MONDAY, OCTOBER 15
Despite his best efforts in arranging vacation days, Chandler had needed to go to work for an emergency with a vet. When he’d arrived at the office, the man had never shown. That wasn’t necessarily unusual, but it was odd when the impromptu appointment was set so quickly after the call. It made him antsy, even though Beth insisted the man had sounded legitimate. Something was going on that didn’t make sense, so maybe a break from work would help ease that tension.
Now if he could help Jaime. Her friend Caroline had assured him she’d keep Jaime home, and he’d had to trust she would. Now as he drove back home, he kept an eye on the rearview mirror.
Was that midnight-blue Mustang following him?
He’d considered the idea that Tiffany’s molester might be the one harassing him, but it didn’t fit. The man didn’t have a military record and had seemingly disappeared since attacking Madeline. He didn’t like the fact the man was still out there, but at least Jaime had found a safe place for Madeline and Tiffany.
Still, without more to go on, he was stymied about who might be calling and following him, and he didn’t like it. He wanted to find the man who’d been at New Delhi, see if he was the one who’d made the calls.
Meanwhile, he could honor the promise he’d made last week to keep an eye on Jaime. He picked up his phone and touched her number. “Quick question.”
“I might have an answer for you.” She seemed subdued yet spunky.
“I made a promise to watch a certain movie with Tiffany last Friday. Any chance your parents would be up for company?”
“It would give us a good excuse to check on her.”
He frowned. “You need an excuse? They’re your parents.”
“It’s complicated.”
“Doesn’t need to be.”
“Thank you, Captain Blunt.” She sighed. “I’ll ask Mom if we can bring over a movie and snacks. What are we seeing?”
“Moana. So you’ll come too?”
“You weren’t really thinking you’d go without me.”
He could hear the teasing smile in her voice.
“Besides, I haven’t seen that movie, but I’ve been told I should.”
“Right. We’ll have to stop and rent it somewhere.”
“Don’t do that. I’m pretty sure Caroline owns it.”
“We can grab snacks on the way.”
“I’ll let Mom know. Meet you in the lobby in ten?”
“Sure.” That’s what he said, but no way he was going to do that again; his mama had raised him better. He’d meet her at her door and then hold the truck door for her as well.
Aslan pranced at his feet as if he’d understood the conversation. “Yes, you’re coming too.”
When Jaime opened the door to her apartment, she stole his breath. Her jeans and chunky maroon sweater with a down vest looked like something she should wear on a runway. All casual elegance and gaze capturing.
“You didn’t need to come up here.”
“It’s what we do.” He let out a low whistle. “You look great.”
A soft rose tinged her cheeks. “Thanks.” She cleared her throat and patted her oversized bag. “I’ve got the movie and bags of microwave popcorn. Mom said the distraction would be a great idea.” Aslan bumped her leg with his nose, so she rubbed his head. “Aslan is coming, of course.”
“Of course.”
When they reached her parents’ house, Jaime clambered out of the truck almost before he had it parked. Women usually struggled a bit with climbing from the vehicle, but Jaime’s height made it easy for her. She took off without waiting for him to catch up, and Aslan whined to be released.
“I’ve got the same feeling, buddy.” He slid his seat forward, and the dog jumped to the ground.
As they caught up with Jaime, her mom opened the door. “Hi, Jaime, Chandler. Do y’all mind if I run to the grocery store while you’re here? I didn’t want to leave them alone.” She grimaced. “Madeline’s gotten some texts today that have her locking down. Maybe you can find out what’s really going on.”
“Sure, Mom. We’ve got everything we need, so take your time.”
Jaime seemed relaxed, but Chandler noted her clenched jaw and the way her stance hardened.
“We’ll get to the bottom of this, Mrs. Nichols.”
The woman studied him. “I believe you will. More important, I know they’ll be safe as long as you’re here.” She hiked her purse strap higher on her shoulder. “I’ll be as fast as I can.”
The little white dog came tearing around the corner and only skidded to a stop when he was nose to nose with Aslan. The dogs romped, but Chandler looked past them to the couch, where Tiffany was curled up next to Madeline, blue light from a muted TV coloring her face.
Madeline stood and approached them.
“Thanks for bringing us here,” she said, directing her gaze to Jaime. “Your parents are great, but Tiffany’s in a funk. She won’t even talk to me.”
“She’s entitled.” Jaime watched the girl a moment, then her gaze met Chandler’s. “There are many ways to recover from trauma. Silence is one.”
“Not for this long.” Madeline took a deep breath and exhaled. “I don’t know how to help her, and counseling is slow. If anything, it seems to make things worse.”
