I longed to touch his face and run my fingers through his thick, nearly white hair. I’d sworn never to trust a man again . . . Prison had scarred me. But Denton’s gentleness and sacrificial giving had chiseled away at my heart, crumbling the self-imposed wall.

Isaac and Sheriff Wendall chatted in low tones across the room. I listened for something that would give me a clue about Denton’s and my shooter experiences. They were either conscious of my eavesdropping or deliberately keeping details from me. Probably both.

Aaron had survived surgery to remove bullets from his stomach and thigh. Though listed in critical condition, each hour increased his chances of survival.

Edie texted me on my burner phone with a request to call. Denton still slept, so I stepped into the hallway.

“I’m at an Austin hospital with Denton,” I said.

“Is he sick? Hurt?”

“He wrecked his truck.” Rats, I despised lying, but ignorance kept her safe. “He’s going to be okay. Banged up pretty bad. Broken leg that now has pins, cracked ribs, a concussion. He’ll be here at least until tomorrow.”

“And you?”

“I wasn’t with him.”

“Why not?”

How did I answer that? “He had an errand to run.”

“I’m so glad you’re safe, and please give Denton my best. We’ll be praying for him. I picked up Joy last night. She’s fine. She misses you, I’m sure.” Edie paused, and I heard the hesitancy in her voice.

“What’s wrong?”

“Randy’s here, and I heard him yell at Timothy and Livy. Hold on while I check this out. I now have three kids to deal with.”

I thought she’d told her brother to stay away. She must have given in.

She returned within five minutes. “I banished one of them to his room.”

“Which one?”

“Randy. I’m mothering a forty-four-year-old man. Told him to go home until he could behave himself.”

“I’m sorry.” But I smiled anyway.

“I’ve been worried about you. Amy-Jo feels the same. Did you lie to us about visiting your mother yesterday, or are you so depressed that you had to get away?”

“I saw my mom, and we had precious time together. Lots of love and closure for us. I’m doing my best to manage the depression.”

“What about the rest of your family?”

“As expected.” Closing my eyes, I searched for the right words. “Edie, I care about you, and I’ll do anything to keep you, your kids, and Amy-Jo safe. If necessary, I’ll avoid telling you the truth. The less you know, the better.”

“My fears exactly. How will you protect yourself at the cabin? Your parole forbids your having a weapon.”

“Maybe I’ll keep my location a secret for a while. I have money put aside for the rent, but staying hidden makes sense. Would you consider having your brother stay for your family’s protection until this is over? Probably a week. I know he tries your patience, yet the safety precaution is worth his sometimes-disagreeable nature.” The caller, if still alive, knew how to find those in the line of fire. “Edie, think about your kids.”