Page 38 of Home Town Knight

I had a sudden flash of certainty:These two women are not to be messed with.

But I was still just as confused.

Scarlett fixed me with her large eyes, which didn’t seem nearly as friendly as before. “Listen, sugar, I tend to be the happy-go-lucky one compared to my best friend here. But I’m also more blunt. You’re not the only innocent person at Last Refuge who came here for sanctuary.”

Oh.Oh.

Pieces started sliding into place. Like the pregnant woman and little girl who’d seemed so reticent by the cabins. Jessi’s avoidance of using their names, while she’d given them mine.

Because she thoughtIcould be a threat?

“I know how frightening it is to have crosshairs on your back,” Jessi went on. “The truth is, I never wanted this place to just be a hotel or a restaurant. It’s supposed to be a safe place for anyone who needs it. Anyone who needs a friend and has nowhere else to turn. Scarlett and I have both been there. We were scared and alone, and the people who were supposed to care for us had betrayed us in the worst way.”

The food churned in my stomach. My thoughts immediately went to my dad. I blinked away the tears before they could take hold.

Then I realized where I’d heard Jessi’s name before.

“You were a witness. It was…” I tried to recall. “The situation involving Owen’s family. The Rigsbys.”

Her expression tightened. “Yes.”

“I’m sorry you went through that.”

Jessi relaxed. “Thank you. I’m not saying your circumstances are the same, but the principle stands. This place will only be a refuge if we can trust those we allow here. That’s why we do background checks on all guests. We just didn’t realize you were a reporter until Owen told us.”

“Wait, are you worried I’ll publicize the names of other people staying here?”

“I have no idea,” Jessi replied. “Some reporters make stories out of less.”

“Well I promise you, I would never reveal the names or information of anyone if it could put them in danger. Same as I would never reveal a confidential source.”

Jessi bowed her head, acknowledging what I’d said. “We appreciate that.”

Scarlett tucked a dark red curl behind her ear. “I hope you aren’t offended. Jessi had to say her piece, and I do too, because we care deeply about Last Refuge and anyone whocomes to us for help. That includes you. If we’re all on the same page, then we’ll be fine.”

“I’m not offended. I value honesty, and I admire what you’re doing. If there’s anything I can do to helpyou, just ask. I’ll do whatever I can.”

“Good to know.” Jessi nodded at the desserts. None of us had touched a bite. “Not hungry?”

“Not really, no.” My insides were in knots. Why hadn’t Owen told me any of this?Probably because we’ve only been allies instead of enemies for an hour or so, I thought. But how much else was he holding back?

“Can I box them up for you?”

“Sure. I’d like that.”

I was lost in thought for a few minutes until Jessi returned with a to-go box. I realized Scarlett had been sitting with me quietly that whole time. Letting me think.

“I’d better get back to the tavern,” Jessi said. “I’ll see you later, Genevieve.”

“You can call me Gen.”

She smiled and squeezed my shoulder. “I will. Take care, Gen.”

Jessi left, and Scarlett stayed beside me as I walked toward the exit. “I’ll walk you back,” Scarlett said, which clearly wasn’t a request. But I didn’t mind. I was still trying to process everything I’d learned.

Outside, the shadows had lengthened. Darkness filled the spaces between the trees, and Scarlett’s presence was reassuring as we walked toward my cabin. I was taller than she was, yet she had a toughness about her that I recognized and respected.

“Trace will stop by later,” she said. “He’ll go over our standard security procedures. Would’ve done it earlier, but we didn’t realize you needed protection until you arrived.Besides, you probably benefitted from a little time to decompress.”

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