Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
“There were some rags on the side of the barn that must have spontaneously combusted. I totally forgot they were there. They ignited, and the heat from the small fire caused a lid to blow off something, and that was the loud noise everyone heard.”
I put my hand to my chest and sagged in relief. “I thought maybe Jonathon had started the fire to draw everyone out.”
Liam shook his head. “No. The fire is out, and I think we’re all beyond exhausted. Randy said they aren’t going to start searching the property until morning when they can see, so I say we all go to bed and try to get some sleep.”
MaryAnne and Krista both started for the steps.
“Sounds good to me. I can hardly keep my eyes open.”
“I’m with Krista,” MaryAnne stated. “I think I’m mentally and physically exhausted.”
Once everyone headed upstairs, I turned to Liam. “This may sound crazy, but I feel like someone is out there, watching us.”
Liam drew me in and hugged me. “I feel the same way. Trust me, Mallory, everything will be fine.”
My eyes went to the window, and I stared out into the blackness. Everything inside of me was screaming Liam was wrong.
“I hope you’re right.”
He kissed me on the mouth, then guided me to our bedroom. I waited for him to take a shower, and once he got into bed, I started to tell him how I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was out there, watching us.
“Liam?”
“Mm?” he whispered.
“I know you don’t think anyone is out there, but I have a feeling someone is. They’re watching us.”
“The guys are taking turns watching the house, Mal. Everything is going to be okay, I promise.”
Two seconds later, Liam was snoring. Poor guy was so tired. I pushed the covers off me and walked to the bedroom window. Lifting the blinds, I tried to look out, but I couldn’t see anything. Maybe Liam was right, no one was out there, and I was overreacting.
Jonathon wasn’t there—if he’d been out there at all—and was most likely long gone. Peering down the driveway I swore I saw a shadow. My mind was in overdrive and exhausted. I had to get some rest. Turning, I walked back to bed and climbed in. Then forced myself to breathe deeply until exhaustion finally took over.
##
Liam’s phone rang and we both quickly sat up in bed. “What time is it?” he asked as he searched for his phone, then tumbled out of the bed.
I glanced at the clock. “It’s just before seven.”
“Hello?” Liam said as he fumbled with the sheet that was wrapped around his ankle. “No, you didn’t wake me up, Randy.”
After getting the sheet off his feet, he sat down on the bed. I got up and pulled his shirt over my head and went to sit next to him. Liam took my hand in his as he listened to Randy.
“Okay. I understand. I won’t. You’ll keep me posted.”
I was dying to hear the conversation. What was going on? Had they found the ranch? What about Jonathon.
When he pulled the phone away from him and sighed, I squeezed his hand. “What’s happening?”
He looked at me, and I could see it on his face. “They found it. The barn.”
My heart sank. “Is anyone in there?”
“No, but they got there right in time. Our friend Donald York or Henly, whatever the heck his name is, was about to set the whole place on fire.”
My eyes widened. “What?”
“Mallory, I need you to stay here.”
I quickly stood. “Where are you going?”
“I need to see it.”
“Why?”
He started for the bathroom. “I can’t explain it. I just need to see it. Randy said they’re searching it now. He told me that I can come, but I have to stay back a certain distance.”
“And you don’t think I want to come.”
Turning, he took my hand in his. “Sweetheart, do you truly want to go back there?”
I thought about it for a moment and finally replied, “No, you’re right…I don’t.”
He leaned down and kissed me. “I’m going to see if Chad wants to come with me. He and Krista might want to head home, though.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I’ll get dressed and head on downstairs and start breakfast.”
“Not for me, I’m going to leave as soon as I can.”
All I could do was stand there, frozen in place. I couldn’t make my legs move. “Where do you think Jonathon is?”
Liam was brushing his teeth and met my gaze in the mirror. He leaned down and rinsed his mouth out. “I’m not sure. I’m hoping he fled, but with David still hanging around, I’m not sure. Don’t worry, the guys will all be here, I promise you’re safe.”
Nodding, I turned and quickly got myself dressed, then headed downstairs. Krista was already in the kitchen. Bacon was cooking and she was putting biscuits into the oven.