Page 85 of Mountain Hero

“We’re going to need another bookcase, aren’t we?” I tap the app to access the camera—just because I think it’s nothing doesn’t mean I’m going to assume, not after everything we’ve been through.

“Maybe.” Winter smiles, looking a bit more relaxed. “I think there’s a spot open next to the couch.”

There’s a slight delay as the video loads, and I make a mental note—ask Alec about upgrading the Wi-Fi—before it finally opens to the live feed. But there’s nothing visible, just an expanse of empty driveway, so I rewind a few seconds to see who was there.

No.

My heart leaps into my throat.

Shit.

Not who was there.

Who is here.

Not a kindly retiree bearing food or Emmett, the guy who delivers our mail.

It’s so much worse.

My pulse rockets to triple speed.

I lift Winter off me and grab her hand. “We need to get inside. Now.”

She blinks in surprise. “What?”

But I’m already pulling her towards the front door. Urgency laces my tone. “Come on. Hurry.”

“Enzo?” Her voice wobbles. “What is it?”

I don’t want to tell her. Not yet. Not until we’re inside.

Instead of responding, I drag Winter the rest of the way, yank the door open and practically shove her through it. Only once I have the door shut and bolted do I answer her question.

“It’s Thomas.”

“What?” Her eyes go huge and all the color drains from her face. “How?”

“I don’t know. He’s coming up the driveway right now.”

Fuck.

I can hear the rumble of an engine approaching.

“Enzo…” She’s shaking all over, her breaths coming in quick gasps. “I don’t understand. He’s in jail. Are you… are you sure?”

“I’m sure. I could see him driving.” Grasping both her hands, I hold her gaze. Keeping my voice low, but commanding, I tell her, “I need you to get in the safe room. Right now.”

“No.” Winter shakes her head quickly. Adamantly. “No, Enzo. I’m not.”

“I need you to, hun. I’ll handle this.”

The engine is even louder now, nearly to the house. “You can’t. He’ll?—”

“Winter. Go to the safe room.” It’s an order this time. “Call 911.”

“Call them here. Now.” Her chin juts out. Her shoulders set. On a shaky exhale, she says, “He’s here for me. You know he is. I’m not hiding this time. I want to know what’s going on.”

Shit.

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