“You can’t blame him.” Flynn shrugged one shoulder. “You’re a client, and I appreciate you being smart enough to be suspicious of anyone and everyone, but Nick is your boyfriend. People outside the business rarely understand that paranoia saves lives.”
Ellie let out a bark of angry laughter. “If only he could hear you say that and realize that it’s not a reflection of him.”
“Get some rest. Things will be clearer in the morning.”
* * *
But Flynn was wrong.
By the time Ellie woke up, it was nearly lunchtime, and Nick’s bed showed no signs of having been used. On top of the blanket, he’d scrawled a quick, angry note. We’ll talk later. I’ll call you.
Ellie held the note in her hands, dropping onto the edge of the bed as angry tears burned her eyes. Nick had never been this mad, and she didn’t blame him for being hurt. In his place, she would be angry too.
Flynn and Zeke were quiet as she made her way to the kitchen.
Valerie gave her a warm smile and hugged her tight. “It’s going to be okay.”
Ellie nodded, biting her lip to stem the flow of fresh, hot tears that threatened. She turned to Flynn. “Do you need me to watch the perimeter so you can rest?”
He shook his head. “Nick relieved us for a few hours after you went to bed. He couldn’t sleep.”
“When did he leave?”
“Around nine this morning. I thought it would be better to let you sleep.”
“I wish you would’ve let me make that decision for myself.” Ellie’s tone was snippy, but she didn’t apologize.
Flynn didn’t react to her snark. “You’re at a disadvantage if you’re exhausted. I don’t know what that woman was up to, but clearly something.”
“He’s right,” Valerie offered. “I don’t want you to get hurt because of me.”
Ellie’s anger dissipated as she looked into Valerie’s worried eyes. “This isn’t your fault. You were just a little kid when I was kidnapped.”
“So were you.” Valerie’s smile was soft, blue eyes filled with sadness. “Fifteen is just a baby. You didn’t deserve what happened to you, and you don’t deserve what’s going on now.”
“Thank you.” Ellie sighed. “Except, the only thing that’s actually happened is that my boyfriend is pissed at me, and we’re sitting here with no idea what the next move is.”
“It’s only noon.”
“Thanks, Flynn. That helps.”
Flynn smiled sheepishly, shrugging. “I’m just saying. Don’t let your guard down just yet. Maybe you should stay here.”
Ellie shook her head. “It’s Friday. At some point, I need to call my superior officer and let him know I’m not dead.”
Valerie gestured at the fridge. “Can I make you some food before you go? It’s been forever since I’ve seen anyone but Zeke and Flynn.”
Ellie smiled as she realized she might be witnessing the Valerie she’d been before she was kidnapped. Had she been the one who always fed her friends? “I’ll take a sandwich to go. I have to be getting back.”
Valerie opened the fridge and pulled out cheese and sliced turkey.
Flynn caught Ellie’s eye, nodded toward the bedrooms, and Ellie followed him to the hallway. “You need to be careful. It’s clear that woman was trying to throw you out of your routine for whatever reason.”
“I agree.”
“I’d feel better if you’d stay here.”
Ellie pushed her hair back from her face, using the elastic around her wrist to keep it in place. “I need to get home, get to work. I won’t solve anything sitting out here.”
“If you change your mind, call first. I know we’re all going to be on edge until the trial is over.”
She eyed the large man who seemed poised to snap anyone in half who threatened Valerie. “If this is you on edge, I’d hate to see you calm.”
Flynn laughed. “I can be both at the same time. Take care of yourself. Do you have a vest?”
Ellie nodded at her go-bag. “You think I should suit up now?”
Flynn looked deadly serious when he nodded. “Vests and as many guns as you have.”
Realizing he was right to take the precautions, Ellie opened her bag and pulled on the vest before covering it with an oversized shirt she always carried. Next, she added her ankle and hip holsters, checking each gun to make sure the chambers were filled.
She was ready for whatever came her way. She hoped.
Flynn looked relieved. “Valerie is fond of you, and she’d be devastated if anything happened to you. She’s already lost so much.”
“I know.”
“I’ll walk you to your car.”
Valerie appeared seconds later with a sandwich, a sparkling fruit juice, and a hug. “Be careful.”
“I will.”
Valerie pulled away, eyes brimming with tears. She cleared her throat and walked back into the kitchen without another word.
Ellie let Flynn give the all-clear before she went outside, using the remote start button on the key fob to start the engine while she was still a safe distance away. When the car didn’t go boom, she relaxed and rolled her head on her shoulders to alleviate some more of the tension.
Flynn smiled. “Smart woman. I’d suggest using that feature from now on, if I’m being honest.”
“I think you’re right.”
Getting into the vehicle, Ellie waved once before heading down the driveway and into the woods. She was on high alert, watching the tree-lined shoulder for signs of danger, and didn’t relax until she was twenty minutes away, down the winding two-lane road and merging onto the highway. When she’d gone past several exits, she rubbed her shoulder, which she hadn’t realized had been so tense that she was now sore.
She was finally far enough away from the safe house to call Jillian without giving away Valerie’s location. She’d already disabled the GPS just in case, though she knew it wouldn’t do her much good if she was already being tracked. But Jillian had probably spent the night wondering if Ellie and Valerie were all right, and it wasn’t right to make her wait longer.
Fishing her cell out
