Page 38 of Mountain Captive

“I can’t feel safe anywhere as long as I know the Vine is so close by.” She laid her head on his shoulder. “But being here is better than being alone.”

“It is.” He squeezed her shoulder. “Better for me too.”

Chapter Twelve

The next morning Rand awoke early—a habit from so many dawn hospital shifts. He dressed and moved to the kitchen, hearing no indication Chris was awake. Good. She had looked exhausted when she had retired to her room last night. He had felt drained, too, but not in a bad way. Revisiting the events surrounding Teri’s death had been wrenching, but cleansing too.

He had coffee brewing and was chopping vegetables for omelets when Chris came into the kitchen. “I thought you would have left for work,” she said as she headed for the coffeepot.

“I have a couple of days off.” He began cracking eggs into a bowl. “Do you want to do something today to get out of the house? Maybe a hike or a drive in the mountains?”

She sipped the coffee and closed her eyes, a look of satisfaction tugging up the corners of her mouth. He almost chuckled. He had experienced those first-sip nirvana moments himself. Then the smile faded, and she opened her eyes again. “I should probably check in with Jasmine and see if my doors have been repaired. Now that the Vine has moved on, I should go home.”

“Do you really think they’ve moved away?” Rand asked. He began sautéing the peppers, onions and mushrooms. “Maybe they’ve just relocated to a new campsite the sheriff doesn’t know about.”

She cradled her mug in both hands. “Honestly, I would be surprised if they gave up on me so easily,” she said. “They’ve been pursuing me for years. This is the first time they’ve gotten close enough to confront me face-to-face. That must feel like a victory to them.”

“I agree,” he said. “Groups like this count on people underestimating them.” The way he had underestimated the Seekers. “I think they’re probably lying low and waiting for another opportunity.”

She nodded.

“I think you should stay here until we’re sure there’s not a threat.” He turned back to the stove and added the eggs to the pan. “So, what about taking a drive into the mountains today? Maybe find a trail to hike?”

“Sure. That’s a great idea.” She straightened. “Is there anything I can do to help with breakfast?”

“Get two plates out of that cabinet there, will you?” He added cheese to the omelet, then folded it over.

She brought out the plates, and he divided the omelet between them; then they carried the meal to the table. “You’ve lived here longer than I have,” he said. “Where would be a good place for us to check out this morning?”

They discussed options. Chris’s mood seemed to lift as they talked. Rand hoped the prospect of a day spent with him—not just the momentary distraction from her concerns about the Vine—was at least partially responsible for her change in mood.

THEYWERECLEARINGthe dishes when Chris’s phone rang. She didn’t recognize the number. “Hello?” she asked, expecting a junk call.

“I’m panicking and I need someone to talk me down off a ledge.” Bethany sounded breathless.

Chris laughed. “What’s going on?” She moved into the living room.

“I’m serious. Something terrible has happened. I need help.”

“What’s wrong?” Chris gripped the phone more tightly. “What can I do?”

“I’m thinking we could blow up the stretch of highway leading into Eagle Mountain, but my family probably wouldn’t let an obstacle like that stop them. Plus, there’s the jail time to think of, not to mention I’m afraid of explosives.”

“What are you talking about? You’re not making sense.”

“Sorry. But I’m so freaked out. My family has decided if I won’t come back to Vermont to them, they will come here.”

“Your family is coming to visit you? That doesn’t sound so bad.” Leave it to Bethany—who clearly liked drama—to make something like this into a big deal.

“No, they’re moving here. All of them. My mom and dad and all three of my brothers.”

“Oh, wow. What brought this on?”

“They’re not just moving here—they’re buying the Jeep-rental business I work for. And not just the business but the building it’s in. Where my apartment is located. So now they’re going to be my bosses and my landlords as well as my parents.”

“Yikes. You weren’t kidding when you said they’re overprotective.”

“I knew the business was for sale, but I never imagined my parents would buy it. Mom and Dad said they’re ready to try something new, and they’re super excited we’re all going to be together again.”

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