Page 53 of Shrouded Past

“Food’s ready.” Rachel peeked her head into the living room. “Come on, everyone. We all need a break.”

Bryce rose with her hand still tucked in his. The tenderness she saw in him had her sucking in an unsteady breath. Suddenly everything faded except the man standing next to her. She . . . cared for him. She, Piper Alexander, who didn’t even know if that was her real name or not, cared for Bryce. But for the life of her, she couldn’t see a future when she couldn’t remember her past. How could there be anything between them when because of her there’d been so much pain?

His eyes narrowed as he watched her.

She gently tugged her hand free. “We should go.” Piper headed for the kitchen. A few seconds later, Bryce followed. He didn’t understand the sudden change in her.

She cared for him, but she wasn’t sure she could survive losing him and she didn’t think it was possible for them to be together.

A deeper darkness settled around her as she pulled out a chair next to Janine. Bryce sat beside her.

“I’d like to pray,” Janine announced. Everyone around the table readily agreed.

“Father God, we are being threatened from multiple dangers. Please protect us. And help us unravel the truth about what’s happening in Piper’s life so that she can have peace. Father, I ask for Your protection over our families. Over Will and his officers. Protect our town. In Jesus’s precious name I ask it. Amen.”

Tears stung her eyes at the prayer. Someone prayed for her. She thought about Edmon. He’d often prayed for her safety.

“Hope everyone likes old-fashioned burgers and fries.” Katrina exclaimed.

Approval sounds rippled around the table like “you read my mind” and “you’re the best.”

Katrina giggled at their responses. “That’s what I thought. Do I know my team, or do I know my team?”

“You know us too well.” Several people said in unison.

Soon the food was served, and conversation around the table ebbed as everyone enjoyed their meal.

Somewhere in the house, a phone rang, its ringtone a popular Christian hymn that Edmon had played for her many times.

“That’s me.” JT wiped his fingers and then rose to answer the call.

Piper zeroed in on the expression on JT’s face first. Was that shock? She braced for news of what had happened as JT came back to the kitchen.

“That was Will. Medical help is stretched thin. Since I’m a certified paramedic, as are Declan and Eli, Will needs our help. People are stranded. There are multiple accidents reported.” He looked at Piper. “I hate to leave with everything that’s happened, but you’ll be in good hands with the rest of the team present. I don’t think we have a choice.”

“You’re right, you must go.” Yet she’d felt safe with so many watching her, and her heart warned of a coming showdown.

“We’ll be fine,” Bryce answered. “Piper’s right. You’re needed.”

The three men gathered their things and started for the door.

“I’ll have Will contact either my wife or you, Bryce, if something happens.” JT gave his wife a hug then reached for the doorknob.

“Be safe out there, babe. It’s dangerous.”

JT assured his wife he would, and the men left the house.

Bryce fought against the wind to shut the door and lock it.

“It’s going to be okay,” Janine announced at the quiet table. “We’re protected by the bay. And by God.”

Still, the remainder of the meal was eaten in silence. Piper helped clear away the dishes while Bryce assisted with the washing.

“You okay?” he asked when she was quiet throughout the process.

She handed him the plate she’d rinsed. “I can’t help but believe this is coming to a head. Almost as if the kidnapper is using the storm as his cover.” She looked up at him. “He won’t give up. And now we have three less people here for protection. He was right here in the house, and we didn’t know it.”

He placed the plate into the dishwasher and clasped her shoulders. “I know it’s scary, but Rachel, Janine, and Katrina are all highly trained officers, and I’m a former sheriff. We’re not going to let anyone hurt you, Piper.I’mnot going to let anyone get close to you.” His hands curled around her, bringing her closer. “The house is protected from the storm. We know he’s on the island, but, like us, he’ll have to hunker down and wait out the storm before trying anything.”

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