Held Hostage at Whiskey Gulch, page 3
“I know.” Tessa touched the sheriff’s arm. “It’s just frightening to know that this type of evil is free and walking among us. Who will he attack next?”
“I don’t have much to go on, other than your account and description. I’ll poke around here and see if I can find anything else that could lead us to the perp.”
“Thanks, Sheriff.” Irish pulled Tessa’s hand through the crook of his elbow. “I’ll take Miss Bolton back to Whiskey Gulch.”
“I’ll let you know if I discover anything,” the sheriff offered.
“Thank you,” Tessa murmured. Just find him.
Irish walked her back to his truck and helped her into the cab. He paused and looked up at her before closing the door. “Are you going to be okay?”
She nodded, a sob rising her throat. Tessa swallowed hard to push it back down. Irish was just being nice. “Thank you.”
He climbed into the truck and started the engine. “For what?”
“For believing me and for bringing me back here so that I didn’t have to face it alone.”
Irish pulled out onto the highway and drove to Whiskey Gulch, a frown tugging his brow downward. When he pulled up in front of the sheriff’s office next to her vehicle, he shifted into Park, climbed out and hurried to the passenger side.
Tessa fumbled with her seat belt.
“Here, let me,” he said and reached around her to unsnap the buckle, leaning close to her in the process.
Tessa inhaled the scent of him, all warm and woodsy from having jogged along the same trail that morning. She wanted to reach out and smooth a hand over his taut muscles. Were they as hard as they appeared?
The thought came on so swiftly, her hand rose from her lap before she could think straight.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” he asked. Still inside the cab with her, he was so close, Tessa could have leaned forward ever so slightly and kissed him.
Her eyes rounded and her breaths came in shallow, constricted gulps. “Yes. Yes, of course.”
Irish leaned back out of the truck and offered her his hand. “I could stay with you today, if you like,” he offered.
Tessa took his hand and let him help her down. “That won’t be necessary. I work all day and I’m surrounded by people.” She gave him a weak smile. “I’ll be fine.”
“What about tonight?” he asked, his tone softening.
“I’ll be fine. I get home before sunset and I’ll be sure to check all dark corners to make sure there isn’t anyone lurking.”
“Is your house near others?” Irish asked.
Tessa shrugged. “Somewhat. I’m at the end of a street, if that’s what you mean.”
“That doesn’t mean you’re surrounded by other houses.”
“I have a house on one side,” she said.
“And across the street?” he prompted.
Her lips pressed together. “Empty lot.”
Irish’s brows knit. “I’ll come over and check your house when you get off work.”
She shook her head. Since divorcing her husband, she’d been determined to make it on her own, guarding her independence with a vengeance. Though it would be nice to have some backup in this case.
Tessa exhaled the deep breath she’d taken at his words. “That’s not necessary. I’ve lived on my own. I know the drill. Have my key ready before I get out of the car. Look in all directions before leaving the relative safety of the vehicle. I even have a small can of Mace on my keychain.”
Irish crossed his arms over his chest. “How long have you had the Mace?”
“About three years. I bought it in Houston.”
“That stuff might have a limited shelf life.”
“If it makes you feel better, I’ll check the date on it.” She touched his arm. “I’ll be fine.”
His eyes narrowing, Irish stared at her for a long time. Then he held out his hand. “Let me have your cell phone.”
“My cell phone?” Tessa frowned.
With a nod, Irish wiggled his fingers. “Your cell phone.”
Tessa reached into her SUV and pulled her cell out of the cup holder, then she gave it to Irish.
He held it out. “Unlock it.”
She entered her code and pushed the phone back to him.
Irish added himself to her contacts and passed it back to her. “Now you have my phone number. If for any reason you’re scared, bored or lonely, call me.” He curled her fingers around the phone and squeezed gently. “I’m not just saying that to be nice. I really mean it. If you hear something go bump in the night, call me. I’ll be there.” He scowled. “I don’t like the idea of you being alone in your house after what happened.”
She touched his arm. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’m not your responsibility.”
His scowl deepened. “I know that, but I also know what happened to you today. I’m worried about you.”
“I’ll be okay.”
“At least let me follow you home and make sure no one is lurking around your place.”
Her lips twisted for a brief moment and then she sighed. “Okay. If it will make you feel better.”
Irish nodded. “It would.”
Tessa didn’t want to admit she was relieved that someone would follow her to her house. Though she tried to sound tough, she wasn’t feeling at all safe. She’d been attacked in broad daylight. It could happen again.
A shiver rippled down the center of her spine. “Do you have time to follow me now?” she asked. “I need to get to my house, change and go to work.”
Irish nodded. “I’ll be right behind you.” He held her door for her as she slid behind the steering wheel of her vehicle. Once he’d closed the door, he hurried for his truck and climbed into the driver’s seat.
Tessa waited for him to back out of his parking space before she pulled out onto Main Street and headed toward her house.
Her attacker had gotten away. What if he came after her again?
