“I hope you mean that.”
“One hundred percent.” Jake studied her, wondering what prompted this woman to sacrifice so much of her time. He also wanted to know about the other members of the household before entrusting his daughter to Brynn. “Your husband must be a very understanding man.”
“My husband is dead.” Brynn’s voice was matter-of-fact, but her eyes betrayed her pain.
“You live here alone?”
Wariness stiffened her expression and stance. She reached for her dog’s collar. “Not completely.”
Unwilling to frighten or put her off even more, Jake didn’t persist. There would be plenty of time to ask his other questions, if she accepted Andrea.
CHAPTER TWO
AFTER A SLEEPLESS NIGHT, Brynn phoned the Cranstons early the next morning to check on Jake McKenzie’s story. Unable to reach them, she left a message. Although young Andrea had touched her deeply, Brynn couldn’t ignore the possible danger. Having moved twice in the past year, she also couldn’t compromise this last safe place she’d come to call home.
Brynn thought of the moves that had brought her here. First from the home she’d shared with Kirk, then from the last home she’d shared with her daughter.
She stood, pacing as she remembered Kirk’s car accident, the call telling her that he was dead. Then that terrible numbness.
Her valiant daughter had stood beside her as they’d buried him, both unable to believe he was really gone. On their return home they’d discovered that the house had been broken into. The police told Brynn there were criminals who read the obituaries, then used the gruesome opportunity to burgle the deceased’s home. But nothing of much value other than Kirk’s cameras had been stolen.
Brynn had also begun receiving many hang-up calls. But then, she’d been solicited for everything from cemetery plots to cruises after Kirk’s death. However, after one of the calls, she realized someone had been in the house again while she and Sarah were out. It was more subtle that second time, but she saw the signs.
The police took her concerns seriously, but they questioned whether Kirk could have been involved in something unsavory. Although Brynn had vehemently denied that suggestion, she had agreed to allow them to search her home, and later, Kirk’s studio.
Not finding anything, the police also examined Kirk’s photos, which had been placed in storage. Detectives spent a good deal of time examining the collection, but could see no connection between the pictures and the break-in. There seemed to be no clandestine or accidental shot that would compel someone to try to steal the evidence.
Worried about her daughter’s safety, Brynn had moved to a new neighborhood, hoping that whatever the intruders wanted would be forgotten once she and Sarah disappeared.
But then Sarah had died, a tragic incident that had all but shattered Brynn’s own interest in life. There’d been another break-in, but she hadn’t cared. Her family and friends had, however. At Julia’s insistence, she’d moved to the ranch. And now she needed to learn as much as she could about the McKenzies.
Andrea’s school wouldn’t divulge any information. Brynn could certainly understand why, but it didn’t get her any closer to establishing McKenzie’s credibility.
A call to his employer was equally disappointing. They had a strict policy. Nothing could be revealed unless requested in writing, accompanied by the employee’s signed release.
Frustrated, Brynn phoned her friend and confidante, Julia, outlining the situation.
Julia was immediately protective. “I’m not sure I like the sound of this. It could be perfectly innocent, but then again… Listen, why don’t I come out? Stay the weekend? I have some mail for you.”
Brynn didn’t hesitate; the prospect of an ally was immensely comforting. “That would be great if you really don’t have any plans.”
Julia sighed with mock drama. “Zip. I’d have better luck meeting the right man in the middle of the Sahara.”
Brynn chuckled unexpectedly. No matter how down she felt, Julia had a way of making her smile. “Jules, you turn down more men than most women ever meet.”
“I’m glad you’re convinced one of these frogs will turn out to be Prince Charming. I’ve stopped believing he exists.”
Brynn had a sudden image of her late husband, the man she had planned to spend her life with, her prince in every way that counted.
“Brynn, sorry. I didn’t think—”
“No, no!” she said dismissively. “You’re right. I did my fair share of ‘dissecting’ frogs until I met Kirk.” She pushed back the thick hair that fell across her forehead. “And you can’t keep monitoring every word when you talk to me. Some things will always remind me of Kirk…and Sarah. And that’s not always bad, you know.”
“Yeah, I know,” Julia replied in a gentle tone. “I’m going to grab a few things and get rolling. Anything you need from civilization?”
Everything and nothing. Sometimes it was difficult to believe that she’d once lived only a few miles from the heart of the city. “Just your company.”
“You got it, kid. I’ll make a few quick stops and then I’ll be on my way.”
Brynn hung up, already feeling better. It helped to have someone to share her concerns with. Always independent, she had tried to remain so during her marriage, but it had been easy to become accustomed to having someone to lean on, to talk things over with. So much had changed with Kirk’s death.
Virgil pushed his muzzle into her hand and she petted her loyal friend. “We’re going to have company, Virg. Julia’s coming.”
The dog wagged his tail, recognizing Julia’s name. Before she’d lost her husband and daughter, Brynn’s life had been filled with friends and family. Although her father had passed away and she had no siblings, Brynn had never felt short of family. She was close to her mother and had an array of aunts, uncles and cousins. Although they got together more rarely as she and her cousins had started families of their own, they were a supportive bunch. But when her life was threatened, Brynn hadn’t wanted to expose the people she cared about to danger. Most of her friends and family accepted her wish to be left alone.
Julia, however, had refused to be shut out. Her offer had proved to be a godsend, enabling Brynn to assure her mother that she would be safe. Now she and her mother talked a few times a week. Their phone calls, along with Julia’s visits, kept her connected.
Feeling a little less worried, Brynn freshened up Julia’s bedroom and then headed to her studio. Once absorbed in her work, she didn’t notice that the hours passed, until a clatter at the back door startled her. Her heart pounded as the dogs barked. It took her a few moments to recognize that their noise wasn’t a warning. Brynn placed a hand to her chest, trying to steady her irregular breathing. Then, realizing it must be Julia, she grabbed a towel, hurriedly wiping off her hands as she dashed toward the back door.
Surrounded by adoring animals, including her own dog, Lobo, Julia lifted a hand in greeting. “It’s hard to believe I started this menagerie.” Virgil waited patiently for his pat and Julia didn’t disappoint him. “You’re keeping Brynn safe, aren’t you, boy?”
“My shadow,” Brynn agreed, stepping through the exuberant mass of dogs to hug her friend. It’s good to see you. Thanks for coming.”
“It’s a great excuse to get me out of the madness. I start winding down about fifty miles outside the city. I forget how stressed I am until some of it eases.”
“That’s why this is a good place to escape, for both of us.” Brynn’s smile widened. “But you’d be bored beyond belief if you lived here.”
Julia