Page 71 of Timid (Lark Cove 2)

“Let’s just go to her house.”

He nodded, his hand gripping mine even tighter as we changed direction to cross the highway.

Hazel and Thea’s cottage was nestled right against Flathead Lake. Most of the locals lived on my side of the highway, except for a few remaining homes like Hazel’s that had been there for sixty-plus years.

She could probably make millions if she sold her lot to a rich out-of-stater who wanted the lakefront property, but money wasn’t all that important to Hazel. I think she liked to wake up each morning to the sound of waves hitting their shoreline and have a beautiful view as she worked in her vegetable garden.

I’d make the same decision if I were in her shoes.

It didn’t take us long to reach Hazel’s cottage. Jackson normally held back his strides when we walked together, but tonight, I was practically jogging so he didn’t have to slow down.

The moment we turned down Hazel and Thea’s street, I spotted three sheriff’s cars parked in front of the cottage. Two deputies were standing in the center of the lawn while Hazel stood off to the side.

Jackson let go of my hand and ran right to her. The minute she saw him, she opened her arms and waited for him to rush into her embrace. I wasn’t sure who was holding who.

When I caught up, Jackson let Hazel go with one arm so he could tuck me into his free side.

“Any word?” Jackson asked.

Hazel nodded and looked over her shoulder. “She’s right there.”

The three of us awkwardly spun around to see Logan holding a shaken and pale Thea around the corner of the house. They were talking to Sheriff Magee.

Jackson’s entire body relaxed, his arm around my shoulders getting heavy as he sighed. “Thank fuck. She’s okay?”

Hazel nodded. “Someone came after her. I don’t know who or

why.”

“When did Logan get here?” I asked.

“Earlier tonight. He was the one who found her.”

Found her where? Who had threatened her? I held back my questions, hoping someone would offer us an explanation soon. Maybe Jackson already knew what was going on and he’d tell me later.

Sheriff Magee said something to Logan, then gave Thea a pat on the shoulder. The three of them ended their conversation and walked our way. The sheriff rounded up his deputies and they all loaded into their cruisers while Thea and Logan came toward us.

Logan was wearing suit pants and a starched white shirt, probably having come from a business meeting. But his suit jacket was missing, along with his usual collected presence. His dark hair had been raked back one too many times and the dark strands were askew. His face was nearly as pale as Thea’s.

She looked more frazzled than I’d ever seen her, her eyes wide and dazed. Her hands clung to Logan’s waist as she walked, but she forced a small smile as she looked at me and then Jackson.

“You okay?” Jackson asked, letting go of Hazel and me. He took one step forward and captured Thea in a hug.

“Not really.” She hugged Jackson for a few moments, then patted his back and he let her go. She went straight into Hazel’s arms. “We have to go down to the station and talk to them about everything. The sheriff asked us to keep names and specifics quiet until they get things under control. But the bottom line is I’m okay.”

“Okay.” Hazel nodded. “You go. I’ll be here with Charlie.”

“Thanks.” Thea rested her head on Hazel’s shoulder, then held out a hand for me. I took it immediately.

Jackson held out his hand to shake Logan’s. “Glad you made it back.”

“Me too.” Logan looked at Thea. “Just in time.”

“Thanks.” Jackson’s voice cracked as he looked at Thea too. “Thanks for getting to her.”

Logan nodded. “I’ve got them covered.”

“Yeah, you do.” Jackson let go of Logan’s hand and clapped him on the shoulder. “Sorry it took me so long to figure that out.”