Page 16 of Smoldering Nights
Mitch climbed out of his truck and went straight to her.
She didn’t wait.She stepped forward and walked right into his arms.
“I’m okay,” she murmured against his chest.“But it scared me so bad.He was right at the door.Rattling it.I thought he was going to come through.”
He held her tightly, resting his chin against the top of her head.Her body shook against his, and it created a riot of emotions in him.Anger.Fear for her, and that feeling when you enjoy being with someone.“You did the right thing.You called.You stayed inside.”
“I couldn’t see him.Just his shape.Hoodie.Tall.That’s it.”
Trey joined them a moment later.“Whoever it was didn’t leave much.No clear prints.A couple of boot scuffs in the mulch.We’ll check neighborhood cameras, but it was fast and clean.Like he was testing the response time.”
Mitch’s jaw clenched.“Escalation.”
Trey nodded.“Big time.”
Sadie’s voice was small.“She can’t stay here, Mitch.Not while he’s out there.Not with Travis coming and going.I can’t keep her safe.”
Mitch's jaw tightened.She needed someplace safe.“I can,” tumbled from his lips.
Izzy looked up at him, eyes searching his.“I don’t want to be a burden.”
“You’re not.”
“Mitch…”
“No more arguing,” he said, his voice low but firm.“Pack your things.You’re staying with me.”
What in the hell was he doing?He needed a safe house.He knew Marco and Theresa had a house that would make a security company jealous.That thought made him grin, and he admitted he was a tad jealous.But he had cameras and safety equipment all around his condo.Cameras outside.Inside pointed to the entry door.And inside his condo, he had alarms, cameras, and weapons.One way or another, she'd be safe at his place until they could figure this out.
Izzy stood stone-still, staring at him.He looked into her eyes.He didn't see anger or distrust.He saw sparkling green eyes, the prettiest shade of green he'd ever seen, staring back at him.
Then, slowly, she nodded.
Sadie gave her a quiet hug.“You’ll be okay.I’ll check in every day.”
"Thanks, Sadie."
She looked into his eyes once more."I'll follow you in my van."
Her hands were trembling, and her bottom lip quivered."Leave your van here.We'll come back for it.Plus, it's a large sign to alert anyone and everyone where you are.Not many pink vans around town."
"But what if he damages it?"
"Better it than you."
Her shoulders sank forward, and his heart hurt for her.Things seemed to keep piling on.
He helped her into his truck and saw her glance out the window every few seconds as they drove, like she was expecting the figure in the hoodie to appear in the rearview mirror.
He felt the same way and knew that man was close.He just needed to make a mistake so Mitch or Blossom Springs PD could catch him.
After pulling into his usual parking space at the condo, he pointed up to the corner of the building through his windshield.
"See that camera?"
Izzy craned her neck, then nodded."Yeah."
"Good.That will capture anyone driving into the parking lot.The span is from that empty building over there..."He pointed to the empty building set aside for Phase Three of the Barrack's plan."To all the way over there."He pointed to the fence line on the opposite side of them.
