“I should have given you a description of him at least. I’m sorry.”
“That would have helped, but I’m guessing there won’t be all that many strange werewolves hanging about, however,” Mason said.
She told him basically what he looked like should they ever meet him. This was such a nightmare. If she hadn’t left Thomas Ridge all those weeks ago, none of this mess would have happened. Though if she hadn’t left, it was possible that Zach would have frozen to death or been physically harmed from being left out in the cold.
Mason pulled out his phone. “Hey, Dad.” Mason told him that they’d found her. He described Sherman Watts. “Have you seen anyone like that?...What about Doug Kitchener?” He listened for a moment longer. “Got it. I understand. I don’t know when we’ll be back. Three days maybe?” He explained that Cassidy wanted to wait until Doug’s father died, assuming he did in the very near future. He also asked if their father could find someone to work for Zach for a few days. “They know that, Dad. Keep in touch.”
“What did Dad say?”
Mason disconnected. “From what he can tell, Mr. Watts has left town, and Doug has not visited.”
“That makes it safer to head back, but Doug won’t give up. He probably learned I had been there but left,” she said.
“Not to be a downer, but Watts could have returned to Thomas Ridge for reinforcements,” Mason said.
“Way to go, brother,” Zach said.
“No, I appreciate your honesty. I always want to know what I’m up against.” She spotted the restaurant. “The Falls Restaurant is still open. We could stop there.”
Zach pulled in front, and they all got out. The wind had picked up, causing the cold air to snake down her jacket. She must have shivered, because Mike wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
“Thanks.”
Since it wasn’t yet dinner time, the place had plenty of empty seats. Just in case any of the Kitcheners had followed Zach to Idaho, she scanned the patrons, but didn’t see anyone she recognized, and her muscles relaxed.
The hostess seated them. Cassidy ordered a coffee since she was chilly, but the men had their usual beers. They didn’t seem to be affected by the cold.
“Cassidy, what would you like to do?” Zach asked.
“About Doug?”
“Yes.”
“My grandfather was ill for over a year before he passed. Without speaking with Jessie Kitchener’s doctor, I can’t say with any certainty how long he has to live.”
Zach nodded. “I had a friend who's grandfather found out he had cancer and died within a week. We never know when it's our time, but even if Jessie Kitchener dies, didn’t you say Doug might try to win you back anyway? He has an image to uphold.”
“I have to consider that as a possibility. Will Doug send more men to Wildwood—assuming he believes Mindy’s mom that I’m still there? Possibly. It won’t be pleasant if they find me though.”
“You don’t think his men will harm you, do you?” Mike asked.
“No, but they won’t give me the chance to say goodbye to you.”
“I think we need to set a trap,” Mason said.
“What kind of trap?” she asked.
“I’ve been giving it some thought. As you are well aware, the cabin where you first stayed is isolated. I was thinking we could position a lot of wolves around there, and then let it slip that is where you’re staying.”
“What if they break in? Or don’t you expect me to be there?”
Mason dragged a hand down his chin. “I don’t, but I have a plan on how you can help. After all, you might be the only one who can identify Doug and Sherman when they are in their wolf form.”
“For sure. I can tell you their colorings if that will help.” The men nodded. “Doug is a very dark brown wolf with one white paw. It’s rather striking. Sherman is light gray with a brown patch on his flank.”
“That helps. Here’s my idea.” Mason outlined a plan that would allow her to shoot whoever she could with her bow and arrow.
“I love the idea, but an arrow probably won’t even slow a wolf down.”