Page 68 of No Good Deed

Her phone buzzed with a text, and she found another update from Marcus. She wondered if the deputy ever slept.

FYI. They’re in separate vehicles, being transported to a state prison.

Relief swept through her. Ethan was out of Phail. She wouldn’t have to see him until the trial. Unless he pled guilty before it began, which Marcus thought was a possibility.

Chad Westerlake was spilling his story, hoping to make a deal for lesser charges. If Ethan wanted to avoid maximum sentencing, pleading guilty would help him.

According to Chad, Ethan had hired him to aid in the break-ins. Under Ethan’s direction, Chad had mugged her and crashed into her car. Ethan had bought a tracker online, and ordered Chad to place it on her car. Chad had followed her to Phail, and stayed in a nearby town. Then he’d smashed her car’s window, and accosted her at the B&B.

When Chad hadn’t found the USB, Ethan had taken a week’s vacation and come to Phail. Ethan had planned the kidnapping and ordered Chad to drive away and return when called.

Piper blew out a breath, and moved into another stretch. She felt like she’d starred in a movie of the week, and she wanted nothing more than to go back to her quiet life.

Well, that wasn’t true. She didn’t want to go back. She wanted to go forward, to start a quiet life here in Phail with Troy.

Oreo roused from his nap and moved into his own stretching routine, making Piper grin. “Are you my new exercise partner, Oreo?”

The little dog barked and trotted to the door. Piper rose to get the leash. “You’re better than a clock. I’m glad you can tell me when you need to go outside.”

She hooked up the dog and put on her outdoor gear. While being alone outside made her nervous, she refused to give in to the fear. Ethan and Chad were no longer in Phail.

Her phone beeped while she slid on her boots. The text was from Addison Syrette. She’d gotten to know the woman and her daughter over the past few days. They were both amazing, and Nina had fallen in love with Oreo.

Addison’s text made Piper smile. Any chance you’re home with Oreo? Nina was hoping we could stop by. No worries if you’re busy or not there.

Addison was much less outgoing than her daughter, and she guessed the text had been difficult to send. Piper was glad she was able to answer in the affirmative. Just heading out to go for a walk. Want to join me?

Piper wondered if the town had put together a schedule to keep an eye on her when Troy was working. Someone was always texting her or dropping by to visit. She’d never had a big group of friends around her before, and while it was a bit overwhelming, it was also incredibly sweet.

Outside, she found Addison and Nina approaching on the sidewalk. Nina bounced ahead and squatted down to pet Oreo, who took his head out of the snowbank and wiggled with delight.

Addison smiled as she neared. “If you want some time alone, we don’t have to bother you.”

Nina looked up with an eye roll. “Mom, we’re not bothering her or asking for anything. We’re just keeping her and Oreo company. Can I take the leash, Piper?”

Piper handed it over. “You sure can, and you’re right. You’re not bothering me at all.”

Nina and Oreo strolled ahead, and she followed with Addison at her side. The other woman smiled. “Thank you. Nina wants a dog desperately, but I just can’t swing it right now. Maybe in a year or so.”

Piper grinned. “No worries. You’re both welcome to visit with me and Oreo any time.”

They walked up and down Phail Way, chatting with all the townspeople they passed. “I love this town. The people are so great.”

Addison nodded. “Me too. I’m so glad this is where Nina and I ended up. Even if they won’t change the name of the place.”

As they passed Phail General on the way home, Troy exited the building and locked up. “Good evening, ladies. Just in time to escort me home.”

When they reached Addison’s car, she and her daughter thanked Piper, and drove off.

Piper looped her arm through Troy’s and bumped his hip with hers. “You can probably call off the support crew any time now.”

“What?”

She raised an eyebrow. “Don’t act all innocent. You’ve got people checking in with me multiple times a day, often when it’s time to leave your house to walk Oreo.”

His skin flushed and he grinned. “Guilty. But I only did the coordination. Everyone came to me to make sure you were feeling comfortable in town. They were worried Ethan might have scared you away.”

That made her heart warm. “Seriously? That’s very sweet.”

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