Caitlyn’s heart pounded so loudly she was surprised Devon couldn’t hear it. When he’d brought the SUV to a jarring stop, she’d twisted in her seat to get a better look at the black truck. It was already speeding away.
“Do you think that was him?” she asked breathlessly.
He nodded. “I won’t lie to you, Caitlyn. Who else would come after you?”
Absolutely no one, she thought with a sigh. “I don’t understand how he found me so fast.”
“I don’t know,” he admitted.
“Nate probably blabbed.” She drew in several deep breaths to calm herself.
Devon’s gaze sharpened. “Nate who?”
She waved a hand. “The guy who invited me to Flannery’s to see the band. Although why he bothered, I have no clue. He was clearly there to drool over the lead singer.”
A muscle flexed along his jaw. “Do you have a last name for Nate?”
“Powers.” She glanced at him. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he was jealous. “I think Nate is a regular at Flannery’s. I told Detective Ernest about him.”
“That’s good.” His expression turned grim. “Are you sure about going to church? The driver of the truck is gone for now, but he might come back.”
Come back? It struck her how close they were to her apartment. As much as she wanted to attend church services, it didn’t seem smart to do that now. “Snowball,” she whispered. Reaching out, she grasped Devon’s arm. “I need to get Snowball.”
He nodded. “Okay, we’ll go back for the cat. From there, I’ll take you to my place.”
She was touched by his offer. “Are you sure? I don’t want to bring the danger to you.”
“I’m sure, and I’d rather protect you than leave you alone at the apartment.” He shifted the car into gear and pulled out of the strip mall parking lot.
“Uh, Devon? I still need to get supplies for the cat.”
There was a moment’s hesitation before he nodded. “Okay, fine. But I’m not sure how early the stores open.”
She pulled out her phone and found the pet supply store. “They open at ten.”
“By the time we pack up your stuff and get the cat, they’ll be open in time for us to stop by on the way to my house.” He glanced at her. “But we can’t linger. I don’t want this guy to find us again.”
Yeah, she didn’t want that either. She swallowed hard and kept an eye on the side mirror as Devon made his way back to her apartment building.
He chose to park in the closest spot to the door and followed right behind her as she led the way inside. “I’ll just be a minute.”
“Take your time. The store won’t open for ten more minutes anyway.”
He waited patiently while she packed her things in her small pink suitcase and gathered the few items she had for Snowball into a bag. Not the makeshift litter box, though, she figured she’d buy a new one for Devon’s house. He was already going above and beyond to help her out, the least she could do was try not to make a mess. Lastly, she cradled the cat in her arms, using the same red scarf to keep her warm.
“All set?” He took both the suitcase and the bag from her. “Let’s go.”
There was no sign of the black pickup truck when they emerged from the apartment building. She had to believe Nate had told the murderer her name, not that Nate had any way of knowing what the guy had done. Still, why hadn’t he just kept his big mouth shut?
Devon stored her suitcase and bag in the back, then slid behind the wheel. “If I remember correctly, the pet store isn’t far from the clinic.”
“Correct,” she said, secretly pleased he knew where she worked. Two months ago, he protected her in several locations, including driving her and Annette to school, but never at the clinic. At the time, her schedule had been to only work Friday and Saturday.
“Once we’re settled at my place, I need to call Detective Ernest,” Devon said. “He needs to know about the black truck that tried to rear-end us.”
She nodded. “That should help give credence to my story.”
Devon darted her a quick glance. “Did you get the sense he didn’t believe you?”
“The boot print helped,” she acknowledged. “But he basically said it was my word against his.”
Devon scowled but didn’t say anything more. He pulled into the pet shop parking lot the moment it opened.
She pushed open her door. “You can wait here, I won’t be long.”
“I’m coming with you.” He looked surprised that she still carried Snowball in the scarf. “You’re bringing her inside?”
“They welcome pets,” she assured him. Inside, she set Snowball and the scarf in the front of a cart and made her way through the aisles. By the time she had the cat litter, a litter box, cat food, and treats, her total was enough to make Devon’s eyes bug out.
“I’ll get that,” he offered, despite the shocked expression on his face.
“No, she’s my responsibility.” Caitlyn handed over her credit card.
“That’s a lot to pay for a cat that you will only have for a few days,” he said as they returned to the SUV.
