Page 316 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

“True.” He reached over and squeezed her hand. “Trust me. I know him well enough to know my criticism will have energized him. It’ll give him the strength to continue.”

“If you say so.”

Emily stayed the night,despite her desire to return to Samantha’s house. Wade and Gavin both agreed she was safer here. It struck her as odd since a few days earlier they’d agreed she was safer at Sam’s place.

She descended the stairs cautiously, unsure of what news would greet her when she made it to the kitchen. Ruger stood near the bottom of the steps and nudged her hand with his head when she reached him. She stopped to pet him, and he rolled over to give her access to his belly. Once she gave him a quick rub, she moved into the kitchen. Wade had his head bowed when she entered, so she backed out of the room to give him privacy. He lifted his head and motioned for her to join him.

She filled a mug with coffee and sat beside him at the table.

Wade shut his Bible and glanced at his cell before looking at her. “Gavin is going to cover for me at church this morning. I’m headed to the station.”

“Where do you want me?”

“Somewhere safe. Stay with Gavin and Sandra.”

“Why not with you?”

“Mac is meeting me there, and he wouldn’t approve of me bringing you into the investigation.”

“In that case, I’ll go to church.”

“Gavin will look out for you.”

“So will Sandra.”

“I have no doubt.” He reached across the table to take her hand in his. “I asked Gavin to come back because of Jamie’s death. More security is a good thing. I trust Sandra, but I trusted Jamie to take care of herself and look how that ended.”

“I already have more security than Jamie. I’m trained law enforcement. Sandra is here. If I go anywhere, it is with you or Sam, and you’re both law enforcement. How much security is too much, Wade?”

"I can’t lose you, too.” His eyes filled, and she forced herself to breathe evenly. She knew in that second Wade loved her and would do anything to keep her safe.

“I’ll stay with Gavin and Sandra. Don’t worry about me.”

“Thank you.” He stood. “I’d better be going.”

She blocked his way and held out her arms, he tucked her into his chest and held her for a lingering moment before releasing her. He paused at the door to glance back, and she tried to smile. She feared it was more of a grimace, but she hoped he understood the sentiment. She wanted to assure him she’d be fine and would be waiting for him when he returned.

Emily satbeside Sandra throughout church service. They sang along with the old hymns and greeted the other churchgoers when called upon to do so. She was surprised when Jerry approached her with an outstretched hand. She’d thought he was going to her church, but now he was at Wade’s church. Was there a reason? Could he be following her?

She shook his hand. “Good to see you, Jerry. What brings you here?”

“Your friend Sam said you’d been coming here when I asked why you hadn’t been in church. If you switched to this church, it must be a good one, so I decided to give it a try.”

She silently berated Sam for giving away too much information. “Yes, I’ve been attending here for a short time. They have sound doctrine, and I’m comfortable with the people.”

“May I ask why you left your old church?”

“I didn’t leave. I’m still a member. I’m visiting here.”

“That’s a long time to visit a neighboring church.” His eyebrows pinched together in concentration. “You’re not one of those church-hoppers, are you?”

“I assure you I’m not.”

Sandra took her by the arm.

“Sorry, Jerry. My friend wants to be seated.” She followed Sandra back to the pew where they were sitting. “Thanks for the rescue.”

“I couldn’t help overhearing. I’m surprised Samantha would give information about your church attendance to a co-worker knowing we’re trying to keep you safe.”

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