That wasn’t going to work. There was no place he could hide in a vehicle that small. Then something clicked. He pulled one of the aprons from the closet and pointed to the printed logo. “Zoom ’N Groom? You have a pet grooming van?”

She swallowed hard. “Yes.”

“Is it here?”

“In my driveway.”

“I didn’t see a dog grooming van in your driveway last night.” He’d passed by this house on his way to Dani Novak’s.

“It’s just a white van. I have a magnetic sign. I take it off at night.”

“Why?”

“Homeowners association rules.”

“Ah. No commercial vehicles in the driveways.” He smiled at her and was gratified to see her flinch. “You’re a rule-breaker, Evelyn. I like that.”

She took a step back. “What do you want from me?”

“Just a ride. And for you to get rid of the cops when they knock on your door. Tell them whatever you want, as long as you don’t mention me and you make them leave.” He paused, giving her a long, hard look. “You will help me, because once you drive me out of here, I’ll leave you and your baby alone. Do you understand?”

She swallowed hard again, her gaze dropping to the baby in Cade’s arms. “Yes.”

“Good. Now bring me whatever first aid supplies you have.”

Bridgetown, Ohio
Monday, March 18, 3:45 a.m.

Diesel could feel his body vibrating with the need to get away from the police and get to Stone. His friend’s heart had stopped beating. Just . . . stopped. Diesel had been through a lot in his life, but he wasn’t sure he’d ever been so terrified as he was when he’d heard Dani say cardiac arrest and chest compressions. Stone would be at the hospital by now and Diesel was a breath away from ditching the questioning cops and getting himself and Dani to the ER as fast as his truck could carry them.

The sight of the Chevy Tahoe coming up the drive had his gut relaxing a fraction. When Adam got out, Diesel didn’t think he’d ever been as glad to see a cop.

Adam strode over to them, noting Diesel’s arm around Dani with a raised brow. “I’m glad at least one thing went right tonight.”

Diesel pulled her closer, letting the chocolate scent of her hair fill his head. Yes. That had gone more than right. He needed to hold on to that. “How is Stone?”

“In surgery,” Adam said quickly, then hesitated. “The boys are fine.”

Dani stiffened. “What happened?”