Page 55 of Scorched

He turned the card around, passing it to her. Maggie felt all the blood drain from her face as she took in the pictures inside the card. There were four, and in all four, someone had burned out her face. Fingers numb, they fell to her lap. “Oh my God. Who would do such a thing?”

Declan’s gut churned as he thought about those images. Someone wanted to do some serious harm to Maggie. “Some sick bastard, that’s who. There’s no return address on the envelope. Can you think of anyone who would want to hurt you?”

“I’m a criminal defense attorney. There are probably quite a few.”

“Anyone in particular?”

“Not that I can think of off the top of my head.” She put her fingers to her temples. “Though shock and adrenaline may have something to do with my inability to think at the moment.”

He pushed his door open. “Come on. Let’s go get some food and a stiff drink, and we’ll call Seb.”

“That sounds lovely.” She got out. “The drink will have to wait, though. I have to drive us back to town.”

“We could stay on the ranch. Your house is just down the lane.”

She pursed her lips, considering the idea. “That has merit. But you don’t have any other clothes.”

Declan held the door for her and they stepped inside, shaking off the raindrops once more. “It won’t be the first time I’ve worn the same stuff for two days in a row. I’ll be fine.”

The hostess smiled at them as they walked up to her. “Maggie. It’s good to see you. Tara’s not here, if you’re looking for her.”

“Hi, Kaylee. We’re not. We just came to eat.”

“Oh, okay. Great. Do you want a booth or a table?”

“Booth,” Declan answered. “Somewhere private.” He didn’t want anyone overhearing the conversation they would soon have with Seb.

“Of course.” She picked up two menus. “Follow me.”

They crossed the dining area to a booth tucked into the corner. Declan eased into the seat while Maggie flopped down across from him.

“Can I get you two anything to drink before you order?” Kaylee handed them their menus.

“I want a strawberry margarita. A big one,” Maggie said, shedding her coat.

The girl nodded, then looked at Declan.

“Jack and Coke.”

“Okay. Your server will bring them out shortly.” She spun on her heel, leaving them alone.

Declan took out his phone and called Seb.

“You’re interrupting family game night,” Seb said when he answered. “Abigail’s kicking my ass, so I’m not all that upset.”

Despite the situation, Declan chuckled. “Good for her. I’m going to save you a further beating. Can you come out to the Heartwood? Maggie and I stopped at the ranch to get her mail and some food. She got a threatening card you should see.”

“What?”

Declan could practically see the frown on Seb’s face from that one word. “Just get over here.”

“Yeah.” He sighed. “On my way.”

“Is he coming?” Maggie asked as Declan hung up.

“Yes.” He picked up his menu, not really seeing it. His eyes strayed to the card lying atop the table. Who could it be from? She could be right that it was from some disgruntled plaintiff or client. But the burned-out face bugged him. After all the fires, it was too much of a coincidence. Why the arsonist would target Maggie, he had no clue. If the fires were about the child trafficking ring, she shouldn’t be a target.

Their server showed up with their drinks, and they gave their orders. Declan asked Maggie about her day while they waited, doing his best to distract them both. He supposed he could bring up their relationship, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to think about that, either. As much as he liked her and found her attractive, he was hesitant to drag her further into his family drama. Hell, the more he learned about his parents, the trashier he felt. Maggie’s family was loaded. She was an attorney, for crap’s sake. He was a firefighter from a hellish family. She didn’t need his past clouding her life. He was better off with his solitary state. They both were. Fewer people got hurt that way.

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