“He left like you asked,” she told them. “Jacob is following him. Trouble averted.”
Chance handed the mike back to her. “What’s it going to be, sweetheart? Are you going to do it our way and do the set and leave, or are we going to take you off this stage right now?”
“We’ll do it your way. I’ll sing. When the show ends, we can go back to my place.”
Mitchell sat back down by his drums.
Patrick cleared his throat. “Please put your hands together and welcome Wolfe Mayhem.”
The crowd roared.
Glad to have Chance and Jaris so close, Kaylyn brought the mike to her mouth and sang the opening number, though her thoughts were on what was going to happen after the show.
Having Chance and Jaris together at her home would give her the opportunity to talk with both of them about how she felt. Was her mother right? Should she be blunt about what she really wanted? Would it change everything?
Chapter Twelve
Though Chance would’ve loved just listening to Kaylyn sing, he knew he must focus all his senses on everything happening around her. Kaylyn’s safety depended on it.
Doing the same thing as he was, Jaris stood on the other side of the stage next to her.
The band transitioned into another upbeat song, making it difficult to hear. But Chance still had his other senses to pull from, and the vibration he felt through his boots told him someone other than a band member was coming up on the stage from behind.
Chance tugged on Annie’s lead, letting her know to be on guard. Her wagging tail indicated she knew the person approaching. Knowing this was a friend and not a foe allowed his shoulders to relax, though he remained on guard.
“It’s me, buddy.”
He instantly recognized Emmett’s voice, even though his words were nearly being drowned out by Wolfe Mayhem’s music.
Almost having to shout to be heard, Chance asked, “Everything okay?”
“So far, but after hearing that creep talk, everyone is on alert. Come over to the side behind the speakers for a moment. I need to talk to you about Kaylyn.”
Taking a few steps to the side with Emmett, he asked, “What about her?”
“I wanted you to know that me and my brothers will help Lyle take care of everything up at the Boys Ranch until Potter is either behind bars or out of town. Don’t worry about a thing. I realize that all your focus is on Kaylyn, exactly where it should be, especially after we all heard Potter’s outburst.”
“Thanks, Emmett. No matter what, I’m going to make sure she’s safe. I have no doubt that Jaris is on the same page as me.”
“I’m sure you’re right about that. Before coming up onstage, I talked to the sheriff. He’s adding two more deputies to the detail keeping an eye on her house.”
“Perfect, because this would be an opportune time to break into her home since everyone is in town celebrating Dragon Week.” Chance heard Kaylyn begin singing a ballad about a woman who lost her one chance at love, which reminded him of her admission of her deep feelings for Jaris. This isn’t the time to think about that. Keeping her safe is all that matters now. “Once the band is finished with their set, Jaris and I want to get her back to her house.”
Emmett placed his hand on his shoulder. “I’ll drive the three of you. I’m going to pull my truck up behind the stage so that we can make a fast exit.”
“I appreciate all you’re doing for Kaylyn and for me and Jaris.”
“Buddy, that’s what friends are for.” Emmett exited the stage.
Without hesitation, Chance moved back to the position he’d just left, right next to Kaylyn.
* * * *
“Thanks for the ride, Emmett.” Standing on her sidewalk, Kaylyn got her keys out of her purse.
“You’re very welcome.”
Chance stood to her left with Annie. Jaris had gone with Sugar across the dirt road in front of Mrs. Nevelson’s house. He was talking to Dylan and the other officers who had been patrolling the neighborhood.