Page 22 of Crossroads of Innocence
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Wade’s pulsepounded as he pulled Jude deeper into the forest, Macey tucked into his arms. Leaves of most of the trees were long gone, leaving bare branches and not nearly as much cover as he’d hoped. A few evergreens dotted the landscape, and he rushed for the pointy needles, the smell of sap strong and potent.
“What about Wrigley?” she whispered, staying close behind him.
He maneuvered Jude so her back was pressed against the thin branches protruding from the thick trunk. He stood in front of her, peeking to see where the hound had gone. “He’s sniffing around the pond.”
Jude’s teeth chattered. “Could Mia be back already?”
“I doubt it. It’d be a quick trip, but not impossible. I’ll call and find out.” He searched for his phone then checked the screen. “Shit. No service.”
The crunch of delicate footsteps reached his ears, as if someone was trying to stay under the radar, and he stilled.
Jude’s eyes widened.
He lifted a finger to his lips, his mind spinning. Why had he brought her outside? He didn’t have a weapon to protect her. Couldn’t do a damn thing if some mob-connected criminal had found her and planned to ambush them in the woods.
But he wouldn’t go down without a fight. Wouldn’t stand here and wait for someone to hurt Jude. “Stay here. I’m going to see if someone’s there.”
She latched onto the neck of his sweatshirt. “Don’t go. I’m scared.”
He rested his hand over hers, the touch of her skin instantly warming him down to his toes. “I’ll be back. Take Macey.” He loosened her grip and passed over the trembling dog.
She nodded. “Okay. Be careful and be quick.”
He flashed her a tight smile then surveyed the area beyond their hasty hiding spot. Wrigley had made his way to the side of the house, his gait slow and steady. Chances were if someone was skulking around the property, Wrigley had caught their scent and was headed in the right direction.
Without thinking, he pressed a quick kiss to Jude’s cheek and darted away from the tree. He stayed as concealed as possible, his breath hitching high in his throat as adrenaline pumped through his system.
Wrigley stopped and lifted his nose in the air, one of his front paws aimed forward as if pointing to something in front of him.
More rustling sounds tightened his nerves, and he moved toward a patch of bushes that would give him a better view of the front of the house. He stayed low, fear tensing every muscle in his body.
A flash of blond hair peeked from under a blue, knit hat. Tall, brown boots stomped along the side of the house and the woman he’d been avoiding outside of her frequent phone calls about his mother used her hand to shield her eyes as she stared into the backyard.
His stomach dropped. Someone wasn’t here for Jude, she was here for him.
Swallowing a groan, he stood and lifted an arm over his head. “Summer.”
She turned his way and smiled wide. “Wade! There you are. What are you doing in the woods by yourself?”
Summer might not be a criminal with a weapon, but she could be just as dangerous for Jude if she spotted her. No doubt everyone in town would soon know Jude was here and where she was staying. He had to make sure Summer didn’t figure out his real reason for being at Chet’s.
Needing to make sure Jude wouldn’t be seen by Summer, he jogged forward, positioning himself so he faced Jude’s hiding spot. “Hey. Just out for a little fresh air. What are you doing here?”
Summer rushed toward him, her smile never wavering. “I was worried about you. Last night you seemed off then disappeared. Now the Chill N’ Grill’s closed, which never happens on a Sunday. I tried to call, but there was no answer. So I thought I’d track you down and make sure you’re okay.”
Her concern should flatter him, not annoy him, but he couldn’t help his reaction. He’d made it clear for months he wasn’t interested in deepening their friendship but she wouldn’t take the hint. Either that or she thought she could change his mind. Something that would never happen.
A thought struck him, and fear squeezed his throat. If Summer had found him here, so could anyone else. “How did you know where I was?”
She shrugged. “You were with Chet last night so my first thought was you’d be with him today.”
He let loose a long breath. Okay, so she hadn’t followed him without being noticed. She’d used logic, even if it was a little disconcerting.
“What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy to see me?” She made her voice high and a little babyish, which held no appeal for him.
He forced a smile. “I’m always happy to see you, but it’s been a weird couple days.”
