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“Heavens, if I were ho over the he underwear he’d lent her

“Your clothes are dry,” he said “You’ll find them on your bed By the time you’re dressed, I should have breakfast on the table”

“Thanks I’ up the thermals, she shuffled back to the bedroom and found her clothes neatly folded on the bed Her jeans were ripped at the knees, and there were stains froet out But at least the clothes were clean If pawning the ring fetched enough e of clothes and underwear

A groan escaped her lips as another thought crossed her mind She’d left her purse in Boone’s truck He would have not only her cash but her driver’s license, passport, cell phone, and credit cards Until she could get everything cancelled, he would no doubt htmare! It was even worse than her dream because it was real

Dressed, and with the tube socks still protecting her sore feet, she returned to the kitchen John had breakfast on the table She took a seat and loaded her plate with bacon, scras, and buttered toast

“Thank you,” she said “I really rateful”

“Understood” He passed her a glass of orange juice “I’ll be leaving for toe’re done here The shops open at nine I should be back by ten with your shoes and some cash After that, I think it’s time you told your story to the police” His eyes narrowed as if he’d noticed her hesitation “What is it?”

“It’s justI’ed to me that he had friends on the force What’s to keep the him knohere to find me?”

“Friends?” John shook his head “There are a couple of guys on the force ent to school with us But I don’t recall their being friends with Boone He ran with the rough crowd—booze, weed, bullying the weaker kids” He rose, picking up his plate to take to the sink “I wouldn’t worry about the police if I were you Besides, you’re going to need their help You can’t go after Boone by yourself”

Eo when you get back from town I wear a size six shoe, by the way Get me whatever’s sturdy and colanced toward the sink, where he was rinsing his plate “Don’t worry about cleaning up I’ll do that while you’re gone”

“Thanks That’ll save us some time” He took a quilted vest fro the pistol,” he said “You’re not likely to need it, but if the bastard shows up and threatens you, don’t be afraid to pull the trigger”

If he was joking, she could see no sign of it in his stern expression “Stay inside and keep the door locked,” he said “Don’t go out on the porch or even look out the s until I come back If anybody knocks, don’t answer”

“I understand” Eun where it lay on the side table by his books He orried, she realized—maybe as worried as she was

She checked the locked door as he drove away Then she went back to the kitchen and started on the dishes