Page 33 of Snowed Inn For Christmas

Julie curled up on the couch next to Daisy, worry etched deep on her face as she pressed a cold washcloth to Daisy’s forehead.

“I don’t feel good, mama,” Daisy said, the sadness in her voice breaking my heart.

“I know, sweetheart.I’m so sorry you’re not feeling well.”

“What does she need?”I asked, pacing behind the couch because I felt helpless.

“We’re doing everything we can right now,” Julie replied with a heavy sigh.“I’m trying to get her to drink fluids and giving her Tylenol for the fever.My mom is making chicken noodle soup.Unfortunately, this is just something that will have to pass.Hopefully it does quickly.”

“Do you want me to run to the store and grab anything?”I offered as I felt Patrick’s hand clasp my shoulder.I looked at him, confused because it wasn’t like we were friends.

“No.Thank you, though.It’s very sweet of you to offer.”

I nodded and then glanced at Patrick, wondering what he was up to.

“Come help me with the lights outside,” he said.

I arched an eyebrow but didn’t want to worry Julie as she returned her worried focus to Daisy.I grabbed my jacket from the coat rack and stepped outside with him, pulling the door closed behind me.

“What’s up?”I asked, shivering as a gust of cold air rushed between us.

“I just got a call from my friend, Keith, in Colorado.He haswaysof tracking people, and after I told him what was going on, he put a trace on Joel’s cell phone.Turns out that he’s here—in Silver Falls.He checked into a motel two days ago.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?”I shoved a hand through my hair and looked around, as if he would magically appear.

“I wish I were, but honestly, I expected it.”

“How so?”

“The asshole is clearly obsessed with Julie and went as far as hiding an AirTag in Daisy’s toy.We all knew he would figure out where they were sooner or later.At least we know that he’s here, so he can’t surprise us.”

“What do we do now?”

Patrick shrugged and let out a deep breath as he looked around, surveying the deep woods around us.

“Now we stay alert and wait for him to make his move.”