“You would have convinced me to come back.”
“True.”
“What are your plans now?” Mike asked. “You have to know that we want you with us.”
“I know. When I arrived a few hours ago, Nana called Mom to let her know I was safe. Mom said she’ll make a few calls to see if she can learn anything about Doug’s dad’s health. I don’t think he has long to live. I’m just hoping I can wait it out here.”
Zach looked over at Mike and then at his brother. They seemed to be telepathing. “How about you come with us? We’re staying in town. You can visit your grandmother anytime you want. Should anyone find you here, we can protect you.”
She loved that idea. “Deal.” She turned to her Nana. “Are you okay with that?”
“Oh, sweetie. Of course, I am. These hunky men can fight a lot better than I can.”
Cassidy chuckled. "True." She stood and hugged her grandmother. “I need to pack.” She turned back to Mike and Zach. “I won’t be long.”
“Need help?” Mike asked.
If he came with her, she’d be pressed up against the bedroom door and kissed until she couldn’t breathe. If her bedroom wasn’t only fifteen feet away, she might have taken him up on his offer. She winked. “I think I can handle it.”
Cassidy ducked into Nana’s spare bedroom. She couldn’t believe they’d found her. Most likely Mom had suggested she might be there. Not wanting to dwell on any mistake she’d made, Cassidy quickly stuffed her clothes into her backpack and then slipped on her jacket and other outer gear.
“Ready,” she said when she stepped out of her room. She clasped her grandmother’s hand. “I am so happy I was able to spend some time with you.”
“Me too.” She motioned that Cassidy lean closer. “Your men are hot,” Nana whispered.
Cassidy almost cackled out loud. Seventy-eight wasn’t old, but she hadn’t expected Nana to say something like that. “I agree.”
The men stood. “We’ll take good care of her.”
After Cassidy hugged her grandmother, she left with them. For the first time in a long time, Cassidy wasn’t afraid.
Mike insisted that she ride shotgun, while he jumped in the back with Mason.
“You hungry?” Zach asked.
She knew them well enough to know they were the hungry ones. “I could use some food. There’s a great café on the main drag. Take a right at the intersection ahead and go right.”
Zach followed the directions. “Do either of you know if Sherman Watts is still in Wildwood or has he returned to Thomas Ridge?” she asked.
“I spoke with my father on the trip over here. I sent him a photo of Doug that I downloaded from the bank where he works. I couldn’t find anything on Sherman,” Mason told her.
“He stays out of trouble with the law. I suppose that is because Doug is good friends with the deputy, not to mention, he's also part of the clan. The sheriff thankfully is not. I’m not sure he has any idea our kind even exists.”
For the rest of the ride to town, the men told her what they had to go through to find her.
“How did you get out of Wildwood?” Zach asked. “You didn’t take a bus.”
“I hitched a ride. I realized it was a risk, but I figured there would be less chance of Sherman finding me that way.”
“That was actually smart,” Mason said. “The first thing we did was go to the bus station.”
“What happens if after a few days in Idaho Falls, Doug’s dad is still alive? Then what?” Zach asked.
“I haven't though that far ahead. Maybe get a job here?”
Zach's lips pressed together. He must not like that idea.
“While we don’t have a photo of this Sherman Watts guy, anyone who is lurking around Wildwood will draw attention. My dad said he’d keep an eye out for such a person,” Mason told her.