“If you say so. But the invitation’s open. You can come to my place, and I’ll look after you, and when your house is ready and you’re, you know, better, maybe not using a sling for your arm, you can go home. Or any time, for that matter.”

The offer made sense, but he didn’t want to commit.

She saw his indecision. “Hey, fine. Do what you want.” Sitting on the edge of the bed, she slid one foot into a knee-high boot, wincing a little as she forced her foot into the leather. “I was just trying to help.” She zipped up the first boot, then did the same with the second, before reaching for a wool coat that she had tossed over the back of the single chair in the bedroom. “But if you don’t want it, that’s cool.” As she wound a red scarf around her neck, she flashed a quick, knowing smile. “I’ll see ya,” she promised, as she bent over the bed to look him directly in his eyes. “Let me know if you need anything. Anything.”

“I will.”

She kissed him lightly, then straightened and, without another word, opened the door to the living area and swept past Ralph, who’d been lying on the other side. The dog barely glanced up as James heard the click of the front door close behind her.

He didn’t know whether he felt relief or disappointment or a little bit of both.

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 14

The Isolated Cabin
Cascade Mountains
Washington State
December 15

There has to be a way out of here. Has to!

This thought careens through my brain for the millionth time as I sit cross-legged on the pull-out bed, a sofa with a sleeping bag tossed over the mattress.

I just need to get outside.

Once there, I might even recognize this spot in the wilderness. Because I really don’t know where I am now, and I could have been fooled as to where I am. I was unaware of how long I’d been here after being zapped with a stun gun.

How stupid was I? Never did I think I would be attacked.

“Idiot,” I grumble, then turn my attention back to the immediate problem of finding a means of escape.

Assuming I can free myself, then what? Where am I? Am I dozens of miles from civilization, or only a quarter of a mile down a lane to a major road? Are the tall trees I catch glimpses of real mountain firs, or possibly just the most remote part of the Christmas tree farm? I’ve never heard any traffic other than the sound of an engine whenever my captor returns, but it’s possible this cabin isn’t as remote as I have been led to think.

Maybe not hours from civilization, but minutes . . .

I wonder if anyone is searching for me.

Surely they are.