She paused. Her shaky eyes locked onto his as she revealed, “The next person I spoke to was you.”

Chapter 22

Harmony

Harmony felt better now that someone else knew about what she’d been through with Alan, along with the disturbing fact that it likely wasn’t over yet. Pastor Adam re-extended his offer for regular counseling and also suggested she go to the police, said he had a good friend in law enforcement who could keep an eye out for trouble.

She told him she’d consider both offers, thanked him for listening, and headed home to Virginia’s. Along the way she wondered if she should try to purchase a gun to defend herself from the inevitable. She even went so far as to pull into the lot outside the tiny shack-like building that sold firearms and ammunition.

But no, she couldn’t.

As much as she didn’t want to die, she’d much rather Alan kill her than have to live with the knowledge that she’d willingly chosen to end someone else’s life. Even if it was self-defense and she was thus never punished for taking action, her mind would still slowly deteriorate. Ultimately, she’d go mad with the guilt.

And that wasn’t a price she was willing to pay.

Not even to guarantee her own safety.

She’d need to rely on her own wits, watchfulness, and a tiny Chihuahua who would do anything to keep her safe. Thankfully, God was always with her, too.

At home, she found Nolan and Pancake sitting on the front porch waiting for her return.

“Jolene told me everything!” he said, rushing forth to give her a tight hug. “Why didn’t you tell me you were in danger?”

She pushed back from his chest, trying to ignore how good it felt to be wrapped in his strong embrace, to have someone who cared. “What makes you think I’m in danger?”

“Well, for starters, you’re shaking like a leaf. Also, Jolene has her way of getting a good read on people. She said that the man who came for you was on the search for no good.” His normally cheerful face twisted with rage. It figured he’d heard the news as well. Jolene told everything to everybody, but at least she’d kept mum when it came to Alan’s request for information.

“Did you get his name?” she asked, unable to deny her fear anymore.

Nolan shook his head and swore under his breath. “No, he wouldn’t give it. Jolene said he was just under six foot tall with dark hair and eyes. He was wearing track pants and a concert shirt but she couldn’t remember the band.”

“Sounds like Alan to a T. No one else would be looking for me besides him.”

“What does he want?” Nolan placed a hand on her arm. He was shaking, too.

“I don’t know. Revenge on me for leaving him? Or, maybe just the opposite, that he wants to convince me to give him another try.” Harmony sucked air through her teeth, but it wasn’t enough to steady her or calm Nolan.