Danger on the Mountain by Lynette Eason

it, but I can’t deny it.” She pulled in a deep breath. “So then I found myself pregnant, abused and basically lost. At some point, I knew I was going to die if I didn’t get out. I called my grandfather. He was thrilled to hear from me. Apparently, he’d been forbidden to have any contact with me after my grandparents’ divorce and he went along with it. His new wife didn’t want him involved with anyone from his old life and he agreed. She died the year I married Kent.”
    “So he wanted to see you?”
    She nodded. “But I couldn’t let him come to my house. I put him off, not daring to introduce him to Kent. Kent didn’t like people in his house unless he’d invited them.” She paused. “And I didn’t want Kent to know about Grandpa.”
    “You were already planning to get away from Kent and go to your grandfather.”
    Maggie gave a slow nod. “But I had to be careful. If I moved too fast or left a trail, I knew he’d find me and kill me.”

EIGHT
    A nd he would have, too. She had no doubts about that.
    Her phone rang, distracting her from her thoughts. Reese motioned for her to answer it. She glanced at the caller ID.
    “Hello, Mrs. Adler.”
    “Hello, dear, how are you? I heard you had some excitement out there last night.”
    “We’re fine. Have you recovered from finding that nasty little gift on my porch? I guess some teenagers are the same all over and like to have fun at other people’s expense.” She gave a small laugh that fell flat. Primarily because she didn’t believe her own words. Most of the teens she worked with were great kids and would never do something like leave a dead squirrel on someone’s doorstep with a threat attached. But Maggie tried to make light of the incident, not wanting the woman to be worried or scared.
    “I don’t know who would do a thing like that, but you definitely need to be careful, dear.”
    “I know.” She glanced at Reese. “Deputy Kirkpatrick is working on helping me get a security system installed as soon as possible. In fact, the installers should be here soon.”
    A pause. “That’s good.” Another pause. “I, um... Well, the thing is, Maggie, ah...”
    Suspicion hit Maggie. “Is there something you need to tell me?”
    In a rush, the words came. “Oh, Maggie, Jim doesn’t want me to come out to your house anymore because of everything that’s happened. He’s afraid I’ll be involved and get hurt.”
    Maggie caught her breath. Then let it out slowly. “Oh.”
    “I’m so sorry. I tried to talk to him about it, but he was adamant and getting himself all worked up. I had to agree so he’d calm down. With his heart the way it is...”
    “It’s all right, Mrs. Adler. I really understand.” Maggie didn’t like it, but she did understand. “You have to take care of Mr. Adler.”
    “But what will you do with Belle while you’re teaching?” she fretted.
    “I...I’ll figure something out. Your first priority is your husband. Once the police catch those bank robbers, all of this will stop and you can come back. I can make temporary arrangements for Belle.”
    “I’m just so sorry.”
    Maggie could tell the woman really was. Reassuring Mrs. Adler one more time that all would be okay, Maggie hung up, wondering what she was going to do about child care.
    “You okay?”
    Maggie picked Belle up and settled her into her lap. “Because of all that’s happened, Mrs. Adler’s not going to be able to take care of Belle while I teach anymore. I’m going to have to find someone else to watch her.”
    Reese frowned. “I’m sorry.”
    She gave a small shrug and frowned. “I’ll figure something out.”
    “Are you still planning on going to the potluck dinner tonight?”
    She bit her lip. “Should I?”
    Reese didn’t answer right away. Then he gave a slow nod. “I think it’s all right. We’ll be in public, and this guy’s after you or me. No one else.”
    “But what if he does something that puts other people in danger?”