Page 38 of Christmas in the Shadows

Getting coffee with Patrick. I’m only a phone call away if you need me. Let’s talk later, okay? I’ll be in touch.

Chelsea glanced at the time. It was already 9:30. She supposed it made sense that he’d already be gone, especially if he had other things to do.

Now Chelsea needed to sit down, clear her head, and come up with a plan. She had to figure out a way to find the answers she needed. Her life depended on it—and probably the lives of some of her students as well.

She frowned and swiped a hand over the top of her head.

The person coming after her had left her no choice.

CHAPTER 13

Tex looked up as someone walked into the coffeehouse.

Patrick. He’d shown up just like he said he would. Tex wasn’t sure why he’d been doubtful.

Tex had hated to leave Chelsea this morning, but when Patrick had texted and said he had some time to meet for coffee, Tex didn’t want to miss the opportunity.

But he couldn’t help but wonder if Chelsea was safe. If she were out of danger.

He’d never forgive himself if he left her alone and something happened to her. He prayed that wouldn’t be the case.

Patrick slid into the booth across from him. “Morning.”

“Morning.” Tex pointed to the coffee in front of him. “I ordered you a black, just like you said you preferred.”

Patrick smiled and took the cup. “Thank you. I appreciate that. I only have about thirty minutes before I’ve got to get back. Sorry to be so rushed.”

“I’m just glad you could meet at all. I know you’ve got to be busy.”

“We’re definitely understaffed. General practitioners are becoming a thing of the past. Everybody wants to be a specialist nowadays so they can make more money.”

“I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you to see and treat all your patients.”

“It can be a lot, but I love what I do.” Patrick paused and glanced at Tex, something shifting in his gaze. “You wanted to meet? Is everything okay?”

Tex tried to keep his voice casual. “I was hoping to catch up with you. It’s been a long time, and I wanted to see how things are going. It seems as if you’re doing well for yourself.”

“I can’t complain,” Patrick said. “I never thought I’d stay in this town. But here I am. I guess Holly Ridge is where I’m meant to be.”

“Do you ever talk to any of the guys we grew up with?”

“A few.” He shrugged. “You heard Pete Lawson is running for senate?”

“I did. He was always a smooth talker.”

Patrick chuckled. “Yes, he was. But I heard his campaign has run into some trouble.”

“What kind of trouble?”

“I’m not sure. It’s all rumors, I suppose. But someone on a local news podcast said he was considering dropping out of the race.”

“That’s too bad,” Tex muttered. “What about Gilbert? From the way you talked yesterday, I have the impression the two of you aren’t in touch much.”

“We’re not.” He shrugged. “Maybe I should be grateful because he gave me a roof over my head and food in my stomach. But I resent my time in his home, to be honest.”

Tex tried to keep his expression neutral. “I know it wasn’t the best of times. Gilbert could be hard on us.”

“Everyone knows he just took in foster kids for the money—money he was supposed to spend on us but that he spent on himself instead. Fostering wasn’t something he did out of thegoodness of his heart. I, for one, was relieved when he decided not to do anything with foster care anymore. It was time.”

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