week that I’m treating for injuries and malnutrition.”
Kir clenched his jaw. He couldn’t stay next to Lynne 24/7. Not if he intended to track down the person responsible for threatening her. But the thought of her traveling to such an isolated spot made his stomach cramp with fear.
“Will you be there alone?”
“No. Either Grady or Monica will be there.”
“Who are they?”
“A young couple who take care of the sanctuary in exchange for living rent-free in my grandparents’ house,” she explained. “They’re both finishing their online degrees so it’s a perfect arrangement for all of us. But I still try to check on the animals every couple of days.”
A portion of his fear eased. “Be careful.”
“I’m always careful.” She sent him a chiding glare. “Unlike some people I know.” He started to shut the door only to be halted when Lynne leaned across the console of the truck. “Oh wait. You’ll need a key to get back in the house in case I have an emergency.” She grabbed her worn leather medical bag and dug through a side pocket. At last she pulled out a single key and handed it to him. “Here.”
Holding her gaze, he pocketed the key. “Thank you,” he murmured, knowing it was more than just a gesture of convenience.
Lynne wasn’t a woman who would easily open her house or her heart to others.
For now, he’d take the key to her home.
She flushed, as if feeling exposed by his intense gaze. “You should go before you freeze.”
With a nod he closed the door and stepped back. He waited until the truck pulled away before he crossed the street, his gaze sweeping over the small, tidy homes that lined the block. They looked like something off a postcard, with their roofs covered by a layer of snow and smoke curling from the brick chimneys, but Kir was more interested in the heavy curtains across the windows and peaceful silence that surrounded him.
Were the neighbors all at church? Or maybe just sleeping late on a lazy Sunday morning. Either way it offered him the opportunity that he needed.
Maintaining a leisurely stroll, Kir pushed open the front gate to the house directly behind the church. He avoided the porch as he circled to the side of the house. For now he preferred to avoid breaking and entering. He wasn’t entirely certain Lynne would bail him out if he was arrested.
He paused at the first window, peering through the crack in the curtains. He could see a narrow living room with green shag carpeting, tan leather furniture, and blank walls. It looked like it was stuck in a seventies time warp. Obviously, Pastor Bradshaw wasn’t into home décor. Accepting that there was nothing suspicious to be seen, Kir moved to the next window. This one revealed a kitchen just as dated as the living room. There was an old gas stove and an avocado green fridge with a square table in the center of the tiled floor.
Nothing there.
He moved to the last window. The curtains were pulled tightly closed, but they were sheer enough that he could make out a bed and a heavy dresser. There didn’t seem to be anything on the walls, although the shelves were packed with books.
With a grimace, Kir continued across the backyard toward the nearby church. He didn’t know what he’d been looking for, but all he’d discovered was a house that looked as if it was as sterile as a hotel room.
Following a narrow pathway that had been tunneled through the snow, Kir headed toward the addition that had been built on the back of the church. He expected it to be locked, but the door easily swung open and he quickly darted inside.
Instantly he was hit by the smell of mold from the piles of old choir gowns and well-worn hymnals. He wrinkled his nose, weaving his way through broken chairs and folding tables precariously stacked on the wooden floor. This was obviously the storage area.
He continued forward to enter the main building. There was a darkly paneled hallway that led to the nave where he could hear Pastor Bradshaw delivering his sermon. His voice echoed and soared through the air, ringing with a sincerity that was impressive.
Kir didn’t listen to his words. He wasn’t there for the preaching.
After glancing around to ensure he was alone, Kir opened the nearest door to find a coat closet. The next two doors were marked for the men’s and women’s bathrooms. He inched toward the opening at