“That’ll give me a job to fill my time. And if the wrong people show up, I’m mean with these crutches.”

Shelby’s stomach growled and I grinned. “Are you going to invite me in so I can whip up a semi-gourmet meal?”

“The last two agents who attempted to keep me company were shot.”

I stared at my feet for a few beats. “So I hear.”

“Another one had surgery and will be on crutches for weeks.”

“I heard about him too. I’m one of the good guys, remember?”

“Are you going to behave yourself?” She bit her lip and revealed a spark of humor.

“Nope.”

A smile tugged at her lips. “Me either. I’m bored and angry. Neither are a good combo for an ex-con.”

After Shelby poured us freshly squeezed lemonade, I suggested we sit on the front porch. “I’d have driven you to your mother’s funeral.”

Shelby stroked Joy, who’d followed her outside. “I know, Denton.” She’d morphed from a rebellious little girl to a sad woman.

“We’re spending tomorrow together. I’m not leaving you alone.”

She slowly nodded. “I’d like that. It will be a tough day.” She stared out at the narrow road. “I’m going back to work on Saturday morning.”

“The bad guys are still out there. You’d be easy to pick off on the road. No one would ever know who did it or why.”

“Whoever’s responsible could have eliminated me on the other days I’ve walked to and from work. Besides, I’ve already made a commitment to Amy-Jo, and I’m tired of hiding.”

“What else have you vowed to do?”

She gave me a sideways glare. “It won’t be a surprise.”

“Try me.”

“Find who is responsible for embezzling the money, the threats, the shootings, and two hit-and-runs. All I know at this point is Eli Chandler is involved. I want to know how he fits in with my dad.”

“Then what?”

“Make sure the guilty ones face a judge and jury.”

“We’re in this together.”

“Next time you might not be so lucky.”

I deliberated her words. “I’d rather sacrifice my life to keep you safe than attend your funeral.”

She blinked. “What am I to do with you?”

“When this is over, I’ll tell you.”

That night I lay awake on her sofa, not because of the plywood nailed over the window and the living room chair against the door, but because of my growing feelings for Shelby and the threats against her.

The agony in my battered body caused my eyes to water. Hard to concentrate when I couldn’t figure out how to end this. Tonight we’d grilled chicken, tossed a salad, and baked potatoes for supper. We stood much too close for a man who’d admitted the pangs of love. Rather pathetic because I lacked the skill to handle myself personally.

I gave in to taking half a pain pill and slept.

Four hours later, I grabbed my laptop from Shelby’s kitchen table. The FIG had my latest inquiry about Travis Stover and Eli Chandler. If the two men were connected before Stover’s death, the investigation might lead to the missing money. I wanted coffee, except grinding the beans made too much noise and Shelby needed sleep.