In the Pines (Columbia River) by Kendra Elliot

Author:Kendra Elliot [Elliot, Kendra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Montlake
Published: 2022-08-15T16:00:00+00:00

26

Every cell in Evan’s body had gone on high alert when Theodore told Charlotte, “It’s not safe.”

I thought they trusted me.

Discouragement crept up his spine. Perhaps he’d expected too much too fast. After all, they had only met two days ago. No doubt it took time for kids to learn to depend on someone.

But I would do anything to protect them.

The realization took Evan’s breath away. He’d never experienced that feeling. He struggled to speak. “What isn’t safe?” he managed to ask Theodore in a firm voice, hoping the boy hadn’t noticed his floundering moment.

“Nothing.” Theodore wouldn’t look at him.

Charlotte stamped a foot, and her brother shot her a glance that could kill. “Tell them or I will,” she stated.

“It’s not our secret to tell!” Theodore wrenched his shoulder out from under Evan’s hand and made a beeline for the barn, his legs and arms pumping hard.

Evan took one step after him and stopped, looking to Mercy and Truman in confusion.

“Let him go,” advised Truman as Mercy nodded. “Give the boy a moment.”

“But . . .” Evan watched Theodore vanish into the barn.

“He’s mad,” announced Charlotte.

“We can see that,” said Mercy. “Would you tell us why, please? I understand Theodore is concerned about safety, but honestly the best thing you can do is tell us. We’re law enforcement, Charlotte. Safety is our job. No one can protect you and Theodore better than the three of us.”

“She’s right,” said Kaylie. “You and Theodore have been whispering about something since we met, and I think you need to share.”

Evan watched Charlotte study Kaylie’s face and then glance at Mercy and Truman. “You won’t get mad?” she asked, looking at Evan.

“Charlotte, I can’t think of a single thing in the world you could tell me that would make me mad,” Evan told her, feeling the truth of his words as he spoke. “What’s wrong?”

Charlotte’s gaze went to the barn. “Our parents made us swear not to tell. They said it would be dangerous if anyone knew,” she said in the softest voice that Evan had ever heard her use. Kaylie’s brows shot up at the quiet tone, and concern flared in her eyes.

“It’s okay, Charlotte.” Evan placed both hands on her shoulders. “Look at me.” It took a moment, but the girl raised her gaze. The agony in her eyes made him want to hurt someone. “You’re safe with me. I won’t let anything happen to you or Theodore.”

“It’s not just us,” Charlotte blurted, dropping her gaze.

Evan was stumped. “What happened?”

The little girl sucked in a deep breath and looked at Kaylie from the corner of her eye. The teenager nodded encouragingly.

“Our daddy didn’t die,” Charlotte whispered.

Evan struggled to keep a neutral expression as shock flashed through his limbs. “Why did you tell us he did?”

Charlotte’s shoulders slumped. “He and Mommy made us swear not to tell anyone he was alive. It was for our safety and his.” She looked at the smoking house and wiped at one eye. “This fire proves he was right.

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