She checked her rearview mirror several times during the few blocks to her house. Still shaken, she was glad Irish was behind her.
Chapter Three
Irish pulled into the driveway beside Tessa’s SUV and stared at the little quaint and homey sky-blue cottage with the white shutters.
He quickly shifted into Park and shut off the engine. Jumping out, he came around to her driver’s-side door as she pushed it open. “Key?”
Before exiting the vehicle, Tessa stared hard at her home. “Do you really think he might come looking for me here?”
“Since you don’t know who he is, or why he attacked you, it pays to be overly cautious. Let me check things out before you go inside.”
She nodded and laid the keys across his open palm.
When her fingers touched his skin, he felt a jolt of awareness blast through him. She wasn’t the usual kind of woman he found himself dating. She was far too serious and had that girl-next-door thing going on with her strawberry-blond hair and blue-gray eyes.
“Stay here and lock the doors.”
Tessa shivered. “What about you? What if there is someone inside? You could be hurt.”
He gave her a tight smile. “I’m a trained combatant. I’ve done this before.”
“That’s right. You were Special Forces.” She shrugged. “I’ll stay here.” She pulled her cell phone out of her purse. “I’ll be ready to call 9-1-1 if you’re not back in less than three minutes.”
He chuckled. “Good thinking. If the house is empty, I’ll be back in less time.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek.
Tessa touched the spot he’d kissed, her eyes wide. “Why did you do that?”
“For luck.” He winked. “If it bothered you, I won’t do it again.”
“No. It’s okay.” She looked down at her hands “It just surprised me.”
“Sorry.” He tipped his head toward her steering wheel. “If you have to, leave and go back to the sheriff’s office.” Irish closed her door. “Lock it.”
After she did, he climbed the steps to the front porch and checked the doorknob.
Locked. That was good.
He inserted the key into the lock and opened the door, slowly. He hadn’t brought his handgun with him. Hopefully, he wouldn’t need it.
Pushing the door open, he peered inside. The front entry was shaded from the morning sun. Stepping in, he stood for a moment, listening for sounds, waiting until his vision adjusted to the dim lighting.
One by one, he moved from room to room, checking in closets, underneath beds, behind the shower curtain and in the pantry. There wasn’t a basement or garage, so he was done in under three minutes and back out on the porch. “All clear.”
Before he could get to her SUV, Tessa had the door open and was getting out.
Irish cupped her elbow. “Sure you’re feeling okay?”
She nodded. “I’m fine. Just a little shaky. I didn’t expect to get attacked on my morning run.”
“No one expects that. You should really have a running buddy, never go on your own.”
“I don’t know many avid runners. Most people are too busy with young families to get out that early in the morning.”
“I’ll run with you,” Irish said. “There is such a thing as safety in numbers.”
The corners of Tessa’s mouth dropped. “I hate that I have to rely on anyone. I fought hard for my independence. I feel like it’s being stripped away from me.”
He held up his hands. “I have no intention of taking away your independence. But it would be unwise to run alone. Especially after what happened today.”
She agreed. “I know that, now.” Her frown deepened. “I don’t like it. But I know it.” She sighed. “Thank you. I can start earlier to match your usual time.”
“Fair enough. And having you with me will keep me safe,” he said with a crooked grin.
Tessa snorted softly. “Like you need someone to keep you safe.”
“Despite popular belief, I’m not indestructible. Neither are you.” He stuck out his hand. “Promise you won’t stand me up tomorrow morning?”
Tessa placed her hand in his. “I promise.”
He smiled. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”
“Harder than you think,” she muttered.
He let go of her hand and took her other one in his, holding it firmly. “Ready?”
She drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “My knees are shaking,” she confessed.
He laughed and squeezed her hand. “Mine do that after a good hard run. It goes away.”
“I know that feeling. But this is different.”
“I’m sure it is,” he said.
She shook her head and stood staring at the house. “What’s wrong with me? I’ve entered this house alone many times. This is my home. I shouldn’t be afraid to go inside.”
Irish hated seeing the fear in her face. He let go of her hand and slipped his arm around her waist. “I’m with you every step of the way. The house is clear. No one inside to jump out at you.”
“I trust you,” she admitted. “I’m just a bit punchy, is all.”
“One step at a time is all you need.” He waited for her to take that first step.
And she did. Followed by another and another. Soon, they had climbed the steps to the front porch.
Irish had left the front door open. “You want me to go first?” he asked.
She nodded. “Please.”
He took her hand again and led the way inside. “I’ll stay as long as you like. Or you can tell me to leave and I’ll wait outside.”
“I really thought I could handle this on my own. But now I’m not so sure.” She squeezed his hand. “Stay.”
“I checked all the closets, under the bed and in the pantry. No bogeymen hiding anywhere in the house.” He smiled down at her. “You’ll be all right.”
“I know,” Tessa said.
He hated seeing her so afraid of walking into her home. Irish wanted to find the bastard who’d done this to Tessa. The attack had stripped her of any kind of feeling of safety, even in her own home.
