Page 94 of Mountain Defender

No.I can’t even think it. Not when I’ve only just found him. Not when his firstI love youis still fresh in my mind.

“Melissa. Do you want to sit down?” Setting the box of photos on the coffee table, I gesture at the couch.

She turns to face me, an unreadable expression on her face. A flutter of unease moves through me, though I can’t pinpoint why.

Then her eyes dart to the front door, and my heart stutters.

Is there someone out there?

Did she bring them here?

Is she working with Elliott? Mavers? Wade?

What if one of them escaped and spotted her on the way over here?

My pulse quickens as the terrifying scenario comes to life in my head.

Melissa, drunk, not paying attention, accosted on her way down the dimly lit path to our cabin. Grabbed by a man who recently escaped from prison, threatened, and forced into helping him access our cabin.

I can practically hear Mavers’s serpentine voice telling Melissa, “You get in there, distract them. Keep them occupied. Then I’ll come in to finish the job.”

She might have tried to argue. Upset or not, she wouldn’t want to be an accomplice to that. But then Mavers—or Wade? Elliott?—threatened to kill her. Maybe put a gun to her head and cocked the trigger. Can I blame her for agreeing to save her own life?

Iwould never do it. But that doesn’t mean I couldn’t understand.

No. I’m being ridiculous. This is nothing more than what it appears.

“Melissa,” I say gently. “I can’t imagine how hard today must have been?—”

“No. Youcan’t.” An angry flush suffuses her cheeks. She takes an unsteady step towards me. “You didn’t lose the only man you ever loved. You have no idea what it’s like to experience that kind of loss. That kind of pain.”

“I do—” But I stop myself. This isn’t about me. Melissa doesn’t know what I’ve been through, and she doesn’t care. Not right now. Soothingly, I say, “I’m so sorry for your loss. And you’re right. I can’t understand.”

“It’s notright.” Melissa’s voice pitches up. “This should bemylife.Ourlife. Vince and I should be here having a romantic night at the cabin. Not you!”

Hot breath hits my face, the burn of alcohol making my eyes water. As she moves even closer, irrational fear edges in.

“I think you should go. Can I call someone for you? The Mattisons? One of your friends?”

“Go?” It’s sharp. Incredulous. “Who do you think you are, telling me what to do?”

My heart skips another beat.

Where is Gage? How long has it been since I let Melissa in? The water’s off, so he must be getting dressed. Surely he’ll be out soon to help defuse this.

“I’m not. But you’re clearly upset and I’m not sure?—”

“I’mupset?” Her features contort in anger. “I’m not upset. I’m fuckingfurious! It’s not right! It’snot!”

She advances on me, her gaze snapping fire. The veins on her neck and forehead stand out. With a frantic glance around the room, she spits, “Where is he? Where’s McKay? He should be here!”

Gage!

Why haven’t I called to him before now? I told him everything was fine. He has no idea Melissa is losing it right here in the living room of our cabin.

“Gage!” I call out. “Can you please come out?—”

But my words dry up in an instant.