Silas Coleman nodded at her without removing his eyes from the road. She had expected to feel uncomfortable being alone with him for the first time. Their meeting two days ago had been brief, mainly with him describing the job duties he expected to be done. None of it seemed to be complicated; mainly some housekeeping for his brothers’ different homes located on his family’s property.

Alanna unobtrusively gave her employer a side-long glance as he drove, still disconcerted by the emotions that had come over her from the moment she turned around to see him. It was as if all the turmoil, fear, and worry inside of her had melted away, like fog dissipates in the bright light of day.

Silas Coleman’s comforting presence had settled her nerves when she was led into the courthouse and saw him sitting in the room where her hearing was going to be held. When the judge had granted her release with the stipulation she couldn’t leave Treepoint and had to wear an ankle monitor to ascertain she remained on the boundary of Mr. Coleman’s property unless she had a trial date, or scheduled to meet with her lawyer. The sheriff was to be notified before leaving the Colemans’ property and receive his permission to do so.

The stipulations didn’t bother her. She would have sold her soul to get away from the deputy’s constant presence.

“I appreciate you taking a chance on giving me a job, Mr. Coleman,” Alanna said, breaking the silence in the truck.

“You might as well call me Silas. Save on the confusion after you meet my brothers. That way, we’ll know which one of us you’re talking to.” Silas Coleman’s gaze remained fixed on the curvy road.

Alanna averted her gaze from studying his to stare out of the front windshield. “You said there are seven of you?”

“Yes, plus, my sister, her husband, and son.” Silas took his eyes off the road to give her a brief smiling glance. “Have you started regretting your decision to take the job?”

“No, I’ve never been afraid of hard work. I’m just amazed you’re all still living together on the same property. Normally, I would think at least one would have moved away.”

They hadn’t discussed the ages of his brothers during the short interview. Skittish of saying the wrong thing and have Silas deciding against hiring her, she hadn’t asked many questions. She was regretting it now. At least she would have been better prepared for what was waiting for her.