A noise came from the trees, drawing her out of her memories. She didn’t really pay much attention, figuring one of the guards had come to make sure she and Lily were okay and where they were supposed to be. She had instructed them to stay in the background. She wanted Lily to stay blissfully ignorant to the darker side of life, like the necessity of guards to protect her.
Sally lay happily dozing on the lawn in a small patch of dappled sunlight. She didn’t move or indicate she sensed anything out of the ordinary. Used to having the guards on the property, Jenna had made sure the guards were introduced to Sally, so Sally wouldn’t bark at them every time they were around. Still, Jack’s worry from this morning had rubbed off on her. She tried to shake it off, reminding herself that living in fear was no way to live.
Lily watered the last hydrangea and Jenna sat back and surveyed their work. A productive day. Her arms and back were sore from all the digging, but the yard looked so nice she didn’t care.
A movement off to the left inside the trees caught her eye. Nothing there now. She scanned the area, spotted another movement, heard the rustle of dried leaves. She couldn’t make out anything specific. The stillness and scent of dirt and sweet flowers surrounded her for a moment. Just when she thought it her imagination, David stepped out from behind a thick tree, holding a long hunting knife. The wicked sharp blade caught the light and gleamed, punctuating the ominous moment. Her heart pounded, fear rooted her to the ground. He pointed a finger at her, and then crooked his finger for her to come to him. With a feral grin, he pointed at Lily and held up the knife. A clear threat against the small child. She couldn’t let anything happen to Lily and would do anything to save her, including go with the man she feared the most.
A wave of fear shook her whole body. Without taking her eyes from David, she addressed Lily. “Time for lunch. Turn off the water, sweetheart, and go into the kitchen with Beth. Tell her I’m finishing out here and you’re ready to eat.” She’d tried to keep the panic out of her voice, but even she heard it shake.
Sally stirred, cocked her head to the trees and listened. She put her nose in the air and let out a low growl.
“Aren’t you going to have lunch?” Lily shut off the water before heading to the back door.
“I am, but I’ll finish the flowers and be in, in a little while. Your mommy will be here to pick you up in about half an hour. Stay in the kitchen with Beth until she comes. Okay. Promise you’ll stay with Beth.
“Sally, be quiet.”
“I will. Maybe I can have ice cream if I eat all my lunch. Should I take Sally with me, something’s bugging her?”
“Yes, honey, you can have ice cream. Stay with Beth. Sally will be fine with me.”
“I’ll stay and wait for Mommy to come.” Lily went in through the door, leaving Jenna by the flowerbed.
Relief washed over her when she knew Lily was safe in the house and out of David’s reach. For now.
A branch behind her snapped, making her jump. Jenna turned slowly. David stood just inside the tree line. Sally stood guard at her side, letting out a menacing growl. David crooked his finger at her again. She tried to think through the fear, figure a way out of this. She wanted to run, but she couldn’t risk Lily or anyone else at the ranch. Resigned, she fisted her hands and stretched her fingers wide.
Her mind screamed, not again.
Her heart whispered, I’m sorry, Jack.
Her feet carried her slowly into hell.
Where were the guards? Why didn’t they stop him? What was he wearing? Short at five-eight with dark brown hair, his lean build deceptively hid the power behind his skinny frame. He could overpower her easily. She had never been a match for him physically, and now she had to worry he might hurt Lily. What about the baby she knew she was carrying? Her hand hovered close to her belly, but she stopped herself from placing a protective hand over her baby. David wouldn’t miss the gesture. She couldn’t risk his reaction to her carrying another man’s baby. Jack’s baby.