Page 49 of Two Hearts' Accidental Heroes

Quite unexpectedly, Anya and Rick’s brother had decided to get married, and were having a celebration the day after tomorrow at the Dragonfly Pointe Inn. Grace was going to take care of baby Anya during the next two days so that Danielle Loughlin could make arrangements for Anya and Eric’s Christmas Eve wedding reception.

Both Danielle and Shanna had decided that Danielle would pick up the baby the day after tomorrow, on Christmas Eve, so that she could go home as a Christmas surprise with Anya and Eric that evening.

Boy, would they ever be surprised, Shanna had muttered, grimacing as she’d heard Danielle’s plan. But Danielle had reassured her that Eric and Anya spent most of their time at home, even babysitting for Ashley and Brian, Rick’s oldest brother. Plus, Eric and Rick’s parents would be in town, even though they weren’t going to be informed that little Anya was their grandchild until Jake decided it was safe.

Shanna would just have to trust Danielle, when she said that Shanna was doing the right thing. Grace would have her hands full with Johnny, although Rick and Shanna would more than likely be at home occasionally during the next month or two.

“When this is over, we should probably try to find a reliable sitter,” Rick said as they rested their overnight bags and small suitcases near the door since Jake would be picking them up.

“I was just thinking the same thing,” she said, fingering the engraved Dragonfly pendant she wore on a chain around her neck. “I love my gift. I’ll have to remember to remove it in case we have to go scrambling through the caves in the icy snow.”

Rick snorted. “And I love my watch. I’m still wearing it too. It’s funny how we both chose the same engraving.”

“Always in my heart?” Shanna’s smile was tender as Rick bent over, kissing her deeply.

They sighed, noticing the headlights in the driveway before someone honked.

“That must be Jake,” he muttered, reaching for her suitcase.

Opening the door, Shanna stepped outside ahead of Rick as large snowflakes suddenly began tumbling through the air.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

The three of them checked in at a motel in Houghton, Michigan at about eight p.m. that night. Jake would have additional reinforcements arriving tomorrow after Shanna hopefully led them to the property where she anticipated the victims would arrive.

Shanna would remain on hand just in case she was able to identify any of the traffickers. Although she hadn’t had much contact with individuals from the organization in several years, Shanna had accompanied her father multiple times as a teenager when he’d been using her as an extra source of income.

She’d never forget the faces of the men who’d more or less raped her.

Now that Johnny was safe, she was suddenly struck by the fact that she was no longer afraid.

“It seems a lot colder here,” Shanna said as she opened the luggage, dragging out the boots and warm winter leggings she’d brought along.

Rick gave her a half smile, studying the clothing she’d packed. “You’re a pro at dressing warm, aren’t you?”

Shanna grimaced. “Providing the water wasn’t frozen, I used to use that canoe I told you about late into November. I found out later that Wes knew all about it.”

Rick cocked his head. “What did you do?”

She shrugged. “I checked on my mom, mostly. I’d go into town and snatch things to read, like the local paper. I did some dumpster diving. I had a little bit of cash that Wes forgot about sometimes when he had me purchase things. He used to take me into town to drop off my artwork, you know, at the gallery. That way I could answer any questions about my work. Anyway, I’d go to the second-hand store and pick up little items I didn’t want to have to ask Wes for. I even visited the family cabin more than once just so I could remember who I once was.”

“Aw, Shanna. You had to be incredibly lonely,” Rick said, suddenly appearing shaken.

“Believe me, it was better than being locked up somewhere, never knowing when I was going to get a visit from Wes,” she said grimly. “He was nothing like he was when you met him, Rick.”

She didn’t cry when Rick pulled her into his arms, just holding her. Shanna felt incredibly lucky right now after everything she’d been through.

“I feel like I owe it to the other victims to do everything I can to save them, Rick. It’s weird, but I don’t even feel scared anymore,” she confessed.

“I’m so proud of you, Shanna. Anyone else who’d been through everything that you have, would more than likely be doing anything they could to distance themselves from everything that happened to them,” Rick admitted.

“Let’s get our clothes laid out and ready for tomorrow before we go downstairs and meet Jake. The restaurant is open until ten I noticed.”

“I’ll call him and tell him we’ll be down there in thirty minutes,” Rick said gently.

“Sounds good,” she said, giving him a reassuring smile.

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