“I don't understand, Sheriff,” Delta says.
“Why? He's the one who helped her in the first place,” Daniel snaps. Delta sits back and glances at him.
“Daniel will you make us some coffee while we talk.”
The Sheriff smiles as he steps inside. “Thank you. I won’t dance around this, Ms. Richards. Melody thought he was passed out. He heard her say she was going to make you pay. In exchange for a written statement from him and a promise to testify against her, he will receive immunity.”
“I see. What do you need from me?”
“A written statement regarding the incident.” He hands her paper and pen on a clipboard. Daniel returns with the coffee and stands nearby listening.
“Daniel, I need to ask you some personal questions.” Clearly uncomfortable now, he glances at Delta. Daniel shrugs and looks at her.
“I have nothing to hide, ask your questions, Allen,” he says sipping his coffee. Allen stands up and walks over to him.
“Did you have a personal relationship with Melody?”
“Of course not. She’s worked at the lodge since she was sixteen years old, Allen.”
Delta listens and watches as he glances at her.
Allen sighs and removes his hat. “Good. We have a statement from her doctor. She's disturbed, Daniel, with multiple mental disorders. Unfortunately, she has fixated on you.”
Half an hour later the Sheriff takes her written statement and turns to Daniel. “The arrest warrant was issued this morning. She won't get far.” After he leaves Daniel glances at Delta.
Guilt weighs heavy on him. She's in danger, and it has nothing to do with her. There's no telling how long this could go on for. The safest thing for her is to be far away from him. If she is hurt again because of him, he will never forgive himself.
Stomping inside, he brings her crutches to her. “We should get inside.” Delta sighs, standing up and follows him inside. He locks and sets the security system. Daniel avoids looking at her. “I'm going to grab a shower, you should rest.” He walks away without touching her, and she watches him go.
Delta calls Phillip and is surprised to find out they’re having problems getting a flight. “I don’t want you to come here.” She tells him about the police and how things have changed.
“Okay, then it is clearly time for you to come home, Delta. When they catch her, you can go back. This isn’t worth putting your life in danger,” Phillip argues.
“I have to see the Doctor on Thursday, I'll make up my mind after that appointment,” Delta grumbles and stares at the closed door.
Daniel knows what he needs to do. He showers and dresses quickly before heading to his office down the hall, while Delta gets dressed. Avoiding her still he makes a few phone calls and hires extra security before buying a plane ticket for Delta for Thursday afternoon. Printing it out he looks up surprised to see her in the doorway.
“What’s going on, Daniel?” She asks.
The doorbell rings and Daniel walks past her without commenting. Delta follows quietly.
“Delta, come meet our security team.”
Delta is shocked that he would go to such lengths, but part of her is relieved. Two men dressed in plain clothes, introduce themselves.
“It’s nice to meet you,” she states softly. “Daniel, are you sure this is necessary? The Sheriff…”
“The Sheriff can't be everywhere, Delta, and I have to get back to work. They will work in rotating shifts of two. You will never be alone. It's the safest course of action.”
“I see.” Delta covers the hurt, but not quickly enough. Daniel curses inwardly, but he knows this is necessary to keep her safe. Daniel walks out and gives the security crew a guided tour of the grounds and houses. They go over the security system on the house before he leaves to go to work.
Delta calls Phillip and Easley to tell them she will is flying home on Sunday. They're relieved to know she will be safe and she promises to call them when she is home. It's amazing how quickly they believed her. She wants to keep them safe and bringing them here with all of this is going on just wasn't a risk she was willing to take. Easley was able to research Melody and found out that she had been hospitalized for six weeks during college, for deteriorating mental conditions.
“Delta, it's only a matter of time before everyone he loves becomes a target. It's best for everyone if you are not in the middle of this. Let the police do their job.” Delta agrees with her and hangs up. She doesn't feel guilty for keeping them safe. They're part of her family, and she is sure they would do the same for her.
Over the next three days, Delta barely sees Daniel. He chooses to sleep in the guest room upstairs and keeps Chase away from the house. Delta feels like a prisoner in a stranger's house. She works on her books and begins to exercise her leg by walking without the crutches. Her leg is healing well, and she is excited to go to the doctor on Thursday morning. When Daniel comes home Wednesday evening, she is waiting for him.
“Delta, is everything alright?” Clearly shocked to see her sitting alone in the living room, he locks up, setting the alarm. He continues avoiding eye contact with her.
“No, Daniel.” She stands up and limps to him. “What’s this?” Holding up the printed e-ticket she waves at him.
“I meant to talk to you about that, but I’ve been busy.” Daniel’s voice is cold and distant. “Considering everything you’ve been through since you checked into the ranch house, we’ve decided to not charge you for your stay. This is a prepaid first class ticket home for Thursday afternoon.”
Delta was prepared for this. “That’s
