“I can’t believe you came. Come inside,” she said, ushering him into the house.

“Thanks. Homer is just a short flight away,” Jonah said as he crossed the threshold and entered her house. “It gave me an opportunity to ride in a seaplane. That doesn’t happen every day.”

“Why don’t we go into the kitchen and I’ll make us some hot cocoa,” she offered. She had dozens of packets, courtesy of North Star Chocolates.

“Sounds good,” Jonah said as he trailed after her and settled himself at her farmhouse-style table while she prepared the cups of hot chocolate. “How are you getting acclimated to Owl Creek?”

“I’m getting there,” she said. “It’s been difficult at times, especially missing my family.” Her throat tightened. “But the people here have been pretty wonderful,” she added as Connor’s face flashed before her eyes.

“And the company you’re working for?” Jonah asked as she placed a cup down in front of him and sat down across from him with her own mug of cocoa.

“So far, it’s been incredible. I have nothing to say but positive things.” She smiled at Jonah. “What’s not to love? I’m able to be around chocolate all day and I get lots of samples to take home. I wish I had more self-control,” she admitted with a laugh.

Jonah nodded. “Everything sounds like it’s falling into place. I thought you might have packed up your suitcases and given your employer a resignation letter.” He took a sip of his cocoa and let out a satisfied sound. “You sounded pretty frantic the other day when we spoke. Even after you found out your photo wasn’t going online, I got the impression you were still jittery.”

“I was,” she answered, shuddering as she remembered her anxiety from a few days ago. She had been in such turmoil that she’d honestly considered leaving Owl Creek and asking to be reassigned to another locale. “Thankfully, the CEO decided my picture was only going to be hung up at the factory and the chocolate shop with only a brief mention in the employee newsletter. I have the feeling her grandson might have told her it made me uncomfortable.” She let out a ragged sigh. “I may have overreacted. I’m sorry if you wasted a trip.”

“It’s not a waste, especially if you’ve decided to stay put here in town. It gets a bit messy when things fall apart so quickly. As you know, relocating isn’t easy. Of course it would be your decision, but you would have to start the whole process all over again. That would be very stressful for you.”

Isabelle didn’t want to go anywhere. She couldn’t imagine finding a better relocation spot than where she’d landed. Now that the panic had dissipated, she could see her situation clearly. Staying put was the best move.

“I like it here. It’s miles apart from anything I’ve ever known, but it’s growing on me.” It was gratifying being able to give Jonah a good report after the anxiety she’d experienced the other day. It served as a reminder that sometimes she needed to breathe before allowing her mind to take her to dark places. She wanted to be in a place where she was living in a state of grace and not fear.

“That’s what we like to hear. Keeping you safe is our number one priority, but we also want you to live the best life possible. A life without fear.”

That was her goal as well. It made her soul soar to know she was more than just a case number to the marshals assigned to her protection.

“I have a question for you. Has anything changed with the case? I know it’s a long shot, but are there any updates?”

Jonah quirked his mouth. “I hate being the bearer of bad news, but it’s part of the job description. One of Burke’s cronies who was serving as a witness was killed yesterday.”

Isabelle let out a gasp and raised her hand to her throat. “Oh, no! That’s awful.”

Jonah’s expression was somber. “We have no doubt Burke was behind it. His reach extends beyond prison. The witness wasn’t under the protection of WITSEC however, since he refused to participate. Burke has appealed the case, which means it would benefit him if you can’t testify in any future trial. You’re still in jeopardy, Ella. Don’t ever forget it.”

Isabelle wrapped her hands around her heated mug. Despite the warmth, she felt a shiver run through her. Jonah didn’t pull any punches. Her life was still in danger. Another witness had been killed by Burke. She had no doubt he would enjoy tracking down her whereabouts in Owl Creek and doing the same to her.

After Connor’s assurances last night, she was beginning to feel secure in this quaint Alaskan town. As if it was her haven from the ugliness of bullets and violence. For the first time since her arrival, Isabelle could envision living out the rest of her days in Owl Creek. She knew instinctively it had a lot to do with her friendship with Connor.

In the cold light of day, she regretted having kissed him, but her feelings were a bit all over the place. Iris had made it clear to her that Connor was an expert at playing the field. Was she just another conquest? On the other hand, the kiss had given her comfort and a sense of security at a time when she’d badly needed it. And it had offered her hope. Maybe she didn’t have to be alone for the rest of her days. But Jonah’s announcement brought her squarely back to earth.

After an hour or so of chatting, Jonah announced that he needed to get going. Isabelle no longer felt surprised by the covert actions of Marshal Kramer. Although his visit had been short, she deeply appreciated the face-to-face drop-in to tell her about the witness’s murder. Isabelle stood by the door and waved as Jonah drove away in a dark sedan. He was gone just as mysteriously as he’d arrived. She couldn’t explain it, but she had the feeling this was the last time she would ever see the U.S. Marshal. Today she felt stronger than she had a few days ago. It was a God moment. All this time she’d been praying for strength, and she finally was feeling empowered.

Even though Jonah had delivered some alarming news it hadn’t shattered her. She was still standing. She was committed to living her life without constantly looking over her shoulder. Although it was a sobering reality that her life would always be in danger, she was finally coming to terms with it. She now knew she could face fear head-on and come out the other side. She could make a life for herself in Alaska. It might not be like the one she’d left behind, but it could be a good existence nevertheless.

Hope. In order to make this work, didn’t she need to have faith in rebuilding her life?

After she closed the door and came inside from the cold, Isabelle went upstairs to get ready for the late morning service. She had so much to be thankful for, and she wanted to worship with the townsfolk in God’s house. Would Connor be in attendance? She was a bit nervous to see him again after the tender kiss they’d shared last night. Isabelle prayed things wouldn’t be awkward between them. After all, they were both adults, right? Surely they could both see that the kiss had been ill-advised and a result of the nerve-racking situation she’d found herself in.

Nothing had changed between them, despite the kiss. It didn’t matter how deeply she yearned to push past friendship with Connor. It simply wasn’t possible.

Chapter Twelve

On Sunday, Connor didn’t have much time to dwell on the situation with Ella. Running into Ella after church service had put things into perspective about his relationship with her. Just because he wasn’t able to pursue a romance with Ella didn’t mean he couldn’t be a good friend and ally. She was a stranger in an unfamiliar town that was full of interesting places to explore. He’d invited Ella to go sightseeing with him, offering himself as her Owl Creek tour guide.

A few hours later he was with Ella, staring up at a sky full of stars set against a velvety backdrop. He knew she’d been wanting to get a glimpse of the town’s legendary owls, so here they were at their final destination after hours of exploring various locations in town.