Death by Chocolate (The Davenports 2)

She exhaled slowly. “So, we set up another session?”

“Yes.”

“And in the meantime?”

“You have my cell phone. You can call me anytime if you have a problem or feel unsafe. If you have a religious item that gives you comfort, I’d suggest keeping it close, and drawing from your faith.”

“I have a cross that used to belong to my maternal grandmother.”

“I’d wear it.”

“Do you think it’s dangerous?”

“We can’t say. So far, the goal has appeared to be grabbing your attention. Perhaps this is why it cleaned up. It’s speculation of course. For now, it’s all we have to go by.”

“I can’t say I love the odds.”

“I know. I wish I could give you better. Unfortunately, a case is like a puzzle with lost pieces. It takes time to gather them all and figure out how they fit together.”

“Logically I understand that. I’m just ...”

“Scared? It’s okay. Would having me go home with you tonight and staying for a while make you feel better?”

“Is that what you do?”

“It’s what I choose to do for you. If you’d like me to.”

Setting aside her pride, she studied the man beside her. This felt like an off-the-record offer. Did he feel the same pull she did? Pride would have her alone in the house terrified and unable to rest. A smart woman knew when to ask for help.

“Please.”

“Let’s finish up here, and I’ll follow you home.”

The once delectable chocolate chip cookie now tasted like sawdust. She washed the cardboard down with the remainder of her milk and stood. He placed a hand on the small of her back and steered her out the front door. Drinking in the protective vibe he cast, she allowed herself to lean on him for strength as they walked the sidewalk to the parking garage. She unlocked the car door, and he opened it, waiting until she was inside to close it and pat the wood. The intimacy was water after a trek through the desert.

The small things—like touch, conversation, and the expression of care—were things she took for granted back home. Surrounded by loved ones, she lost sight of the little things that made life as a whole great. Here, forced to navigate a new world along with a threat looming over her head, she felt extremely isolated and bereft. Adrift on the ocean of life without a paddle, her character was being called into question. Her father came from a proud race of people descended from ancient warriors. Being strong meant much more than physical strength. This was her chance to prove their blood flowed through her veins.

Renewed by the short ride and reaffirmation of who she was and where she came from, she pulled into the parking lot prepared to go back into the fray with Micah as her backup. Kahles didn’t back down easily. How else could her father charge the big waves knowing the harm they could impart? Broken bones, concussions, and tight budgets never threw him off his goal. His determination and passion inspired her to reach for her own dreams. It had been years of putting work first as she tried to make a name for herself. This paranormal activity was not allowed to ruin that.

This is my time. The stone castle became a wave to charge.

Micah stepped up beside her. “You good?”

“Yeah, I forgot for a minute.”

“Forgot what?” he asked.

“Who I was. The fear infiltrated and broke me down. Being here alone and unsettled left me vulnerable. That’s over now.”

“You speak as if you’re going to war.”

“Aren’t I?” she whispered.

He inclined his head. “You might have a point there.”

They began the short walk and entered the quiet building. Holding her head high, she unlocked her front door and stepped inside. The house was quiet and peaceful. No sense of impending doom registered on her radar, and everything appeared to be in its proper place. She locked the door behind him. “Let’s look around.”

“Ladies first.” He gestured forward. He let her take the lead, and she respected him for it. Taking back her power and control helped distance her from the mini-meltdown she’d had in the face of the unknown. Removing her boots at the door, she padded through the living room to the kitchen and down the hall. The door was open just as she’d left it that morning.