Page 65 of Lone Star Country Protector
“Someone could light the barn on fire, damage the property or set a blaze just to flush me out of the house,” Blakely said. “You already experienced a bomb last night.”
“I wasn’t ready for it,” Jules said a little defensively. Dalton understood how frustrating and embarrassing it was for someone in law enforcement to be tricked. She had nothing to be embarrassed about, but Jules wouldn’t see it that way and neither would he if the situation was reversed. Hell, he couldn’t forgive himself for letting Blakely go downstairs or not warning Jules of the possibility in the first place.
“It’s my fault, not yours,” he said to his sister.
“Agree to disagree,” Jules said. “But arguing or assigning blame doesn’t fix anything.”
“Now we agree on something,” he said.
“I really hate getting your family involved in any of this mess,” Blakely stated.
“We don’t,” Dalton and Jules said simultaneously.
Dalton added, “It’s what we’ve chosen to do for a living. You’re not putting us in any danger that we didn’t already sign up for.”
Blakely conceded with a slight nod. “This feels more personal.”
He knew exactly what she was talking about. Their fling. It made this situation more personal for him too.
There wasn’t anything they could do about it now.
“Suffice it to say, I’m not going anywhere until this is resolved,” he said, wishing for more but knowing Blakely couldn’t give it.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Blakely needed to have a serious conversation with Dalton once this ordeal was over. Right now, all she could think about was keeping everyone safe until law enforcement caught up with the bastard who was determined to kill her.
Her cell buzzed. She checked the screen, and her stomach fell. “It’s my brother-in-law.”
Locking gazes with Dalton, even for a few seconds, gave her a boost of confidence before she answered the call.
“Hey, Greg. Everything okay?” she asked.
“Aunt Blakely,” came Chase’s small voice. She listened for any signs of sadness or panic, decided she was searching for something that wasn’t there. “Can you come pick me up?”
“Where are you?” she asked.
“Home,” Chase said. “I don’t like it here without Mommy.”
“Are you alone?” she asked.
“Gotta go,” Chase whispered. “Daddy’s coming.”
“Chase?” she asked, but he was already gone. She locked gazes with Dalton. “I need to get back to Houston.”
“Is that a good idea?” Dalton asked.
“What choice do I have?”
Dalton seemed at a loss for words.
“Someone bring me up-to-date on what’s going on, please,” Jules said.
“Blakely just got a call from her nephew,” Dalton started.
“Asking me to pick him up,” Blakely finished.
“Where?” Jules asked.