“I know.” There was no denying a tiny part of her wanted to keep Snowball, but of course, she would never take a pet that belonged to someone else.
And it wouldn’t be right to pray that the cat didn’t have an owner either.
She lightly stroked the kitten’s fur as Devon drove to his house. His house was small and cozy, located at the end of a dead-end street. It had a one-car garage, which was an added plus. It looked nice and reminded her a little of the house she and Jayme had lived in for the past few years. Well, before she and Annette had moved into their apartment.
Jayme had offered to either sell the house and split the proceeds or simply turn the mortgage over to her and Annette at the first of the year. They’d have to break their lease, and they’d have to be able to afford the payments and the insurance.
Annette wasn’t too keen on that idea, and Caitlyn couldn’t afford the place on her own. As much as she hated the idea, she’d told Jayme to put the house on the market now that she was living with Linc at his home. They were hoping to have a buyer before the holiday.
“It’s not big, but it’s private, especially being at the end of the road,” Devon said, misinterpreting her silence. The automatic garage door opened, and he drove inside.
“It’s perfect,” she said with a smile. “Honestly, a home like this is so much better than an apartment.”
“I was fortunate to get this before the housing market went crazy,” he admitted. “There’s two bedrooms, but I tend to use one for an office.”
“No worries, I can sleep on the sofa.”
He hauled everything inside, so she only had to bring Snowball. She was a little disappointed that Devon didn’t have any Christmas decorations up but told herself to get over it. The cat meowed as if annoyed to be in yet another unfamiliar surroundings. But once Caitlyn unpacked the litter box and set it up in the farthest corner of the bathroom, the kitten immediately began to explore the area, making herself at home.
Of course, providing more tuna helped.
As she sat in the corner of Devon’s sofa, stroking the cat, Caitlyn wondered how long she’d be forced to impose on his kindness. Not that he’d made her feel like she was a pest, but by tomorrow morning, they’d likely both have to go to work.
Would the guy in the black truck find her at the clinic? The thought made her shiver.
She closed her eyes and prayed that Detective Ernest would find and arrest this guy before the end of the day.
Devon didn’t understand why his house seemed smaller now that he had Caitlyn and Snowball staying with him. Maybe he just wasn’t used to having guests, having always preferred to live alone.
He went into his room to change his clothes. He also reached for his shoulder harness and weapon, deciding he wouldn’t be caught off guard like that again. Feeling better that he was armed, he headed back into the living room. Pulling out his phone, he called the police station, asking to speak with Detective Ernest. He was put on hold for almost five minutes before they were connected.
“Rainer? What’s going on?”
“Our suspect knows Caitlyn’s identity. A black pickup truck pulled out of a gas station near her apartment as we drove by. He sped up in an attempt to rear-end us, but I drove up and over the curb to avoid the collision.”
“We? You and Ms. Weston were in the vehicle together?”
“Yes.” Devon glanced over to where Caitlyn sat curled up with her cat. “I ended up staying at her place last night. Based on what happened this morning, it’s a good thing I did.”
“You’re sure it’s the same guy?” Ernest asked.
“No, how could I be sure of that?” Devon raked his hand through his hair and began to pace. “Caitlyn saw the guy standing near a dark pickup truck. You don’t believe in coincidences any more than I do.”
Ernest gave a heavy sigh. “You were in your vehicle, though, right? Not hers?”
“Yeah. But I parked my SUV right next to her Honda. Anyone watching her apartment would have seen the two of us together.”
“Where are you now?”
“My place. Did you get the guy’s name from anyone at Flannery’s?”
“No, the canvass didn’t give us any leads. There were several women there with long dark hair, but without more to go on, we haven’t been able to pinpoint a potential victim.”
He didn’t like the sound of that. “No reports of missing persons fitting that description?”
“Nope.”
Great. The news wasn’t at all reassuring. “I don’t get it. How did this guy find Caitlyn so fast?”
“He may have beat us to Flannery’s and asked around. Caitlyn is a beautiful woman, someone may have known her name.”
Yeah, like Nate Powers, the guy she’d gone to meet. There was no reason for him to be jealous of the guy, it sounded as if the date didn’t go well. Especially since Caitlyn had left the place alone. He pulled himself together with an effort. “I can keep her safe today, but tomorrow I have to work. And she probably does too.”