“Remember, Tiffany doesn’t have the language to understand or describe what’s happened to her. Counseling will help her peel back what happened, but it will be painful. Silence feels like a safe option.” Jaime’s words had a tinge of knowledge and experience.
Chandler returned his gaze to Tiffany and saw that Aslan had jumped onto the navy couch next to her. “Will your mom mind Aslan sitting there, Jaime?”
“Happy’s up there all the time. I’ll gladly vacuum the couch later. The fact that Tiffany looks content is what matters. Let’s make the popcorn, and then we can run the movie.” Jaime led him down the short hallway to the kitchen.
Madeline followed in step with him. “It’s easier to clean a couch than salvage my daughter’s soul.” She stepped into the kitchen. “Can I get you anything to drink?”
“Water’s fine.” Jaime took the bottle Madeline offered, then studied the woman. “My mom mentioned you’d gotten some texts.”
Madeline shuddered and wrapped her arms around her middle, looking cold and frail. “Corey. He says he’ll find us and take Tiffany.”
Chandler felt a slow burn start, but Jaime placed a hand on his arm, and he actually felt the anger tame.
“How would he know where you are?” Jaime’s words were soft.
“I don’t know.”
“Unless he followed you here, he doesn’t. Maybe we should check your car for a tracker.”
“If he’d done that, he’d already have shown up.” Chandler turned toward the hallway. “I’ll check to be sure though.”
It didn’t take long to examine the underbody of the car to confirm there was nothing that looked like an add-on or tracking device. The man was probably making idle threats in an effort to intimidate Madeline.
Chandler headed back inside the house and paused in the doorway of the living room. Jaime had settled next to Tiffany, allowing space between them as if inviting the girl to choose whether to trust her. As he watched, the girl shifted closer without taking her eyes from the screen. Just like that she was sandwiched between Jaime and Aslan.
Madeline cleared her throat from the kitchen and he went into the room. She held an empty glass. “Want anything?”
“Water is fine.”
She handed him a bottle. He thanked her, then glanced toward the living room. “So tell me about Tiffany’s counseling.”
“It’s a waste of time and money.” She gave him a summary, and he could sense her frustration. “They’re the experts, yet your dog does more to calm her.”
“Trust the process.”
“Easy to say when you aren’t the one calming her nightmares. She’s practically sleepwalking through the days.” Madeline brushed under her eyes. “But I know you’re right. It’s just hard to watch and know there’s nothing I can do right now other than be here for her.”
“That might be what she needs most.” He set the glass down and then headed toward the couch.
Tiffany lay curled into Jaime’s side, Jaime rhythmically brushing the little girl’s blond hair from her face as Jaime spoke softly. It didn’t seem to matter what she said, just that she spoke in a soothing voice, as the girl’s eyes drifted shut, then fluttered open. Jaime shook her head slightly at him, and he stepped behind the couch, out of Tiffany’s line of sight. It was magical watching Jaime soothe the girl.
Twenty minutes later, Jaime carried Tiffany to the basement, staggering slightly under the girl’s weight. Once Tiffany was settled in bed, with the light on, Jaime headed back, and Chandler noted the fatigue in her stance. She still seemed to carry the weight of the girl, even though she’d tucked her into bed.
“Maybe we should head out.”
She nodded. “Mom texted that she’s on her way back, so they won’t be alone.”
After they said good-bye and climbed into the truck with Aslan, he reached for her hand. He was surprised when she didn’t resist, though he hid his reaction from her. “You did a great job with Tiffany.”
“I didn’t do much. She just needed a safe place to fall. Aslan and I provided that for her today.” She reached back, and the traitor dog leaned into her hand as she scratched behind his ears. “We’re a good duo, aren’t we?”
Aslan rested his muzzle on the seat back and grinned.
“It’s getting close to suppertime. Let me take you to dinner.”
She looked at him in surprise. “You don’t need to do that.”
“I’m sure you thought your mom would cook for you. As I see it, you did the hard work with Tiffany.”
He considered some options. “What about dinner at Busboys and Poets down in Shirlington? I’m hungry for their blackened salmon.”
Her eyes widened. “That’s too much.” She glanced down at her jeans and blouse.
“You look amazing,” he said. “Every man in the place will be jealous because you’re with me. But if it would make you feel better, I’ll take you back to your place first and you can change. We have to drop Aslan off anyway.”
She studied him, then nodded, a slow smile spreading on her face. “If you’re sure. I’d like that.”
Not nearly as much as he would.