Nick was debating whether he should head to the diner for something to eat or risk showing up at Sarah’s with an empty belly. He never wanted to presume he was a regular houseguest. He had a purpose. A job. To protect Sarah and her mother.
All indications pointed back to Jimmy. But until Jimmy messed up, Nick would have to keep doing his job. He had made a habit of arriving at Sarah’s later in the evening so as not to intrude on her time with Maggie.
He didn’t mind being her protector even if it involved sleeping on a lumpy cot in what must have once been a large pantry off the kitchen. He had caught a few z’s in far rougher accommodations.
Nick was still undecided on what he was going to do now that his shift was over when his cell phone rang. He pulled it out and frowned. It was Matt, his friend who was keeping tabs on Jimmy.
“Yeah,” Nick said, curtly.
“I have bad news. Jimmy’s gone.”
A knot twisted in his stomach. “What do you mean, he’s gone?”
“Jimmy arrived for work. He’s been on second shift recently. He parked behind the station and went in. I figured with the start of his shift, it was pretty safe to run and grab a bite to eat. When I came back, I noticed his truck was gone. I called one of my contacts at the station, and they said he went home sick.” The private investigator’s words seemed to be traveling through a long tunnel, getting further and further away.
“Let me guess. His truck’s not at his house.”
“No. I checked every location he’s known to frequent. He’s gone.”
A muscle ticked in Nick’s jaw. “Thanks for the heads-up. Call me if you find him.” Nick ended the call and pressed his foot on the accelerator. There was no longer a question as to where he was headed.
When he reached Sarah’s house, he pulled around back, scanning the landscape. That’s when he saw it. The sun glinting off a piece of metal, the hood of a truck parked partially hidden by the barn. He shut off the ignition and climbed out.
Hand poised above his gun, he strode to the back porch. Nick poked his head around and saw a pot of water boiling on the stove.
He yanked open the screen door and cringed when it sent out a loud screech.
Jimmy stepped into the kitchen with an obnoxious smile on his face.
“What do we have here?” Jimmy asked, his words slurred. He glanced over his shoulder at something Nick couldn’t see. “Your boyfriend’s home.”
“Jimmy, please, just leave.” Sarah appeared behind Jimmy, a haggard expression on her face.
“Are you okay?” Nick asked, his hand lingering near his gun.
She blinked slowly, but didn’t say anything.
Jimmy’s gaze dropped to Nick’s right hand. “What are you going to do, shoot me?” Jimmy rolled his eyes. His cheeks were flushed from drinking.
“The lady asked you to leave. I suggest you leave.”
Jimmy twisted his lips. “I’ll leave when I’m good and ready.”
“I say you leave now.” Nick took a step toward Sarah’s former boyfriend. Jimmy blinked slowly, assessing the situation.
Jimmy smirked and sauntered toward the door. “I’m leaving.” He pointed a finger in Sarah’s face. “But I’ll be back.”
Jimmy pushed out the screen door, and it slammed shut behind him. Nick watched as the man crossed the yard and got into his truck. The tires spit out gravel as he tore out of the driveway.
“Are you okay?” Nick asked, pulling a trembling Sarah into his embrace.
With her head against his chest, she nodded. Then she pushed him away and ran to her mother. She bent down and patted Maggie’s hand. “Mom, Mom?”
The older woman stirred, but didn’t open her eyes.
Sarah glanced over her shoulder at him, worry lines creasing the corners of her eyes. “We need to call Christina. Jimmy drugged my mom. She’s been out of it since I arrived home.”
Nick dialed his sister’s number and spoke to Sarah while he waited for Christina to pick up. “Jimmy was here waiting for you?”
“Yeah,” she said on a shaky breath.
Nick nodded and then spoke to his sister when she got on the line. Assured she’d be right over, he hung up and called the dispatch to pick up Jimmy. He didn’t seem to be in any condition to drive.
“Mom?” Sarah called again.
Her mother turned her head and half opened her eyes. Certainly a good sign.
“How do you feel, Mom?”
“So...so...tired.”
“Christina’s on her way.”
“That would be nice.” Maggie was still groggy, but at least she was coming around.
Nick paced next to Sarah. “What did Jimmy say?”
“Same old story. He wants me to come home. I kept asking him to leave.”
“I should have been here,” he scolded himself.
Sarah touched his arm. “I’m okay. You came when it counted.” Then she cocked her head. “How did you know?”
“Matt called me when he realized Jimmy was missing.” Nick rubbed his jaw. “Did Jimmy tell you how he found you?”
“Yes, but it can’t be the whole truth. He claimed he got the info that my mom was here with me from a nurse at the hospital. But he knew I was here all along.”
She shook her head, a distant look in her eyes. “He’s been harassing me well before my mother ended up in the hospital.”
“He’s a known liar.”
“I know. I learned that the hard way.” She dragged a hand across her hair. “Am I going to have to move with my mother?” Her gaze drifted over to Maggie.
Nick’s heart sank. He couldn’t ask her to stay on account of him. But, then again, he couldn’t protect her if she moved away from Apple Creek.
* * *
Sarah could finally breathe again when Christina showed up and assured her that Maggie would be fine. Groggy, but fine. Sarah and Christina helped Maggie into bed. Lola climbed in next to her. It seemed they both needed reassurance after their stressful day.
The rest of them returned to the sitting room. Tension rolled off Nick as he paced the small space, making and taking phone calls. It seemed that all his fellow officers were on the lookout for Jimmy’s truck.
Nick was like a caged animal, ready to strike but confined to this place to protect Sarah in case Jimmy made his way back here as he had promised.
Jimmy’s angry face was seared in her memory. He had left drunk and in a blind rage.
Nick opened his mouth to say something when his phone rang again. He held up a finger, then turned his back to take the call. Sarah listened—her heart thudding in her chest—as Nick gave a series of quick, one-word answers. When he turned back around, all the color had drained from his face.
Sarah’s blood turned icy cold in her veins. She wanted to ask him what was wrong, but the words got tangled in a knot of emotion.
“That was Sheriff Maxwell.”
“What’s going on, Nick?” Christina spoke up for both of them.
“There’s been an accident.”
Pinpricks of panic raced across Sarah’s flesh. She lowered herself onto the arm of the couch. “Jimmy?” The single word squeaked out. “Did he hurt someone?”
Nick crouched down in front of her and pulled her hands into his. Sarah lifted her gaze to Christina, who had a hand pressed to her mouth. Sarah met Nick’s gaze and pleaded with her eyes to tell her what was going on.
“He crashed into a tree. Barely missed Ruben Zook in his wagon on the way back from town.”
“Oh, no,” Sarah breathed.
Nick squeezed her hands. “Ruben’s fine.” They locked gazes, and Sarah knew what he had to say before he said it.
“Jimmy’s dead.”
The walls swayed, and sweat broke out on her brow. Sarah pushed to her feet and felt lightheaded. She touched the back of her mother’s recliner to steady herself. “Are they sure?”
“Yes.”
A myriad of emotions playing out on Nick’s handsome face. But most of all she saw compassion.
Sarah lifted her hand to cover her heart. “God forgive me, but I feel relieved. Is my nightmare finally over?”
A sad smile slanted the corners of Nick’s mouth. “Jimmy Braeden won’t be causing anyone any more trouble ever again.”