Page 38 of Crossroads of Innocence
“We did,” Lincoln said. “But they led to the highway. Not much we could do from there. We’re assuming he’s driving the same car you spotted leaving your restaurant earlier. We ran those plates, by the way, and the vehicle was reported stolen in Elm Ridge. Presumably after his altercation with Jude’s brother.”
A fresh wave of tears stung her eyes. She still hadn’t heard from Brandon, which meant Matthew hadn’t woken. But she couldn’t think about that right now. Not with everything else going on. “So what do I do?”
Lincoln rubbed a palm over his scruffy beard then approached her and crouched so they were eye to eye. “You don’t know me. Don’t know us.” He swiped a hand behind him. “But everyone here wants to keep you safe. I spoke with my wife, Brooke, who runs the retreat Cruz told you about before. I understand your trepidation, but I really believe it’s the best option right now. The best place to keep you safe. Most of the staff are trained former officers, and I live on site as well. You can trust us. I promise you.”
The earnestness in his blue eyes combined with her need to believe that something could protect her and weakened her resolve. That plus the fact she didn’t have any other options. “How do I know he won’t follow me there, too? He could be waiting to see where I go so he can show up again.”
“I won’t lie, that’s a possibility. But you can’t stay here. You can’t go back to Wade’s. Where else can you stay?”
Grace took a step forward. “I get the wholedon’t trust those who haven’t earned itthing. But Crossroads Mountain Retreat isn’t just full of random people trying to get their lives back on track. We’re family. And now, you’re one of us.”
The conviction in her tone furrowed Jude’s brow. “One of you? How do you figure?”
Grace shrugged. “I don’t know your story, but you’re important to Wade. You’re important to Chet and Mia. That means you’re important to the rest of us. We’ve got you.”
“What do you say?” Wade asked. “Willing to give it a try?”
She bit her thumbnail, considering everything that had been thrown at her. But there was really only one choice, all other options ripped away. “Fine. I’ll go to Crossroads Mountain Retreat.”
16
Cold night air swirled around Jude as she jumped out of Officer Lincoln Sawyer’s truck and stood in front of the lodge at Crossroads Mountain Retreat. After leaving Chet’s place, she and Wade were shuttled to the retreat. Everyone had agreed it was safest for them to ride with Lincoln since his normal routine brought him back there anyway. Mia and Chet would drop off Wade’s truck in the morning.
She stood beside Wade, mouth open and eyes wide. A three-story log cabin styled building sprawled out in front of her. An inviting porch wrapped around to the back, twinkle lights strung along the railing and a smattering of wooden rocking chairs provided plenty of seating for relaxing and enjoying the view of the mountains on the horizon. “This is not what I expected.”
Lincoln climbed out of the driver’s side and came up beside her. “What’d you think you’d find? A bunch of tents set up in the woods?”
Wade chuckled. “More like some spider infested cabins with creaky bunk beds and holes in the roof.”
“Excuse me?” Lincoln asked, frowning.
The day had been long as hell, but Jude couldn’t help smiling at the picture Wade painted and how completely different it was from what was in front of her. The sound of the surrounding nature wasn’t as loud as the nights she’d spent here years before when the weather was warmer, but it still carried a hundred memories. “Wade and I used to come here in the summer when we were kids. Back when it was still a camp.”
“Really? Wade never mentioned that,” Lincoln said.
Wade shrugged and shifted the bags he carried to his shoulder.
“Well, my wife would love to hear stories if and when you’re up for it.”
The giant double doors opened, and a petite woman with long brown hair stepped outside and lifted her arm above her head in an enthusiastic wave. A tan dog stood beside her. “Hey there! Come on in.”
Jude waited for Lincoln to take the lead then walked beside Wade as they crossed the parking lot and climbed the porch steps.
Macey pranced around the other dog, tail wagging.
Nerves danced in the pit of Jude’s stomach, and she tightened her grip on the straps of her backpack. She wanted to believe she’d be safe here, that she could trust the community of people who’d come together to help her. But it was damn hard to let her guard down and believe this tiny woman could do anything to protect her.
The woman extended a hand and offered a sweet smile. “Hi. I’m Brooke, and this this Wyatt.” She dipped her chin toward the dog. “I’m so sorry for your troubles but glad to meet you.”
Jude accepted her hand and returned the smile. “Thanks for having me. I really appreciate it. I know the circumstances are…unique.”
“Trust me. We’ve experienced more than our fair share of unique experiences here in the last few years. We’ve got you.” Brooke gave Lincoln a small kiss on the cheek then opened the door, waiting for the group to step inside before entering behind them.
Astonishment slowed Jude’s steps. She swept her gaze up to the high ceilings, loving the dark beams that zigzagged above her. A large stone hearth climbed a nearby wall, stretching all three stories, with a fire blazing inside the deep pit. Burgundy rugs dotted the mahogany floors, anchoring multiple seating areas with deep brown furniture and glossy stands. Floor-to-ceiling windows took up the far wall, no doubt providing a magnificent view during the day.
“Most guests stay in the cabins behind the lodge, but I figured you’d feel safer in here. The place is locked up tight, we have cameras along the outside of the building, and there’s always at least one staff member here at all times. Tonight, that will be me.”
“What? No, that’s not necessary. I’m already putting you out enough.”
