Page 20 of Claws and Feathers

Sure, Cooper McAllister was handsome. Charming and caring. But attraction was a heavy word – it carried such an intricate weight. It came with layers and questions and feelings Abby was not interested in re-visiting. She wasn’t ready for a complicated word like that.

Maya had it wrong.

Abby pulled into Daphne’s driveway later that afternoon feeling encouraged. She felt lighter. She could breathe without choking on her own oxygen. It felt good to talk about the feelings surrounding her captivity. She hadn’t delved deep into her darkness yet, but it was a promising start.

Officer Walker was parked in front of the house when she turned onto the gravel drive. He got out of his vehicle to greet her when she exited her own car.

“Miss Stone. Pleasure.”

Abby tipped her head and offered him a wave. “You got suckered into being my babysitter today, huh?” She tried to lighten the graveness of her situation. It was the only way to get through it without crumbling.

James chuckled, his baritone voice rumbling through her. “Hardly suckered. I take my position as babysitter very seriously.”

She smiled. “Well, I certainly appreciate the extra hours you guys are clocking in. Makes a girl feel special.”

“It’s an honor, Miss Stone.”

Abby couldn’t help but blush at the sentiment. “I took my first adventure into Ashland today. It felt good to be out on my own for a little while.”

She decided not to mention how terrified she’d been at first – always looking over her shoulder. Driving under the speed limit, as if that would somehow make her blend in. Clutching her pepper spray with a death grip from inside her purse.

Abby just wanted to focus on the wins.

James looked less than celebratory. “Miss Vaughn told me you went to run errands. I thought it was a little soon for you to be without protection. I’m surprised McAllister didn’t send an officer with you.”

“He didn’t know. I just wanted to feel normal for a couple of hours.”

James looked pensive before approaching her. “Well, your secret’s safe with me. In the future, I highly advise letting us know so we can accompany you.”

She nodded her head. “Thanks.”

“Well, go on inside. I’ll be here if you need anything.”

Abby decided she liked James Walker. She liked all the officers in Crow’s Peak. They were kind and helpful – eager to answer her questions and go that extra mile. It had been a long time since she’d felt like people genuinely cared about her.

Except for Nana. Nana always cared.

“You’re back!” Daphne appeared from the kitchen, shoveling a spoonful of cereal into her mouth. She had pink, fuzzy slippers on her feet and an oversized robe tied around her. “Man, I’m such a bitch for not going with you. I’m glad you’re okay.”

“I’m not a toddler, Daph. I can do ‘big girl’ things.” Abby knew her friend was only showing concern, but Abby was more than ready to move on from her ordeal and start living her life again.

“As long as Freakazoid McGhee is still on the loose, you’ve got a target on your back whether you like it or not.”

“So, what if they never find him?” Abby countered. “I’m stuck inside a house for the rest of my life with bodyguards parked out front?”

Milk dribbled down Daphne’s chin and she wiped it away with the sleeve of her robe. “I don’t think The Crow has it in their budget to keep 24/7 surveillance on you for all eternity.” Then her eyes twinkled with mischief. “As much as I’m sure you’d enjoy that.”

Abby’s head jerked up. “What does that mean?”

“Oh, please. You’ve had a girl boner for Kate’s brother since you saw him at the bar that night. I’m sure you’re not complaining about him hanging around all the time.” Daphne set her bowl down next to her on the island. “Don’t bother inviting me to the wedding. Isodo not approve.”

“Wow,” Abby said, rolling her eyes. “You certainly haven’t gotten any less dramatic over the years.”

Her friend shrugged. “It’s part of my charm.”

Abby couldn’t help but smile. “There will be no wedding. And there will be no girl boners for that matter. God, that’s an awful term. What’s wrong with you?”

Daphne snorted. “Also part of my charm.”

---