is getting old.”
“Along with damaging property,” Jo said.
Carrie stifled a yawn. “I’m exhausted. Do you mind if I head to bed?”
“Not at all,” Jo said. “We’ll probably give it another hour and turn in. Duke will keep watch while we’re resting.”
After Carrie went upstairs, Jo and Nash took turns getting ready in the bathroom.
Jo avoided making eye contact with the bear, still a little unnerved by the fact she was almost positive he was watching her. She made quick work of finishing up and hurried back into the living room.
“You didn’t waste any time,” Nash said.
“I don’t like being watched.”
“I guess this means even though you have double vanities in your bathroom, we won’t be getting ready at the same time.”
“Let me clarify. I don’t like being watched by a dead bear,” Jo said.
“Cool. Because I think it would be fun for us to brush our teeth side by side.” Nash grasped her hand and kissed the top. “It sounds romantic.”
Jo crawled into her sleeping bag. “Wait until you see my bed head in the morning. It won’t seem so sexy.”
“I’m sure you’re gorgeous day, night, morning breath, bed head,” Nash teased.
“Give it a couple of years. You’ll probably change your mind.” Jo covered her mouth. “I’m ready to hit the hay.”
“I think Duke and I will hang out a little longer.” He brushed a stray strand of hair from her eyes. “I love you, Jo.”
“I love you too.” Jo ran a light hand across his cheek. “Thank you for doing this.”
“Anything for the love of my life.”
Jo snuggled into the sleeping bag. She closed her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips. Life was good. Yes, it was unsettling to know someone with evil intentions was targeting Carrie, but with any luck, they would figure out who it was sooner rather than later.
She started to doze off…warm and comfy, knowing she was safe with Nash and Duke on guard.
Woof.
Jo bolted upright, dazed and confused about where she was until she realized she was on Carrie’s living room floor.
A dash of movement ran past her. It was Duke and Nash, heading out toward the door.
“What is it?”
“Someone’s outside.”
Jo jumped up, watching as Nash and Duke ran out of Carrie’s house and disappeared into the dark night. Jo clasped her hands, praying out loud. “God, please protect them.”