She glanced Nathan’s way as she spoke. “After I pack a few things and Mom gets home from the thrift shop. Will that be a problem?”
“Of course not. I need to wrap things up here and stop by the house. I have no clue what shape it’s in.”
“Oh, please don’t go to any trouble for me.”
“I’m not going to trouble for you. I’m doing this for Owen.” Terra laughed. “He would appreciate the heads-up.”
Erin wasn’t sure why she hadn’t thought about Terra’s brother, Owen, living there on the ranch.
“Will he be put out that two women will be staying there at his home?”
“It’s a big place. Besides, he’s heading out of town on a trip with Dad.”
“I’m glad to hear they’re spending time together.” Terra and Owen’s father had come back into their lives only a few months ago.
“My point is that he won’t even be there for a few days,” Terra said. “But even if he was home, he’s busy with his equestrian therapy classes. I’ll stay there too as an extra precaution. In fact, you can count on me to bring dinner tonight. What are you up for, fried chicken?”
“Sure. That sounds good. I’ll talk to you soon.” Though Erin couldn’t imagine she would have an appetite.
“Let me know when you’re headed that way.” Terra ended the call.
Erin stared at her phone. “I hope the detective is wrong. I hope the boating accident was just that and has nothing at all to do with me or my podcast.” She blew out a breath. “Don’t even say it. I know that two dead people means it wasn’t an accident. I know someone tried to kill me. And I know you were caught in the cross fire.”
He stared at her a few moments with that soul-searching gaze of his. Could he read her deepest thoughts? Her dreams and desires? Her fears? “Like you were caught in the cross fire in Boston.” The light changed, and he turned onto Main Street. “And Erin, there’s nothing wrong with holding out hope. Like right now, I’m holding out hope that the text I just received from Jack while you were talking to Terra is something big, or nothing at all.”
His words elicited a small laugh from her. “What are you talking about?”
“According to Jack, he lifted a package that was meant for me.”
“Can you give me the details?”
“It was a cryptic message, so no.”
“Are we going to meet him now?”
“No. Jack can wait. I’m going with you to your house, and I’ll help you pack up—”
“Stop right there. Just drop me off, and you go see Jack. There’s a deputy watching the house. I’ll be perfectly safe. Not to mention, it’s broad daylight. And Delmar is always watching, remember? Besides, I can pack faster without you there to distract me.”
“I wouldn’t distract you, I promise.”
Erin had already said too much and chewed on her lip.
“Wait, you don’t mean to say that my mere presence distracts you, do you?” He grinned her way, tossing a quick flash of his amused gaze along with it.
But even in that glimpse, she’d seen the hope there—a forbidden hope. Yes, Nathan was the silver lining, but Detective Munson’s news had set her back. She sensed her own fragile hope slipping away. Why was it so fleeting? So difficult to hang on to?
No...
The fear and uncertainty closed in around her, and Erin wasn’t so sure she wouldn’t just hurt Nathan all over again. After all, she was still that scared, broken little girl inside, and now the past was rushing forward to catch up to her. She could imagine the tree limbs reaching for her, grabbing her and pulling her into the darkness.
“Earth to Erin,” he said.
Heart pounding in her throat, she was grateful Nathan got her attention again. “I’ll pack Mom’s bag too, and we’ll be ready to go. I can drive to the—”
“I can either take you there or follow you, but we’ll go together.”
“Then what are you going to do?”