Page 63 of Shelter for Shay
“They already know Moose is coming,” Todd snapped. “You think they don’t? You think this letter wasn’t sent to shake you? It’s a warning, Shay. And they expect you to fall in line. But if we act. If we do the unexpected, they won’t see that coming.”
“Maybe, but I’m already worried about you two being here. If Blake and his goons are watching, they must think I’ve told people. If I’ve told anyone, then?—”
“Then we’re dead,” Becca said quietly. “Moose too.”
No one spoke.
Todd stepped away from the window and dialed the light down another notch.
Shay set her tea down with trembling hands. “I just—I can’t risk it. I can’t be the reason something happens to him. I can’t be the reason something happens to anyone. You two should leave.”
“We’re not going anywhere.” Todd’s expression softened. He crouched down in front of her, his voice quieter now. “But we have to be smart. Edmonds sent that note when he did because he knew you’d have the weekend to sit and stew in it. He wants you to be good and scared for deliberations. He wants you rattled enough to sway the room. Maybe not outright lead them—but just enough doubt to fracture the verdict.”
“That’s a tall order,” she mumbled. “I know I’m not supposed to talk about it, but the evidence in this case is overwhelmingly compelling. I’m sure it will be unanimous.”
“All the more reason to screw with you now.” Todd squeezed her hands. “I’ll send the note from my phone. Encrypted. It won’t trace back here. I’ll forward it to Moose, Andy, and Jacob. Just the image of the note. No message.”
Shay hesitated but finally nodded.
Todd tapped quickly, sending the image off into the digital void. Then he set the phone down like it had burned him.
Becca let out a long breath. “Okay. Now what?”
“Moose should be here soon, so we wait,” Todd said. “We stay put. Lights low. Doors locked.”
It felt like a plan. Or the best they could manage. Until the sound of tires skidding across gravel shattered the calm.
Shay’s heart slammed into her ribs. Todd was already moving, pulling back the curtain with two fingers, eyes narrowing.
The house had gone quiet. Too quiet. Then?—
Tires. Gravel. A snap. A crash. Wood splintering. The back door.
“Get behind me,” Todd barked, turning just in time to meet the first man rushing in—tall, broad, and armed.
Two more followed.
Shay tried to run. A scream tore from Becca’s throat. Todd threw a punch, connecting with someone’s jaw, but was immediately tackled and slammed into the wall.
“Don’t,” one of the men shouted, dragging Becca backward. “No one move unless you want to get hurt.”
It happened so fast. Rope. Duct tape. A blur of fists and grunts.
Shay fought, teeth bared, arms flailing, but the largest of the three had her by the waist, hauling her off the ground like she weighed nothing.
“Heard your boyfriend is on his way,” the man snarled in her ear. “Also heard over the police scanner that someone wanted eyes on this place. Something about a note. Should’ve kept your mouth shut.”
“Todd,” she cried, reaching back—but her friend was already gagged and bound, blood on his cheek and fury in his eyes.
Becca was sobbing. Her gaze locked on Shay’s.
“Don’t fight,” the man growled. “You’re worth more in one piece.”
They dragged her through the kitchen, her heels catching on the linoleum, her voice breaking on a scream as she was shoved out the back door.
Cold air. Pine trees. The hum of a waiting SUV.
The last thing she saw before the door slammed shut was Todd’s terrified face.
