Page 54 of Resolutions

“And you think he'll help? Why would someone in New York care about what's happening here to me?”

“Firstly, because Law is a trained bounty hunter. He gets government contracts, so he has access to resources we don't even know we need. Second, he's from here. And with a man like Michael doing what he's doing in Whispering Pines. That will be cause enough for him to get involved.” Her voice hardens. “Law is exactly the kind of protector we need. He lives to take down horrible men, especially ones who prey on women. He didn't hesitate for a second when I called about finding you.”

She picks up her phone, already dialing. “Ready?”

“We can't use your phone. It's bugged, remember.” I reach over to the counter and set my phone on the table. “You really believe this is the best course of action we can take?”

“Yes, I do. Until the wedding, we had no idea who this,” she picks up papers from the folder, “who this Michael really is. Had someone told us, we would have defended him. I don't know how to deal with this, Michael. Neither do you.”

After a moment of consideration, I nod and hand her my phone. “Call him.” I hope this is the solution we need, though I'm skeptical he'll have the computer knowledge to uncover the truth about Michael.

Evelyn dials, putting the phone on speaker. After two rings, a bright female voice answers: “Bear's Bonds and Bounty, how can I help you?”

“Mrs. Evelyn Whitaker for Law, please.”

“Certainly, Mrs. Whitaker, one moment please.”

The next voice that comes through seems to fill the room, deep and resonant: “Mrs. Whitaker. Two calls in one week. I'm certain this must be my lucky week.”

Something about the power and control in his voice, clear alpha authority tempered with kindness, makes me feel safer than I have in weeks. I can only imagine the man who owns that voice.

“Oh stop,” Evelyn laughs. “I need a favor. We need to meet in your office.”

“We? As in, you found Melanie?”

“Yes, and I'm with her now. You're on speaker phone. There is so much more to this story, Wal- Law. We're dealing with someone outside our ability to handle. I'm pretty sure this is even outside of Sheriff Trenton's experience.” She glances at me. “This requires your particular expertise.”

“Outside of Tobias even? I won't lie that has me intrigued. Tobias is a sharp cookie.” His tone sharpens. “Is Melanie in trouble?”

“Yes, and so are others. We have reason to believe this person is kidnapping women, running some kind of operation. We need your help to shut him down.”

A moment of silence. When Law speaks again, there's deadly focus in his voice. “You can come here, or I can come there. Your choice.”

“We'll come to you. Melanie will feel safer there. When can you see us?”

“For this? I'll make time whenever you arrive.”

“I'll call you right back.” Evelyn hangs up, then looks up another number on my phone. She makes arrangements for a private plane as casually as ordering takeout. “Finally, I need this to be total silence,” she says into the phone. After a pause: “Great, we'll be there.”

“When?” I ask, not knowing what she's planned.

“Tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” I stare at her. “From where? Won't someone recognize me at the airport?”

“Dear, we're not flying commercial. There's a hangar on old Thompson's farm that unless you know where to look, you'd never spot it. The plane will be ready at five AM. I'll pick you up at three.”

“But how? Where?” My head spins. “Isn't that expensive?”

“Don't worry about that.” She waves away my concern. “Pack everything you have on Michael. Your laptop too - bring everything. Law's team will need it.”

She calls Law back to confirm our travel plans. He promises to have someone meet us at the airport.

When she hangs up, I ask, “How will you explain being gone? Won't someone question you?”

A mischievous smile plays across her face. “I'm just a retired nurse who does charity work. No one notices when I slip away for a,” she makes air quotes, “women's retreat. Plus, Charlie's on nights this week so all he will care about is the food in the fridge and his pillow.”

Moses pads over, sensing the shift in mood. He jumps into Evelyn's lap, purring.

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