Page 49 of Into the Lion's Den (Secrets of the Northland Shifters)

“Then get smart. Having a personal relationship with your employer is rarely a good idea.”

“I stopped it before it went too far.”

“Good. Keep it that way.”

Through my window, I watched with interest as Reese walked away from the lodge toward the path that led into the woods. His head was bowed, his muscular shoulders rolled forward, and his hands were thrust deep into his pockets. It was a pose of deep frustration, but not anger.

“I don’t think it put my job or housing in jeopardy.”

“You calling me this early in the morning tells me you’re not one-hundred percent sure about that.”

“Well...” John was right about that. The thought of getting fired had occurred to me last night.

Reese glanced behind him surreptitiously, then disappeared into the woods.

“…is anyoneevercertain their job is secure? Did you know the resort is struggling financially?”

“That resort is well-established,” John said reassuringly. “It’s been in operation for fifteen years.”

“Something has changed.”

“It’s not going to go belly-up in the next few months. Not before the trial anyway.”

“No,” I said. “Hopefully not. There’s something else I need to report. There’s an event coming up that’ll bring in some money.”

“What kind of event?” John asked.

“It’s a social-media influencer, her husband, and a big group they’re bringing for their anniversary weekend.”

“Stay in the background and out of any photos,” John ordered.

I let out a breath. “I know.”

“And send me the guest list so I can check it out.”

“I was already going to do that.”

John sighed. “You’re our ace in the hole, Sarah. Our only eye witness to those women being loaded into that truck. Don’t forget it.”

“Is the trial still set for October?” The calendar was turning to June; October felt like a million years away.

“We’re finishing up the discovery phase. Things are moving forward, but it’s like I told you…deadlines get bumped all the time. The fact DaBruzzi’s in custody makes it more certain we’ll get priority scheduling, but if his own attorney asks for a postponement…”

“Why would he do that?” I assumed if DaBruzzi wasn’t taking the plea deal, he’d want to get his trial over as quickly as possible. The possibility of an acquittal was his only shot at freedom.

“A million different reasons. It’s a difficult defense, and one that will take some time to put together.”

And if the defense was a success, DaBruzzi could get off. That monster could walk free. Which meant… “I might never be able to go home.”

“Sarah…”

I closed my eyes and nodded. I knew this was a possibility. Even if he was found guilty, I might never be truly safe. I’d have to decide what level of risk I was willing to take. “I just miss my mom and sister.”

“I know,” John said, and he sounded sincerely sympathetic. Even sad for me.

“They’re probably terrified,” I said, and I was embarrassed to hear my voice shake. “Maggie’s probably—”

“They know you’re safe.”

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