“I’m doing my best here,” Ernest said, his tone somewhat defensive. “If I get a new lead, I’ll let you know.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that.” Devon knew the detective didn’t have to keep a lowly street cop up to date on his investigation, so he was grateful for what little he’d learned. “Take care, Detective.”
“You too.”
Devon lowered his phone. Caitlyn’s expectant gaze made him grimace. “No news, I’m afraid.”
Her gaze dropped to the kitten curled in her lap. “Well, there’s still time. I’ll keep praying that God gives Detective Ernest the skill and wisdom to find the killer.”
It was disconcerting, the way she talked so casually about praying. It made him wonder what it was like to have that level of faith in a higher power.
“Okay, so, are you interested in watching a movie?”
“Sure.” Her lopsided smile didn’t reach her eyes.
“You like Christmas movies?” He tried to remember what he had on DVD. “We can watch Die Hard.”
She laughed, and this time he was pleased to see her entire face light up. “I can’t believe you think Die Hard is a Christmas movie!”
“Well, it takes place during Christmas. As a cop, it holds a special place in my heart. And uh, unfortunately, I don’t have anything better.” He crossed over to sit beside her. Snowball was like a tiny white chaperone between them. Which was a good thing because he liked spending time with Caitlyn, more than he should.
Friends, he reminded himself firmly.
“Uh-oh,” Caitlyn said, frowning down at the kitten. “This isn’t looking good.”
“What isn’t?” He bent over to see what she was referring to. Their heads were so close he became distracted by the lavender scent of her hair.
“Snowball’s wound.” She frowned as she gently palpated the animal’s side. “See how red it is? And how it’s oozing? I think it’s infected.”
Poor kitty. “Do you have animal antibiotics?”
“I don’t, but the clinic does.” She lifted her gaze. “Would you mind taking us there? I have a key, and I can get the antibiotics and leave cash and a note for Dr. John. I know he won’t mind, he’s always encouraged us to help ourselves to whatever we need as long as we keep track of it. One of the perks of working there.”
“Of course.” He glanced down at the feline. “But you have to tell me this, how on earth are you going to get her to take antibiotics?”
“It won’t be easy,” she acknowledged. “It’s also a two-man job, so you’ll have to help me.”
“Me?” He tried not to look horrified. “But I don’t know anything about giving cats pills.”
She stood, lifting Snowball into her arms. “You’ll learn. And really, all you have to do is to hold her.”
Yeah, somehow he didn’t think it would be that easy. Still, he escorted her and Snowball outside and into his SUV. Devon didn’t mind driving her to the vet, but it was possible this guy had his license plate number. After all, he’d figured out that Devon was taking Caitlyn away from her apartment.
He should have had Caitlyn come to his place last night rather than leaving his SUV parked outside next to her Honda. The fact that this guy had found her so quickly really bothered him.
“Keep an eye out for any sign of the black pickup truck,” he advised as he backed out of the garage.
She nodded and alternated between looking down at Snowball and watching the traffic through her window. He took the most direct route to the veterinary clinic. Because the place was closed, the parking lot was completely empty. Which only made his blue SUV that much more noticeable.
“This won’t take long, right?” he asked as he swept his gaze around the area, searching for anything suspicious. “I’ll feel better once we’re back at my place.”
“No, not too long. Although I would like to get the first dose of antibiotics in her as soon as possible,” Caitlyn said, pulling her keys from her purse. “I should have asked you to bring us here earlier. I have no idea how long she’s been out in the elements. That laceration could have been festering for days.”
“We’re here now.” He followed her inside the clinic. She had a key, so they weren’t breaking and entering, but he still found himself whispering. “You’re sure you won’t get in trouble for this?”
“I’m sure.” She turned and thrust Snowball into his arms. “Hold her for a few minutes, I need to find the antibiotics.”
He stared down into Snowball’s blue eyes. Thankfully, she didn’t seem to be upset with the change in companionship. “She’ll be back soon, don’t worry.”
Meow.
He chose to believe the cat was agreeing with him. Gazing around the clinic, he found himself smiling at how it was brightly decorated for Christmas, including a large fake Christmas tree in the corner filled with all sorts of animal ornaments. The holiday spirit was alive and well here too.
Caitlyn hadn’t mentioned his lack of Christmas decorations, but maybe she assumed he hadn’t made time to put them up rather than the real fact that he simply had never bothered to decorate for the holiday.
