Page 21 of Christmas in the Shadows

He shook his head, his neck muscles tight. “No. He had too much of a head start, and he had a car waiting on the road behind the woods.”

Her face fell. “That’s too bad. Who was he?”

“I was hoping you could tell me that.” Then he glanced at the house. “We need to figure out what he was doing inside. You should wait here.”

She grabbed his arm with both of her hands, flinching as her stitches hit his bicep. But she didn’t let go. “I should go with you. If anything’s out of place, you’re not going to know.”

She had a point. Tex didn’t think anyone was inside. But still, he needed to be cautious.

“As long as you listen to me and stay behind me.”

“Whatever makes you happy,” she said.

Then she sucked in a breath as if she realized what she’d said.

Whatever makes you happy. That was what he’d always told her back in high school.

He’d meant the words. He would have moved heaven and earth to make her happy. The highlight of his day had been seeing her smile.

But those days were now gone, and he needed to remember that.

He grabbed a flashlight from his truck. The one on his phone could work in a pinch, but his Maglite was much stronger. Then he walked around the outside of the house, shining his flashlight on the ground as he searched for clues.

Chelsea still hung onto his arm, her fingers digging into his bicep. He didn’t complain.

In fact, it didn’t bother him at all.

He wanted her close so he could keep an eye on her.

He paused and shone his light on the back of the house. One of the windows was open. That was probably how that guy had gotten in—which was what Tex could only assume had happened.

“You leave that unlocked?” He gestured toward the window.

“Not usually.” Chelsea frowned as she stared at it. “However, I’m not saying I might not have accidentally left that one unlocked. I mean, this area is pretty safe, and I try not to live in fear.”

“I can appreciate that. But tonight, I need you to check all your windows before you go to bed.”

The fear on her face indicated she would—and that she’d planned on doing that even before he gave her the order.

“You have your key, right?”

She plucked it from her purse. Tex took it from her trembling hands, and they walked to the back door.

It was unlocked.

“I didn’t leave it that way.” Her voice trembled as she said the words.

Tex pulled it open. Then he braced himself for whatever he might find inside.

Chelsea couldn’t stop trembling. Even though she chided herself for the reaction, the shakes kept coming.

Someone had been in her house. Had invaded her space.

Now, she felt violated.

What would someone have been doing in there? It didn’t make any sense.

As Tex entered the house, she continued to grip his bicep. She had no shame in it. Right now, all she cared about was her safety.

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