Page 67 of Saved By Love at Christmas
“You’re safe now.”
I wasn’t certain if Ben was trying to reassure me or him.
“Let’s go in the kitchen with Grandad.”
When we walked through the door, Grandad held his arms out to me. I hugged him close and felt him tremble too. My fear turned to rage. Jamie had made us all victims, and now the men in my life were fearful too.
“He’s not getting away with this,” I mumbled, sitting down at the table. “I want him locked up and the key thrown away.”
There was a knock at the door. Ben went to answer it, and I heard Officer Lynch’s voice. I gave him an account of what had happened. I didn’t look at Ben or Grandad because I knew I’d see the concern in their expressions, and I’d break down again.
When he went to leave, the officer said, “We’ll be keeping a closer watch on the situation from now on. Miss James, I don’t think it’s wise for you to be out on your own.”
We were in agreement on that. I didn’t want to be on my own after this latest development.
“Tom,” Ben said after showing the officer out. “If it’s okay with you, I’d like to move Fred and me in here until this is dealt with.”
My heart thumped at the protectiveness of his words. He raised one brow at me. I knew it wasn’t only for my safety, but Grandad’s too. I inclined my head slightly.
“I think we’d both feel better knowing you were here, wouldn’t we, love?”
“Yes, Grandad. We certainly would.” A sudden thought came to me. “What about your ladies?”
“Rob and Sue’s son is home from uni. I’m sure he’d be happy to keep an eye on them for me.”
“Do you mind if we take a rain check on bathroom shopping for today? My head is pounding.”
“No, of course not. Look, I’m just going to head home to get some clothes, and Fred, then I’ll be straight back.”
“Just as well I’ve made my steak and ale pie for tonight.”
Ben’s smile grew wide. “Can’t wait. Now,” he said as he dropped a soft kiss onto my head, “I’ll be back in thirty minutes, okay?”
“Okay. Please, be careful.”
“Always am.”
* * *
BEN
On the drive back to mine, I called Marie on my handsfree. She needed to know what was going on.
“Holy crap, the man’s a psycho. I’m so pleased you’re going to stay with Ruby and Tom.”
“It’s the only way I’ll feel happy about them living there. I know their neighbour is only two minutes’ walk away, but it’s so secluded, anyone could creep into that garden and break in. With Fred there too, he’ll bark as soon as he hears anything.”
“Thank goodness you’ve got Fred. Keep me in the loop. I’m off for the holidays after today, so I’ll pop over and see Ruby tomorrow.”
When I got out of the car, Sue, my neighbour, was there to greet me.
“Hi, Sue. I was just coming over to see you.”
There was a troubled expression in her eyes. “Rob came past earlier walking the dogs. He said there was someone hanging about outside your house. It might have been nothing, but he scarpered when Rob saw him.”
“How long ago was this?”
“About an hour and a half, I guess.”