Somehow, he sensed she wouldn’t be okay with that plan. Although her opinion shouldn’t matter since once this guy was found and arrested, he wouldn’t see Caitlyn again.
Except as friends.
“Devon? Bring her into exam room three,” Caitlyn called.
He did as she requested, surprised to see that she had several items out on the back counter. “You’re not doing surgery on her or anything.”
“No, but I want to check her temperature and her heart.”
“Okay.” He continued holding the cat as she gently inserted an electronic thermometer into the cat’s backside. The animal didn’t care for it, and he didn’t blame her. “It’s okay, Snowball. You’re going to be fine.”
“She’s running a slight fever,” Caitlyn murmured.
“The antibiotics should help that, right?”
She nodded and then listened to the cat’s chest. He knew she was only a tech, but she appeared to know what she was doing. “Okay, we’re going to put this soft collar on her to stop her from licking the wound. I’d use a soft jumper, but the area will probably continue to drain a bit. Then we’ll give her the antibiotic.” She snapped her fingers. “Wait, I should check for a microchip first.”
She disappeared through the rear door of the clinic, returning a few minutes later with a wand-like device. She moved the wand slowly over the back of the cat’s neck and back. With a frown, she repeated the movement.
“That’s weird, no chip,” she said.
“Maybe she’s a stray.”
“She’s litter-box trained, so I don’t think she’s been running around on her own for very long.” Caitlyn set the device aside and deftly placed the soft red collar around the animal’s neck.
Meow, meow!
Okay, those were definitely not happy meows. Those were get-this-blasted-thing-off-me-right-now meows. And he couldn’t blame her.
“I know, it’s awful,” Caitlyn soothed. “But your wound needs to heal.”
Caitlyn instructed him to hold the cat again while she pried open the cat’s mouth. The animal wiggled in an attempt to get away, but he held firm so Caitlyn was able to get the pill down into the animal’s throat.
Meow, meow!
“She’s going to hate us by the time this is over,” he muttered.
“No, she’s just feeling lousy because of the infection. She’ll perk up in a few days.” Caitlyn began to put the supplies away. “Take Snowball out to the lobby. I need to clean up the room, and we’ll be ready to go.”
“Sure.” He carried the cat into the main waiting area, smiling when he saw the note and cash Caitlyn had left on the counter.
When she was finished, he shifted the feline back into her arms. Crossing to the doorway, he peeked out to make sure the black truck wasn’t lurking nearby.
No reason for the driver to think they’d be at the veterinary clinic, the guy probably hadn’t seen the kitten in Caitlyn’s lap as she drove by earlier that morning. But he wasn’t about to take any chances either.
Maybe Nate the not-so-great date had mentioned where Caitlyn worked. The guy could right now be scoping the place out, intending to make a move in the morning.
It occurred to him that he might have to take the day off in order to keep an eye on Caitlyn. A bridge he’d cross later.
“See something?” Caitlyn asked from behind him.
“No. It’s clear.” He opened the door wider and used his fob to unlock the SUV. Then he quickly escorted Caitlyn over to the passenger side door. Once she was safely inside, he jogged around to get in as well.
When he pushed the start button, though, nothing happened. He scowled and tried again.
Still nothing.
A warning shiver slid down his spine. He once again glanced around the area, trying to pick out someone watching them, but from what he could tell, everyone was minding their own business.
He tried one more time, then was about to open his door when he caught a flash off in the distance. “Get down!” He reached over and yanked Caitlyn down just as the windshield shattered into zillions of pieces.
“What’s happening?” Caitlyn cried.
“Shooter, roughly fifty yards from here. Call 911 but stay down.” He pulled his weapon and reached up to sweep the remnants of glass out of the way. “I’ll hold him off.”
“But I don’t see him,” Caitlyn protested.
He didn’t either, but the guy was out there somewhere.
She set the scarf-bound cat on the floor beneath her feet and grabbed her phone. He listened as she spoke to the emergency operator, giving their location in succinct sentences. Devon couldn’t help but be impressed by how cool she was in an emergency.
Crack!
Another gunshot echoed around them. He wasn’t sure if the guy had hit another part of the SUV or not, but since the car had been disabled, they couldn’t escape. Or risk running back inside the clinic.
They were trapped!