He ran around and handed her the bag. She dug out her cell and scrolled through for Toby’s number, only she couldn’t find it. Then she realized she couldn’t focus. Her vision was blurry and the nausea had returned.

“Call your dad,” she said, feeling herself start to fade. “Listen to me, Harrison. Call your dad and tell him what happened. Then get in the back with Belle. Use her to stay warm. She’ll protect you.”

She motioned to the people racing toward them. “Ask them for a blanket. Make sure someone called 911. Okay?”

He moved toward her. “Are you all right?” Tears spilled down his cheeks. “Reggie, don’t die.”

She managed a smile. “I won’t die. I hit my head. Just stay warm and look after Belle.”

“I will.”

He pushed the button to connect him with his dad. Two men reached the SUV. One of them looked at her and swore.

“Help is on the way,” he said, and that was the last thing she heard.

Dena appreciated the fact that her day had been busy—it gave her less time to think. She taught her students, then hurried home to man the reception desk at the B and B. Winona needed to duck out for a couple of hours, and Dena was filling in. Midweek, there weren’t a lot of guests checking in or out. Most would stay through the holidays. She was still getting regular emails from the Pinkertons, who were hoping for a last-minute cancellation, but so far there hadn’t been any.

All of which was a nice distraction from the fact that she hadn’t heard from Micah all day. Last night had been a whirlwind of emotions, from waiting for Micah to play to hearing the song to wondering what it meant. Not that she had been able to ask. When he’d called back sometime after midnight, he hadn’t wanted to keep her on the phone long. Before she could say she was fine with talking, he’d hung up. Which left her feeling unsettled and confused.

“He’ll be back soon,” she told herself. He’d promised, and she trusted him to keep his word.

She went into the kitchen and started getting ready for Snacks and Wine. Ursula had outdone herself with shrimp-scampi-filled and wild-mushroom-filled puff pastry. Dena was going to try to limit herself to only a couple of each. She really had to get in her vegetables, and if she stuffed herself with flaky goodness, that was not happening.

She’d just finished setting out the wine when she heard the sound of the bell over the front door. Instantly her entire body went on alert. Had Micah surprised her by coming back early? Was he here?