Page 307 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

“Sam should have some time off coming to her. I’ll ask her to go with me.”

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’d feel better if you took Austin. Or, better yet, Gavin.”

“I can’t bring Gavin. He had urgent business to attend to and even if he was available, my parents don’t need the added stress of knowing the only child they have left needs a bodyguard to protect her from a serial killer. They’ve at least heard of Austin before, so they’ll trust he’s there as a friend.”

“Then take him with you. If he isn’t able to join you, you’re stuck with me.” He made eye contact. “Gavin left you?”

She glanced over her shoulder. “He had something to take care of, so Sandra took over my case.”

“I’ve heard good things about her. You’re in good hands.” He put his arm around her shoulders. “Bring her with you tomorrow.”

She shook her head. “It’s not necessary. Nobody is going to follow me to Havertown. I’ll be fine.”

“I wish I had your confidence.”

Emily fidgetedwith the locket around her neck while Austin drove. “I’d be less nervous if I had something to do. Like drive.”

“You have too much on your mind to be operating a motor vehicle.”

“How am I going to tell them?”

He reached over and squeezed her hand. “It isn’t something you have to plan out ahead of time. Just be in the moment and tell them everything you know.”

“Easier said than done.”

“I don’t doubt that.” He sighed. “I don’t envy you the task, but I’m here for you.”

“Thanks, Austin.” She gave him a genuine smile. “You don’t know how much that means to me.”

When they reached the first sign for the Havertown exit off of I476, Austin pulled into the turn lane.

“It’s a couple of miles farther.”

“Then what’s with the turn lane?”

“Sometimes it gets backed up, so they start it early.”

“Huh.”

Finally, the lane veered off the highway and split. “Stay to the left, but not all the way to the left.”

He quirked an eyebrow.

“Trust me.”

“I do.” He made the left and stayed in his lane avoiding the turn lane to the left of him.

She directed him the remainder of the way to the two story colonial in the Chatham Park section of Haverford Township where she’d spent her childhood years. Austin pulled into the driveway, and she examined her cuticles.

“Are we going to get out of the car?”

“I suppose.” She frowned.

He opened his door and came around to her side of the car. Once she’d exited, he put an arm around her shoulders and gave her a side hug. “I know you can do this. You’re the bravest woman I know.”

“Not counting Sam?”

“She might have you beat by a smidgen.”

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