Motive: Secret Baby. Debra Webb

You know what I came here to do. I’ve waited far too long as it is.”

      Judging by the chief’s grave expression, there was more bad news. “It’s not going to be that simple, Nicholas.”

      Nicholas flinched at the familiarity. “What do you mean?”

      “Some of them have put two and two together. They’ve reasoned that you’ve been here for the better part of the past five years. So have their troubles. That makes those who usually lend no credibility to the curse think twice.” He fumbled with his hat a bit more. “They want you gone. Now. Tonight.”

      “No.” Camille didn’t realize she’d said the word aloud until both the chief and Nicholas turned to her. Her face flushed. “He…” She might as well say it. “He can’t leave.”

      “Miss Wells,” the chief said patiently, “unless he’s broken a law I have no cause to run him out of town, so don’t mistake what I’m here to do.”

      “What are you here to do?” Nicholas asked pointedly, drawing the chief’s attention back to him.

      “I’m here to warn you. It’s a damned shame that some folks have to act this way, but it’s only human I suppose. The fact of the matter is, I can’t guarantee your safety, considering.”

      Considering. Fury bolted through Camille. “That’s ridiculous.” She took a step in the chief’s direction. “When I was in the hospital, I had around-the-clock security. If you can do it for me, you can do it for Nicholas. Post a deputy outside.” She thrust her hand toward the front of the cottage. “I would think you would’ve already taken that measure.”

      The chief shrugged. “I’ll do all I can, Miss Wells. But the people of Raven’s Cliff are pretty worked up. They’ve been through a lot. Some folks aren’t thinking rationally.”

      “I appreciate your efforts,” Nicholas said. “But I can handle this myself.”

      “I don’t—” Whatever the chief would have said was interrupted by his cell phone. He pulled the phone from his belt. “Swanson.”

      Camille’s burst of adrenaline abandoned her, leaving her weak and feeling defeated. What did they do now? Finding her child had to be priority. If anyone got in the way—

      The chief’s call ended and he tucked the phone back into his belt, dragging her attention to him once more. “Looks like we’re about to find out just how ugly this is going to get.”

      The air in Camille’s lungs evacuated.

      “There’s a riled-up mob headed this way. My deputies are trying to dissuade them, but they’re not cooperating.”

      Before Nicholas or Camille could respond, the sound of angry shouts erupted outside.

      The chief rushed to the window and looked out, then turned back to Nicholas. “They’re here.”