Chapter 18
EIGHTEEN
Katie and Cisco sat on the couch at the farmhouse watching everyone hover around them. Her uncle, McGaven, and John busied themselves trying to wait on her and asking every few minutes if she was okay.
“Really, I’m fine. I’m not hurt,” she said. “He just wanted to share information but not be a part of it.”
“We’re talking about someone taking a police officer against their will,” said the sheriff. He was stern and kept his gaze on his niece.
“I have to agree with the sheriff,” said McGaven.
“You would,” she said. “It’s after one in the morning. I need sleep and so do all of you.”
“I’ve decided that during this case you are not to go anywhere alone,” said the sheriff.
“I don’t think—”
“It’s not a request coming from your uncle. It’s an order coming from your boss until we know what and who we’re dealing with. Do you understand?”
Katie knew better than to argue. This was not a discussion. “Fine. Now all of you can go home and sleep. Cisco and I need our beauty rest.”
Reluctantly, Sheriff Scott and McGaven finally left. John pulled Katie up from the couch and hugged her tightly. She could feel his concern in the way he held her; not wanting to let go.
“I’m okay.”
“I know, but when I couldn’t find you all these thoughts went through my mind. It’s our military experience, things we’ve seen here, and the fact that you always seem to jump into trouble if someone needs help,” he said.
“I will always make it back to you,” she said, cradling his face.
As strange as the day has been, it felt right being in John’s arms safe and without eerie crime scene locations and strangers who kept their life hidden away from society.
She was realizing she had been falling for John and now her emotions didn’t want to be without him.
It was as if they had known each other most of their lives, but everything seemed so new too.
“Do you want me to stay?” he said.
She nodded. “Yes.”