“Sure, Bonnie.” The boy came over and gave her a big hug. She held him tight for a moment, thanking her lucky stars that the boy was still safe. She needed to protect him. She doubted the Trio would do anything to the staff here, but they could get caught in the crossfire if they came for her.
She made sure he made it safely out to the campfire area where the camp counselors were reading stories to the kids in pajamas. Tyson waved to her before running over to sit next to Elena. She watched him for a second before turning and going back to her cabin.
The camp was quiet all around her as she stood on her porch. The big pines rustled in the wind, but there was no other noise. She could smell rain on the way. She took a deep breath and pulled out her phone. It was a burner phone she’d picked up at a gas station on the state border.
She dialed Detective Patton’s number.
“Patton,” the familiar voice answered.
“It’s Bonnie,” she replied, knowing that he wouldn’t recognize the number.
“Bonnie! Are you okay?” he asked, but his tone was light. “Are you safe?”
“I’m okay.” She took a breath. “Actually, I’m calling you to make sure everything is still okay. How’s my brother?”
“He’s great,” Detective Patton said. She could hear the smile in his voice, and she imagined him sitting at his desk at the police station. “I think he’s actually enjoying this. He keeps talking about a job in law enforcement just so he can keep this job up.”
She couldn’t help but chuckle. Of course, her brother would find a way to make the situation more fun. That was Brett.
“What about me?” She tried to keep her voice even. “Have you heard anything from them? Any threats?”
“There hasn’t been anything,” he assured her. “It’s been quiet. There haven’t been any threats to your brother or you. Whatever you’re doing, you’re doing a good job of staying quiet. There’s no chatter.”
“And nothing’s popped up on the computer stuff?” she asked, still unconvinced of her safety. She was still spooked.
“I saw your background check request went through last week, but I handled it personally. No one saw it, but me and I made sure nothing could be traced back to you. You’re safe on that front. Congrats on the new job, by the way.”
She nodded, even though he couldn’t see her.
“Bonnie, is everything okay? Did something happen?” Worry crept into Detective Patton’s voice.
“Not really,” she admitted. “A delivery guy came a day early, and it gave me a scare.”
“I could see how that could make you think of this, Bonnie,” the detective agreed. “But Bonnie, there’s nothing. They’re busy dealing with bigger problems right now. I covered your tracks. You’re safe.”
Bonnie felt anything but safe.
“You’re sure?” she asked.
“As sure as I can be,” he told her. “Our undercover agents haven’t heard a thing. But listen, Bonnie. You need to trust your gut. If you don’t feel safe, then leave.”
“Okay, Mike.” She took a deep breath. “Thanks.”
“Anytime, Bonnie. If you need anything, you let me know. I’m here for you.”
“Thanks, Mike.”
She hung up the phone and slid it into her pocket. Thunder rumbled overhead. It was late in the day for their daily afternoon shower. It was an evening shower tonight. It reminded her of her first night here. The storm clouds were dark and ominous above her. The air crackled with anticipation of rain and lightning.
She fiddled with the phone, trying to calm her nerves. She’d grown complacent. She’d grown comfortable here. She was fairly sure she was out of their reach, but then, who really knew?
A black sedan pulled up to the garage. The windows were tinted, and she didn’t recognize the plates. It slowed, did a slow circle around the garage and then sped went back toward the main entrance. She ducked inside her cabin, staying low to the ground and peeking out of the window on the door.
Her heart was in her mouth. She knew, logically, that it was probably just a lost foster parent. That happened a lot around here. She knew that there was a decent amount of security given that billionaires lived on and owned the ranch. Most likely, it was nothing. But what if it wasn’t? What if they were looking for her.
Anxiety gripped her chest and made it hard to breathe. Her heart wouldn’t slow down, and she kept thinking she heard the sound of footsteps outside her cabin.
She couldn’t stay here.