“That’s why you changed your name?”
Aspen worried the spot on the inside of her cheek. “People found out where I lived, where I worked. I got jumped by two guys outside my office building downtown because an asshole reporter printed where I worked. Ended up with broken ribs and a concussion.”
Fury lit my veins so fast and fierce that it was all I could do to keep breathing.
“I hit my breaking point when someone tried to take Cady from daycare, saying I didn’t deserve her. After that, I knew it was only a matter of time before one of us got seriously hurt.”
My fingers spasmed around Aspen’s as blood roared in my ears.
“A cop helped me. Walked us through the channels to get new, sealed identities. We were supposed to be safe.”
My spine jerked straight. “You are safe. And we’re going to make sure you stay that way.”
Aspen shook her head, her red locks catching the light. “I don’t have a choice now. They’ll tell everyone where I am. It doesn’t matter how much I want to stay. I have to disappear again.”
14
ASPEN
I was already mentally making my list. Roan could take me to get my car. I’d just have to make do with whatever Jim had done on it so far. Then I’d need to pack up here. Find someone to care for the animals. I could get Maddie for that.
“You’re not going anywhere.”
My head jerked up at Roan’s voice. It was hard and brooked no argument. “I don’t want to. But I don’t have a choice.”
A muscle in his jaw ticked. “Of course, you do.”
“They’re going to publish that podcast. And even if they don’t…if they found me, others can, too.” I shivered at the thought that someone already had. John. It was on the tip of my tongue to tell Roan about the letter, but I’d already shared too much.
“Leaving is the worst thing you could do.”
I jerked my hand from his. The loss of the contact burned, but I shoved that down. “It’s smart. It’s taking care of myself and Cady.”
“You’ll be out there alone. You have no idea how they tracked you. They could do it again. Here, you have backup. People who care.”
My throat constricted. The thought of leaving Wren, Maddie, and the whole Hartley clan had me struggling to breathe. For the first time since losing Autumn, I had people looking out for me. I’d be leaving that behind.
Roan pressed on. “If you leave, you won’t have anyone looking out for you. For Cady.”
That was the killing blow right there. When Autumn asked me to be Cady’s godmother, I’d sworn to protect her with everything I had.
“I don’t know how to keep us safe,” I admitted in a whisper.
“You let me help. Let Lawson help.”
Everything ached, the feeling of that bit of anonymity I had slipping away. “I don’t want anyone to know.”
My hand slipped under my shirt, finding the raised skin. People looked at you differently when they knew. They either pitied you or blamed you.
Roan’s jaw worked. “Just me and Law. I want him to give those assholes an official warning.”
It was better if Lawson knew. I understood that, but it still hurt. “Okay.”
Roan studied me for a moment. “You’ll stay?”
It might end up being a mistake, but I nodded. “I’ll stay.”
Maddie glanced over at me as we drove into town. “Are you okay? You seem jumpy.”
I winced. Apparently, I hadn’t been circumspect in my search for the silver van as we drove. I kept expecting the two podcasters to jump out and give me away at any moment.
“I think I had too much coffee today,” I lied.
She laughed. “A day off, and you still can’t stay away from the stuff.”
“I guess not.”
Maddie was quiet for a second, but a smile played on her lips. “Looks like you can’t stay away from Roan either.”
I stiffened. Roan had spent the day with me. He’d checked all my windows and doors to make sure the locks were adequate. Then he’d offered to help me muck out the barn. It wasn’t until just now that I realized he was probably supposed to work today.
“He was helping me with Dory,” I said quickly.
Maddie looked confused.
“The deer,” I explained.
“Oh.” She drummed her fingers on the wheel. “He’s not usually willing to be around people much. Don’t get me wrong, he’d do anything for his family, but that’s about it. I think that’s why he ended up at Fish and Wildlife. He does better with animals.”
“He’s good with people, too.”
The words were out before I could stop them. It annoyed me that so many people saw Roan as something other than what he was: a kind, gentle soul. A little rough around the edges, sure, but that was just the exterior.
Maddie’s brows lifted. “Sounds like you’re getting to know him pretty well.”
“Cady likes him,” I said, trying to avoid the subject.
“Well, my bestie certainly has good taste,” Maddie said as she pulled into the school parking lot.
As we slowed to a stop, Cady jumped up and down, waving maniacally. I couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of me. It was the first one since Steven and Tyson had shown up. “I think she’s excited you’re picking her up.”
Maddie chuckled and jumped out of her SUV. Cady ran straight at her, and Maddie scooped her up in her arms. Cady giggled. “Today is the bestest. Charlie’s dad took us to school, and you’re picking me up. I gots all my Hartleys.”
My chest constricted. This. This was why I couldn’t rip Cady out of her life here. She’d lain down roots. Built a community. Had a support system.
Maddie squeezed her tightly. “You’re the bright spot in my day, too. You ready to go?”
I grabbed Cady’s booster seat and got to work installing it in Maddie’s SUV.
“I’m the readiest. Charlie already left with his dad.”
“Then it looks like we can hit the road,” Maddie said, setting her down.
Katelyn led her daughter by us, sending Maddie and me a dirty look. I tried my best to ignore her as I got Cady settled.
“What’s that woman’s deal?” Maddie whispered as we headed for our respective doors.
I shook my head. “I have no idea. She’s hated me since day one, and her daughter is awful to Cady.”
Maddie scowled. “I forgot you’d said that. It’s still bad?”
I nodded. “Unfortunately.”
“It’s depressing that some people never grow out of the mean-girl stage and then teach it to their children.”
I sighed as I slid into the SUV. “It’s exhausting.”
“What’s sausting?” Cady piped in.
I should’ve known better than to say anything around tiny ears. “Cleaning up all of Mabel’s poop.”
Cady giggled. “I’m not sorry I missed that.”
Maddie snorted. “I bet.”
Cady chattered on and on about her day as we headed home, telling us who she and Charlie had played with at recess, the book their teacher read to them, and the art project of the day. I didn’t think she stopped for a breath until Maddie parked at our house.
“Can you come in and play, Maddie?” Cady asked hopefully.
“Sorry, bestie. I gotta go train a dog right now. But let’s have a girls’ night soon. We can do glitter manicures.”