lightened. âI donât give up easily. Iâll keep trying it.â
Krista was certain his statement held double meaning, but she was too tired to think about it.
âI called Jake,â he continued. âAn officerâs on the way to secure the scene and Skyler will be dispatched, too. Plus, Jake issued an alert for the guy and asked for increased patrols in the area.â
Opa settled his hand on Kristaâs, telling her all was forgiven for her outburst in the hallway. âHow likely are they to find this man?â
Cash swung his gaze to Opa. âHonestly, not very likely. The woods are pretty dense along the river, so he could get away without being seen.â
Cashâs description of their setting highlighted the dangers that country living brought. As much as Krista didnât want them to see how deeply the attack was affecting her, she couldnât control the shiver that worked over her body.
Cash appraised her. âIâve been assuming you were attacked by the bomber, but I should ask if you have reason to think it could be someone else.â
âNo,â she said adamantly. âIt has to be him.â
âWe probably should consider that this could be a random break-in. I havenât heard of any burglaries in the area, but Skyler will look into it and call in the forensic team to process the house.â
âWould a random burglar try to drag me out the door?â
âIf he was panicked and wasnât thinking clearly, maybe. But youâre right in thinking that would be odd.â
âThis bomber,â Opa said. âHow do you think he found out where Krista lives?â
âGood question.â Cash eyed Krista. âI suspect he heard her name on the news like I did, then went to the internet. But before I came over here, I searched and found nothing. Not even a Facebook account. Maybe heâs better at searching than I am.â
Cash had dug into her past. Of course he had. This was just the beginning, and she doubted he was the only one looking. The time of her discovery was coming closer.
Her stomach cramped, but she forced her expression to remain neutral. âIâm a very private person. I doubt anyone will find much.â
At least not using the name Krista Curry.
âHey, donât get me wrong. Iâm all for privacy. As a deputy, I see people all too often who have gotten into trouble for sharing things on the internet. â
âFortunately, this house is in my name,â Opa said. âBut I guess it doesnât matter as somehow the bomber made the connection.â He paused and stroked his whiskers. âI suppose he will try this again.â
Cash nodded. âItâs likely heâll come back.â
Krista jerked her head to look at Cash. âYou really think so? Even after he was almost caught?â
âItâs a strong possibility.â
Her heart fell and a terrified, âOh, no,â slipped out of its own accord.
âDonât worry.â Cash met her gaze. âIâll be sticking to you like glue until the bomber is brought in and youâre safe.â
âWhat? No.â She sat forward. âIâm sure thatâs not necessary.â
He studied her for a few minutes before he crossed his arms, the corded muscles straining the fabric of his shirt. âTrust me. Itâs very necessary. We have a guy running around who wasnât afraid to kill countless people in the stadium. You think heâd hesitate to kill one more person?â
âHe is right.â Opa locked gazes with Krista. âNot only will you say yes to his help, but you will smile and thank him for it.â
Fine. She got it. She needed Cash Dixonâs help to stay safeâif not for her own sake, then to protect her grandfather, who would also be at risk if tonightâs attacker returned. Cash would keep them safe. At least physically safe, but trusting him with anything
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