Page 5 of Ambush

“It might have developed after the two altercations. I haven’t been able to figure out why she targeted The Sanctuary. We rescue animals and give them acres and acres to roam. We love them and care for them. I tried to talk to her when she first showed up, but she’d made up her mind about us before she ever came with her followers. Her blog followers sent nasty messages too, and I had to shut down our social media accounts.”

Rod’s gaze fell away, and Blake read the heightening suspicion on his face. “I would never hurt her or anyone else.” Hollow words. Every criminal probably protested his innocence.

McShea rose and adjusted his belt. “Thanks for the information. I’ll be in touch if I think of anything else.”

Blake ushered him out and locked the door behind him before he rejoined his mother. She sat with her face in her hands. Shelifted her head and stared at him with tear-filled eyes. “He thinks we killed her.”

“I know.” Blake sank back onto the sofa. “We’ll weather the gossip though, just like we always do.”

She bit her lip and nodded. “And I’m sorry I blindsided you with Paradise. I tried to tell you several times but couldn’t find the right words.”

“Why would you hire her, Mom? She hates me now. It’s going to be a source of conflict, and we don’t need more stress.”

“She’s had a rough time, Blake. I heard about it through a woman who worked at her zoo. I was desperate for help here, cheap help, and she needed a place to heal. At least we could provide that.”

Blake wasn’t sure anything could heal Paradise Alden but God, and she thought God hated her. It was going to be a long year.

Chapter 3

At seven o’clock the next morning, Paradise had her hand on the lock to open the gate into the medical compound when a big cat screamed. Her heart pounded, and she wiped sweaty palms on her jeans as she forced her fingers to insert the key. The black leopard was in the other field, and she was safe.

She’d read the history of the rescued cats, and some of the stories of the living conditions were heart-wrenching. Still, when she was faced with the sight and smell of the big cats, her mouth went dry and she felt faint. This fear had to be eradicated if she held out any hope of living her normal life.

“Paradise.”

She turned at the sound of Blake’s voice and saw him striding across the grass toward her. He wore a safari shirt and camp shorts with boots, and she glanced at her watch. His first expedition wasn’t due to start until nine, so she might have to put up with him awhile. She pinned a neutral expression in place and waited.

His gaze flickered over her and settled for a long moment on the scars on her left arm. “Doing okay?”

His fake concern didn’t faze her. “Fine. The cottage is darling, and the bed was very comfy.” She knew that wasn’t his real question, but she wouldn’t discuss her fear or her injuries with him. He’d lost all rights to any confidences long ago.

His jaw tightened. “That’s good to hear.” He paused and stared at the ground. “You’re going to hear some stuff about the woman who was killed, Danielle Mason. She has been organizing protests against the refuge with some crazy claims we’re mistreating the animals.”

Paradise knew enough about him and his mother to know they’d take their care of the animals very seriously. “I’m sure that’s been difficult.”

“Very.” He hesitated. “I think McShea suspects I might have had something to do with the murder. Danielle and I had two very public altercations. The going is likely to get very rough here, and if you want to bail rather than be involved, we would understand.”

“You trying to get rid of me already?”

Amusement lit his face. “You know me better than that. If I didn’t want you here, I’d tell you outright.”

True enough. Maybe she should be open with him too, but the truth didn’t come easily. Not yet. She wanted time to assess if she was here on a crazy idea that wouldn’t pan out.

When she didn’t answer right away, he pocketed his hands. “Well, I’d better get going. I have a large group in two hours, and I have paperwork to do first.”

When he turned to go, she collected her thoughts and put her hand on his arm. “I never thought for a second that you would hurt anyone, Blake. Things have been a little—difficult.”

He stared at the scars on her shoulder and down her upper arm. He reached out as if he wanted to touch them, then droppedhis hand back to his side. “I can only imagine how bad it’s been. It took a lot of courage to accept this job. I never thought you’d come back.”

She released his arm. “I’ll try to stay out of your way. This refuge felt like the right place to heal.”

There was so much she wanted to say, but the words stayed locked behind her teeth. He had no idea how much courage it had taken for her to come here and face him again. But her only answers were here in this place, where shadows from the past still reached out to shape her life.

He smiled down at her, and this time she stepped back from the full strength of that warmth. She’d nearly forgotten how easily he related to people. Her guard had to stay up around him, and she was only here for the truth. Once she got her courage back, she could move on with her life. Getting involved with Blake—or anyone else for that matter—wasn’t on her radar.

“I’ll let you get back to work.” She gestured to the enclosure. “I’m about to examine a fennec fox. Your mom thought she’d sprained one of her legs.”

He nodded and walked away in long strides toward a safari truck parked at the equipment building. Paradise stepped into the medical building on leaden feet. She’d been off work for the past four months, and she was relieved not to have to take care of a big cat. Not yet anyway. A fennec fox should be easy enough.

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