He’d talk with Trace. Maybe there was something they could do to help. At the very least, Irish planned to be with her as much as possible to ensure the attacker didn’t get a second chance.
* * *
TESSA STARED AT the interior of her little cottage. Everything looked just like it had when she’d left it that morning to go jog. Everything inside the house was the same, except for the woman standing in the doorway with a man she barely knew.
Irish stood beside her. “I’ll leave you here.” His fingers loosened around hers.
Tessa tightened her hold on his hand, suddenly reluctant to let go of his warmth and strength.
“Or not.” He chuckled. “Take your time, but I can’t hold your hand while you dress for work.” A teasing grin tipped his lips. “Unless you want me to.” He shook his head. “At the very least, I’ll be here until you’re ready to go to work. Then I’ll follow you there.”
She let go of his hand. “Are you sure?”
He nodded.
“You need to get to work, too.”
He chortled. “The horses can wait. While you’re getting dressed, I’ll call Trace and let him know what’s going on.”
Tessa rubbed her arms as if chilled. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’ve walked through my front door a hundred times and never felt like this.”
Irish touched her arm. “You’ve never been attacked like that before. You have a right to feel nervous. But I’m here. I’ve got your six. You can do this.”
“You’re right. I can do this.” Tessa squared her shoulders and marched toward her bedroom door. As she reached the threshold, she glanced over her shoulder at the man standing in the entryway.
He gave her a nod.
Tessa entered her bedroom, closed the door behind her and leaned against the cool wood panel. A rush of emotions washed over her. Allowing herself a couple minutes to fall apart, she shook from head to toe. Then she stood tall, willed steel into her spine, gathered her scrubs and underwear and headed into the adjoining bathroom. Maybe if she washed away the dirt from the trail, she’d feel more like herself—the cool, confident nurse who had it together.
Inside the bathroom, she grabbed the shower curtain, her heart hammering against the wall of her chest. Then she released the curtain and let go of a strangled laugh. As Irish had promised, no one was hiding in the shower or anywhere else in the house.
Feeling a bit ridiculous, Tessa stripped out of her workout clothes and stepped beneath the spray, letting the warm water wash away the grit and grime she’d acquired from rolling in the gravel along the river road. The bandage Irish had applied to her knee soaked off, allowing water to clean the scrape. It stung, reminding Tessa that she was alive, not left to die beside the river. She’d used her skills and brain to get herself out of the situation.
Squirting shampoo into her hands, she rubbed it into her scalp and rinsed. Then she put dab of bodywash on her loofa and scrubbed every inch of skin, erasing the feel of her attacker’s hands on her body.
As the dirt from the trail washed down the drain, Tessa thought about the man standing outside her bedroom door, waiting for her to finish dressing for work.
She’d thought about him on a number of days as he’d jogged by her. Tessa had wondered who he was and what his story was. At the very least, she knew he was honorable and that he would never do what the attacker had done. Call it a gut feeling, she knew Irish was a good man.
Determined not to take any more time than she had to, she rinsed off, applied conditioner to her hair and rinsed all over. After switching off the water, she climbed out of the shower and toweled dry.
She ran a brush through her wet hair then slipped into her undergarments and scrubs. The woman staring back at her from the mirror was the Tessa she knew and was familiar with, not the scared woman who’d entered the bathroom a few minutes before.
With little time to spare to get to work, and not wanting to keep Irish any longer than she had to, she pulled her hair back into a tight ponytail and wrapped the tail into a bun at the nape of her neck.
It was still wet, but that was okay. With the warm Texas weather, her hair would dry quickly.
She cast another glance at her reflection. With her hair pulled back from her face, the bruise on her temple was more apparent. She thought about applying concealer to the bruise, but that would take too much time.
She didn’t care if people saw the bruise. Someone had attacked her. Wasn’t it best for folks to know an attacker was out there so they could take precautions and not suffer her same fate or worse?
Tessa slipped into her shoes and left her bedroom.
Irish had his back to her, staring out the front window of her cottage. He turned to see her standing there staring at him.
Heat rose up her neck, flooding her cheeks.
“Ready?” he asked.
She nodded. “Almost. I’d like to make a sandwich to take for lunch.”
“Take your time. I called Trace. He said he’d get started feeding the animals.”
Tessa grabbed her purse. “I can skip the sandwich. Let’s get on the road. I’ve already taken up too much of your time. I don’t want to hold you up any longer.”
Irish smiled. “You’re not holding me up. I promise.” He tilted his head toward her kitchen. “Come on, let’s make your sandwich. What do you usually have?”
She followed him into the kitchen. “I throw a bit of deli turkey, tomato and lettuce on a couple slices of bread. But peanut butter and jelly will hold me over a twelve-hour shift.”
Irish shook his head. “No way. Come on, I’ll make your sandwich.” He headed for the refrigerator. “Everything in all the usual places?”
