Midnight in Montana - Chapter 12

Cass Blinking through the fog of sensual awareness that descended around her whenever Emilio was near, Cass wondered why he would suggest that she apply to a vet tech program in western Montana. “I have a whole life back in St. Paul,” she reminded him, sitting straighter. “The girls’ peewee hockey team that I coach is one of the best in the state for their age group.” She was proud of her players and glad to make a difference in their lives. “Three of them are fosters, in fact. I got special funding for their equipment and travel expenses.” “That’s great, Cass. But you also have the threat of a criminal at large who knows where you live and may want revenge for your interference.” His expression was serious. Concerned. And that made all her own worries rise to the surface when she’d been working hard not to think about that possibility. “I won’t return home until the police have him in custody.” Of course, the authorities didn’t have an identity for the man, so she wasn’t sure how quickly they would find him. “What if that doesn’t happen?” Emilio pressed, not backing off the topic. “Why not have a plan in place in case you need to remain here long term?” Stay in Silent Spring? Where her world had gone off the rails when this man vanished without a word? Rationally, she knew better than to blame the town for her unhappiness those months she’d lived here. Yet, she couldn’t quiet the instinctive resistance at the thought of moving back here. “I really don’t think it will be necessary to uproot my whole life.” Her shoulders had tensed at some point during the conversation, and she tried to exhale a breath that would ease her muscles but the edginess remained. “And while I appreciate your concern, Emilio, it’s my future and my decision.” His eyes darkened. His jaw flexing as he seemed to weigh his words. “I only have your safety in mind.” “As do I,” she reminded him, feeling prickly and defensive. “But I’m not seventeen anymore, and I don’t look to anyone but myself when considering my next moves.” She couldn’t help but recall the plans they’d once made together. Plans he’d bailed on, even if it had been for an understandable reason at the time. Later, there had been nothing stopping him from finding her once she’d turned eighteen and they were both free of the system. He hadn’t chosen to do any such thing. His brow furrowed. He reached for her, as if to take her hand, but a loud bang outside split the air. Her heart dropped. All thoughts of their shared history scattered. “Was that a gunshot?” Her hands fisted, fingers digging into the couch cushion. Emilio was already on his feet, crossing the room in long strides to check the security system and the lock on the front door. He had his phone in one hand while he peered out the leaded glass of the sidelight next to the entrance. “I’m not sure. I’m calling Levi.” Cass’s skin went cold, a slow trembling taking over her body as memories of that awful night behind the bar crashed through her mind. The girl’s scream. The assailant’s careless hold on her while she struggled and fought. Cassandra’s heart rate had been off the charts when she jumped on the guy’s back to stop him. It had been reckless, yes. But how could she have stood by and done nothing? By the time Emilio returned to the couch, he’d finished his call and he stared at her with concerned eyes. “Hey, Cass? Are you all right?” “Yes. What did Levi say?” She reached for her water glass and noticed her fingers trembled slightly. “He thinks it was one of the tractor’s backfiring. They’re still working in one of the north pastures, I guess.” He laid his hand on her shoulder, stroking lightly. She didn’t want to let him see the way she’d come unglued over a loud noise. Besides, she wouldn’t allow worries to stop her from living her life. “I’m glad to know.” She rose to her feet. “But I have an early day tomorrow, so I think we should say good-night.”