Dare to Trust (The Dare 1)

Mike looked her over but kept his distance. At first she felt insulted, upset that he would deny any affection of relationship’s status in front of the detective and the others, but then she realized by the expressions around her that they were all affected by whatever happened and Mike was in police mode.

“We have reason to believe that Peter is in the vicinity,” Mike told her.

She covered her mouth and took a step back. Jack was there to hold her as she leaned against him.

“How do you know?”

Mike looked away. It appeared as if he bit the inside of his cheek and had to gain some composure.

“He broke into your cottage.”

She was shocked as she shook her head and felt the tears fill her eyes.

“How do you know?”

“He left a note. He tore apart your clothes and trashed the place, and he left other evidence that the state police forensics team collected and is bringing to the lab to analyze.”

“Evidence? Like what?” she asked.

Mike shook his head.

“It’s not really necessary to get into,” the sheriff said, sounding just as ticked off as Mike and looking like he knew what was left and didn’t want to say.

“It’s important that you understand we need to step up security around you. We’ll find him. We’re organizing a team to help search both by vehicle and on ATVs,” Taylor added.

She knew whatever was left it really affected the men so she dropped it for now.

“Let’s get you inside,” Jack said and she looked at Mike as Danny joined her on the other side like they were her personal body protectors. What did they think, Peter would try to shoot and kill them like some sniper?

As she thought the thought she looked around them and toward the abundance of woods surrounding their home. She hurried to the door with Jack and Danny. Her concern was for them. She wouldn’t let anything happen to them.

They went into the house and she didn’t feel so good. Her emotions, her anxiety about their behavior was getting the better of her.

She felt the hands on her shoulders. Danny.

“Why don’t you go shower and change into something more comfortable? We’ll start dinner. It’s getting late.”

She looked toward the windows of the house and could see the sunlight slowly disappearing. The cars and trucks were leaving but Mike was still out there. Alone.

Danny guided her upstairs.

“I’m fine. I can do it myself,” she told him. She was upset. They were obviously keeping things from her and she didn’t like it at all. They asked her to be honest with them and she was. She didn’t hold back, especially not these last few weeks.

She started to unbutton her blouse when Danny turned her around and pulled her into a hug against his chest. She felt his heart racing. She heard him breathing heavily, inhaling her shampoo as he used his hands to squeeze against her ass and pull her to him.

“I love you so much, Marlena.”

She listened to him breathing. The way he paused and squeezed her as he said those words.

“I love you, too.”

“This guy is bad news. He wants to hurt you. He left things at your cottage. He did things to your… God, I hate this,” he said and pulled back.

He held her gaze.

“What things? What did he leave? What do you mean? Why won’t any of you tell me?”

He stared down into her eyes.