Page 39 of Rafe

Shaking her head firmly, Maggie’s expression softened with resolve. “No, I can’t do that. I believe that as long as it’s still tourist season and the streets are bustling, he won’t have the chance to come after me.”

“Tourist season ends in a little over a month, Maggie. What happens then?” Vanna pressed, her concern echoing in the quiet pause of the conversation.

“I don’t know, Vanna,” Maggie admitted, her voice trailing off as she wrestled with the looming unknown.

Vanna sighed, her tone gentle yet firm. “I think that’s something you need to give some thought to.”

A quiet moment passed before Maggie added, “Rafe asked me the same thing,” her voice heavy with resignation.

“He’s worried about you.”

“I know,” Maggie replied, her tone barely a whisper, as if the mere admission carried a weight too heavy to bear aloud.

Just then, the opening of the back door echoed through the house. Maggie’s attention shifted as she watched Vanna’s face light up with a warm smile. Rising, Vanna walked toward the doorway where Grady soon appeared.

“Hi, Maggie,” Grady greeted, his voice rich and friendly as he leaned forward to plant a quick, affectionate kiss on Vanna’s lips. “Hi, darlin’,” he added.

“Hi, Grady. I guess I should be going,” Maggie said.

“Don’t go on my account. I need to grab a shower,” Grady joked.

“Yes, you do. You stink, Grady Henderson,” Vanna teased, her laughter bubbling out.

“Well, if you were working around cattle all day, you wouldn’t smell good either,” Grady retorted.

“I suppose,” Vanna chuckled.

“I’m going to head out now. Vanna? Thank you. I’ll see you Monday.” Maggie smiled.

“Alright. Be careful,” Vanna said, her voice soft with concern.

“I will. Bye, you two,” Maggie said quietly, leaving the warmth of the house. She stepped outside into the crisp air, climbed into her vehicle, and drove toward her apartment. Yet, as she parked, her gaze fell upon the apartment steps, and a shiver of uneasiness brushed over her. The idea of climbing those steps alone filled her with subtle dread.

Drawing a deep, steadying breath, Maggie opened the vehicle door and stepped out. Her shoes clicked against the metal as she ran up the steps, her heart pounding in unison with her anxious thoughts. With a quick flick of her fob, she locked her vehicle before entering her apartment, the door clicking shut behind her as if sealing her inside a world of uncertain refuge.

Moments later, as she sank onto the sofa and attempted to distract herself with the flicker of the television, the sudden vibration of her phone jolted her attention. She fished the device from her pocket and saw a text from Rafe.

Do you still want to go out tonight?

Yes.

Okay. I’ll pick you up around seven. Pack a bag. You’re staying with me.

Are you asking me or telling me?

I’m telling you. Either that, or I’m staying with you. It has nothing to do with Junior. I want to be with you.

A smile tugged at Maggie’s lips as she quickly typed back,I love it when you take control.

I know. I’ll see you later.

I’ll be waiting.

Setting the phone down carefully, Maggie reached for the remote and turned the channels on the TV. However, her focus proved evasive; her mind kept drifting back to the ominous notion that Frederick was out there, weaving his dangerous ways. She couldn’t shake the conviction that he was either already on his way to Clifton or had stealthily arrived already, and that thought made her pulse quicken with both fear and dread.

****

At precisely seven o’clock, Rafe maneuvered his truck to a halt at the base of the stairs. The engine’s rumble faded as heturned it off, and climbed out, the door closing with a solid thud. He ascended the steps with a sense of unease, troubled by the thought of her being by herself, though he felt helpless to change the situation. Forcing her to stay with him was out of the question.

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