Chelsey blushed and shook her head. “If it’s all the same to you, I’d like to pick out what I need.”
He hesitated, wishing he could wrap her in bulletproof clothing and keep her hidden from view. But she likely needed personal items, so he gave in. “Okay.”
Thankfully, there was a general shop located directly across from the motel. He picked out a few things for himself, then waited for Chelsey to finish before paying for everything in cash.
“I have money at home,” Chelsey told him. She clutched the bag of clothing and personal items to her chest as if it were filled with gold.
“Don’t worry about it.” He didn’t have the heart to tell her she wasn’t going to be returning home anytime soon.
If ever.
“Do you smell that?” She sniffed the air appreciatively. “Smells like roasted corn and barbequed ribs.”
That made him smile. “We’ll eat as soon as we clean up.” He kept his gaze out for anything suspicious as they crossed the street to the motel.
“I’ll be ready in twenty minutes,” Chelsey promised as she unlocked her door. “I’m too hungry to wait any longer.”
“Sounds good.”
He waited until Chelsey closed and locked her door, before entering his own room. Slade glanced up at him. “Reinforcements should be on their way soon.”
“More US marshals?” He dropped his bag of clothes and shoes on the bed closest to the bathroom.
Slade nodded. “A couple of guys I trust with my life, Colt Nelson and Tanner Wilcox.”
He forced a nod, inwardly wincing at the idea of more people being brought into this. If he had his way, he’d contact his brother-in-law, Mike Callahan, and the soldiers he’d fought alongside in Afghanistan, Hawk Jacobson and Ryker Tillman, for help. Those were the men he trusted with his life.
And Chelsey’s.
But very soon, he wouldn’t be in the picture at all. This was a case involving the US marshals and evidence Brett had uncovered while working at Coyote Creek Construction. It was only a matter of time before the US marshals whisked Chelsey away and stashed her someplace safe.
Leaving him behind.
A hot shower with soap and shampoo had never felt so good.
Dressing in plain clothes that actually fit was wonderful. Chelsey never wanted to wear another wedding dress ever again. She placed various Band-Aids on her open blisters, then gingerly drew on cotton socks and slipped her feet into the running shoes she’d gotten from the store. Brushing her damp, curly shoulder-length hair, she used a couple of bobby pins to keep it out of her face, then let it air dry.
Exactly twenty minutes later, there was a light rap on her door. Smoothing the cotton top over the waistband of her jeans, she crossed over and opened it. Duncan, showered and shaved, looked handsome dressed in black jeans and a black T-shirt.
Her heart gave a betraying thump in her chest. She tried to ignore it. This attraction she felt toward Duncan had to stop. She’d mistaken her feelings toward Brett for something more than friendship. No way was she going to make the same mistake again.
“Ready to go?” Duncan held out his hand.
She didn’t hesitate to place her palm in his. “Yes.” Belatedly she noticed Slade standing behind him. “I’m famished, those protein bars disappeared a long time ago.”
Slade smiled wryly. “I’m sure they did.”
She clutched Duncan’s hand tightly as they walked to the restaurant attached to the motel. Tantalizing scents wafted toward her, making her mouth water. For one brief moment it was as if all the madness of the past forty-eight hours hadn’t happened. This could be a nice dinner out with a friend.
Slade’s phone rang as they were escorted to a table in the corner of the restaurant. “Colt? What’s your ETA?”
Chelsey glanced at Duncan with confusion. He avoided her gaze and pulled out a chair for her, taking a seat beside her.
“What’s going on?” she asked in a low voice. “Who’s Colt?”
“Another US marshal.” Duncan’s serious expression gave her a twinge of concern.
Slade disconnected from the call and slid the phone in his pocket beneath the five-point silver star on his chest. “Colt will be here by tomorrow afternoon. Tanner has a conflict. We’ll make a game plan once Colt arrives.”
“What kind of game plan?” Chelsey glanced between the two men. “Are both Colt and Tanner US marshals?”
“Yes, they are.”
She wrinkled her brow. “I still don’t understand.”
“Can I get you all something to drink?” Their female server was dressed in skintight denim jeans, cowboy boots and a short-sleeved Western-style shirt.
“Actually, I’m ready to order my meal,” Chelsey said, glancing at the men. “Just water to drink, and I’d love some barbecued ribs and grilled corn, with a side salad, please.”
“I’ll have the same,” Duncan chimed in.
“Make that three,” Slade said. “Thanks.”
“I’ll be back shortly with your water.”
“Let’s eat first,” Duncan said with a pointed look at Slade. “We can talk freely back at the motel.”
“Good idea,” Slade agreed.
Chelsey felt as if there was something she was missing. When their server returned with a tall glass of water for each of them, she took a long, grateful drink.
Never again would she take food, water and shelter for granted.
“I need a phone so I can call my assistant manager at the hotel,” she said to Duncan. “I’m sure Trish is frantic by now.”
“Trish—your maid of honor, right?” Duncan asked.
She nodded. “I need to let her know I’m okay, and that I’ll be back soon.”
There was a long silence as the two men studiously avoided looking at her. A chill rippled down her back. “What? Are you saying I won’t be back soon?”
“Chelsey, we need to keep you safe.” Duncan’s tone was gentle. “Let’s just take things one step at a time, okay?”
She didn’t like the sound of that.
“Chelsey, I want you to think about what Brett said to you over the past couple of weeks.” Slade gazed at her
