Page 64 of Jagger

“We should give them some water, Mommy.”

“Maybe we will on the way back,” I told her. “Plus, I’m certain they have some.” She loved all creatures big and small, acting as if she could save the world. I’d felt that way at her age even if I’d had no one to nurture me. I would do everything in my power while I remained alive to provide her with all the tools she needed to succeed.

How many times had I thought I would die? Too many. I dropped my head, the unexpected attack of emotions not what I needed right now.

I felt the heat of his gaze as he made another turn, the two-lane road turning into four. I could see the city limits sign including the population stats. I concentrated on that, biting my tongue to keep from issuing a stark sob.

Jagger had no idea what to say to me. For a man like him to stutter after coming inside meant he was clueless. Maybe I just needed coffee. Lots of coffee. I could handle an IV drip at this point. I was still afraid I’d be lost in the terrifying memories. Why was I so emotional today?

You know the answer.

He will find you.

Joel would need to make guesses about the last name I was using. After taking two years to finally learn my mother’s identity—including her last name, which I’d adopted—I hadn’t told him I’d been searching for her. Let alone what I’d found. However, I hadn’t offered to testify against my ex so no protection had been offered to me. My single report of abuse had been met with being made to feel like the attack had been my fault. I’d learned then just how deep the Brockford family pockets were. Using my mother’s name had seemed like the only choice.

Still, even if the odds of Joel finding out were slim, I worried he’d find a way.

“Mommy. Can I get an ice cream cone?”

“Ice cream?” Jagger finally piped in. “It’s like thirty degrees outside.”

“There’s no bad time for ice cream,” Cally and I said together. It had been our little mother-daughter motto since she’d managed to formulate sentences. I was amazed how adult she sounded at almost four. Like a big girl with even bigger dreams.

I remembered being that girl.

“Well, then. I think we can make that happen. If your mother approves,” he told us.

“Yay! Mommy. I’ve been good.”

Exhaling, I almost reached over and squeezed his leg, but thought better of it. We weren’t a couple. That’s what I had to keep telling myself. “Yes, honey. You have.”

Woof.

Xena piped in and I said a silent prayer Cally’s world wouldn’t need to be shattered with the loss of the pup. I had no clue if I could take her with me wherever we ended up. Or if she belonged to someone who was desperately looking for her.

“We’ll stop at the pet store first for a collar and leash, some food too,” he said, returning to his quiet space. “And maybe a few toys!”

“Okay. Is there a place we can ask around about whether Xena has been missing?” I tried to keep my voice low so Cally wouldn’t hear. She was so lucky to be alive, the few scratches and bumps, bruises and abrasions not keeping her down for long enough in my mind. The little girl had no idea how close she’d come to dying.

Oh, God.

I pressed my hand over my face, praying I could hold it in. Small towns were the kind of place where news traveled fast. I had a feeling I would be forced to go over the events again and again. I couldn’t handle that.

“Sure. Poppy’s Diner. A good place for all four of us to get something to eat.”

He didn’t seem happy about it either. “Including Xena?”

“Danger Falls is dog friendly. Almost every business and store. There isn’t a single person who won’t stop and pet a dog. Crazy shit.”

“He said a bad word.”

I bit back a laugh. “Yes, he did and he needs to apologize.”

Jagger finally cracked a smile. “I am very sorry. I was a bad, bad boy.” When he threw me a look this time, a moment of closeness erupted between us.

I adored this man, but how could I help him lose the anchor around his neck? If he wasn’t careful, it would soon become a noose.

The moments of awkward silence between us could be measured in miles or gallons. I wasn’t certain which fit the situation the best. At least the town limits came into view and I could absorb myself in the quaintness, buildings that indeed reminded me of those seen in holiday movies or television series that seemed to have no real point to them.

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