The island didn’t have a year-round law enforcement presence, but during the summer, the sheriff’s department brought on extra staff, and each island in our small chain got its own dedicated officers to deal with the round-the-clock issues that came with an influx of tourists. I met the sheriff’s gaze. “We appreciate that.”

A truck pulled into the lot way too fast, sending gravel spitting. Hunter launched from his vehicle and jogged over to Bell, wrapping her in a hard hug. What was with all these guys touching her? God, I needed to get a grip.

“Are you okay? Holy crap, your eye!”

Bell extricated herself from my brother’s hold, patting him on the arm. “I’m fine, Hunt. Promise.”

His gaze traveled over her face and down her body as if checking for other injuries. “You’re staying with me until they catch this guy.”

“Oh, hell no.” The words were out before I had a chance to even consider them. “If she stays with anyone, it’ll be me.”

Hunter’s head snapped in my direction. “And why’s that?”

“Have you forgotten that you’re currently living in an Airstream with one tiny-ass bed. I have extra rooms and an alarm system at my place.” I hated that my brother had been the one to offer Bell refuge first. I’d wanted to, but I knew it wouldn’t exactly go over well. I’d already been planning to get my mom to try and guilt Bell into staying with me by telling her how worried she’d be if Bell was staying here alone. It was underhanded, but I didn’t care. I needed to know she was safe.

Hunter straightened to his full height. “I might not have the fancy digs that you do, but at least I stick around.”

Bell threw up her hands. “I’m not going anywhere with either of you.” She glanced up at Raines. “Will you find something to arrest these guys for? Maybe lock them up overnight?”

He chuckled. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thanks. I’ll be in the bar getting set up for the day.”

Bell headed inside, and Raines turned back to me and Hunter, all traces of humor gone from his face. “You two need to get your shit together. Bell does not need you going at it when she’s dealing with everything else.”

I swallowed hard. The man was right. I was acting like a jealous high schooler. “You’re worried.”

“Damn straight, I’m worried. This is clearly personal, and whoever this creep is, they’re mad.” A muscle in his cheek ticked as he looked up at the apartment again. “All the pillows on her couch were slashed. The perp used a knife. That does not signal good things.”

Every muscle in my body tightened to the point of pain. “How long is it going to take to get fingerprints back?”