himself?”
“Of course. Everything’s fine. We set up camp before dark—we’re staying at that old campground by Lone Creek.”
“Okay . . . Is anyone else there?”
“A few guys, hanging out.”
“Somehow that doesn’t make me feel any better.”
“I’m fine. Wyatt’s in security, remember? And he also carries, so we’re well protected.” She wasn’t sure why she added that. Maybe she wanted someone to know just in case.
“What? He has a gun? Grace, I don’t like this at all. You don’t know the man. Is he there now listening to our conversation? I’m coming to get you right now.”
“Jeez, chill out, Molly. Everything’s fine. He’s sitting by the fire whittling something. We’re going to head farther up into the mountains tomorrow, then we’ll return by way of the road. We need to make the most of our time so don’t look for me to come home until dark.”
“No, I don’t like this. Let me come get you. I can be there in less than thirty minutes.”
“And then what? I desert our guest after I agreed to accompany him? And let him think we believe he’s some kind of psycho? This is my job, Molly. Just let me do it.”
“I’m telling Levi.”
“Seriously? I’m not a child anymore. I told you I’m fine, and you’ll just have to trust me.”
Adam murmured something to Molly in the background, probably trying to talk sense into her in his unique Adam-like way. A long silence followed, the night sounds pressing in.
“I still don’t like it,” Molly said finally.
“I know you don’t, but I can take care of myself. It’s going to be fine. You’ll see.”
“I’d better see. And you’d better be here before dark, and I want you to check in when you can.”
“Yes, Mommy.”
“It’s not funny. I’ll be too worried to sleep tonight.”
Grace rolled her eyes. A twig snapped somewhere nearby, making her head spin. “I have to go,” she said more quietly. “I’ll check in tomorrow when I can.”
“You’d better.”
Grace disconnected, her eyes still glued to the spot up the trail where she’d heard the noise. Another twig snapped and footfalls sounded. She reached for the flashlight, her heart thumping out a tattoo. It wouldn’t turn on. She reached for her phone instead.
“Wyatt?” she called even though he’d probably never walked that noisily in his life.
A moment later a dark shadow emerged from the woods. Her breath stuttered.
“Guess again.” It was the tall, dark-haired guy, the one who’d been grilling.
“What do you want?”
He laughed. “So demanding.”
“Stop right there.”
“Relax, darlin’,” he slurred. “Just came out to keep you company.”
“I’m fine. You can go back to camp now.” She’d already taken one step back, and she added another as he neared. But with the creek at her back she couldn’t go far. Would Wyatt even hear her if she screamed? The night sounds were loud. And a cry for help would also bring this guy’s pals, who’d no doubt defend their friend.
“My boyfriend’ll be here any minute,” she said with confidence. “You don’t want to mess with him.”
He guffawed. “That ain’t your boyfriend. How stupid you think I am?”
An honest answer wouldn’t help her cause. He was blocking the trail, but if she played it cool maybe she could get past him.
She lengthened her spine and lifted her chin. “I’d better get back. He’ll be waiting for me.” She stepped boldly around him, her heart pounding in her ears, drowning out the warbling of the insects, the rippling of the creek.
She thought she might make it past until a viselike grip clamped around her arm.
Chapter Thirteen
One of the goons was missing. The tall one with the mean eyes and dirty mouth. Maybe he’d only gone off to take a whiz, but something in Wyatt’s gut rejected the thought.
He’d only stepped inside his tent for a moment. Wyatt cursed himself for letting his guard slip and rushed down the trail. He hoped the guy’s buddies wouldn’t notice his departure and follow. The portly left-handed one was probably too drunk to care, but Evan was sober. Wyatt could easily take both of them even without his Glock, but Grace’s presence could complicate matters.
He didn’t use his flashlight. The moonlight was adequate, and he wanted the element of surprise. He made quick, quiet work of the path, his ears tuned for human sounds.
A few moments later he heard a voice above the rushing of the creek. Grace. “Stop it. Let go of me!”
Wyatt quickened his steps. Nearing the creek, his eyes homed in on the shadowy forms. The idiot had Grace