Page 319 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

“It’s obvious by the way he looks at you.” The woman’s smile took up her whole face. “I predict a spring wedding.”

“My friend Samantha made a similar prediction.”

“Sounds like you have a wise friend.” The woman, whose name escaped her, patted her knee. Gavin joined them at the table.

“Mrs. McSally, you’d better behave yourself. I can see you have Ms. Davis all flustered.” He grinned at the older woman.

That was the name: Mary McSally.

Gavin stood and went to the doorway. “Everyone ready? Let’s head back to the classroom, so you can review your Bible verses before we dismiss you.”

Commotion ensued as the kids all tossed their disposable bowls and spoons and made their way to the door where Gavin waited. Once the line of kids left the room, she and Sandra both stood to follow and said their goodbyes to Mrs. McSally.

The widow grinned. “I told you so.”

“What?” She looked in the direction where the other woman was staring, and her gaze slammed into Wade’s. Her heart raced as she crossed the room. “What are you doing here?”

“Can’t a guy come pick up his girl without getting the third degree?”

“Of course, he can.” She smiled up at him, and he took her hand and led her toward the classroom.

“I’m going to stick my head in there a minute to say hi to the kids, but then I’ll drive you home. Gavin can drive Sandra. I want a few minutes alone with you.”

She swallowed a lump in her throat.What did he want to share with her?Alone.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Wade opened the truck door for Emily and held out his hand to assist her. Once she was settled inside, he walked around the truck and slid into the driver’s seat. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to say, so he drove. He needed to find a way to protect her, but he wasn’t sure how to do that while he was off attempting to solve this case.

He could drive her as far from Pennsylvania as possible, and they could forget any of this ever happened. Unfortunately, he knew she would never agree to run away from trouble.

She faced her fears head on, and he had to do the same. His knuckles went white from his grip on the steering wheel.

“What’s going on?” She turned in her seat to face him.

“Williams is behind bars. They were able to connect him to your sister. One of Nora’s friends remembered him. A girl named Tori. She said he came by from time to time when he was coming through the area. She’d forgotten all about him when the cops interviewed her back then. He had a distinctive tattoo of the nickname Jingles written across his forearm. When she saw hispicture she asked about the tattoo. They connected some more dots and he’s been arrested. It’s all circumstantial evidence, but when added to what they already had on him for the other cases, I expect it will stick.”

“Praise the Lord for that.” She frowned. “I do hope they can keep him locked away so he can’t hurt anyone else.”

He pushed a piece of hair out of her face and his fingers lingered on her jaw. “I don’t know how to keep you safe.”

“You’ve done a great job so far.”

“We can’t keep you surrounded by bodyguards for the rest of your life. Would you consider taking a vacation? Somewhere far away?”

“No. I’m not going to flee from him. This won’t be forever. Just until we catch him.”

“What if we don’t catch him?” He pounded the steering wheel with his palm. “Do you have any idea how many cases go unsolved?”

“I do.” A tear slid down her cheek and guilt gnawed at his insides.

He pulled the truck over and drew her to him. “I’m sorry.” He wanted to remind her he loved her but for her it would be too much too soon, and he’d scare her off. He had to take things slowly for her sake. Even if he wanted to rush things.

Her arms wound around him, and he drank in the intoxicating scent of honeysuckle. He had no idea if it was perfume or what, but she’d worn the same scent when they were young, and it drove him crazy.

“You’re going to get this guy,” Emily said. “I know it.”

“You’re far more confident than I am.”

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