Megan’s eyes were warm with understanding. “This isn’t the first time you’ve felt threatened. Experiences like that—they’re cumulative.”
“You’re right. Thanks.” Winona felt the truth of Megan’s words down to her DNA, as images from today dredged up memories of what that bastard John Charles Ready had done to her.
Megan gave her a rueful smile. “I’ve got experience, unfortunately.”
Winona didn’t know Megan well, but she’d heard that Megan had suffered from heroin addiction and had served time in prison. There were even rumors that she’d killed a man. Whatever her past, she had overcome it and made a good life for herself. She was a mother, a wife, and an attorney.
“How do you get past it?”
“I suppose it’s different for everyone. I had to get help. It took lots of counseling and medication. Nate’s love made the biggest difference. He accepted me as I was, and that gave me room to heal.”
Is that what Winona needed to do—ask for help?
Megan changed the subject. “Nate tells me that you’re a climber and part of the Rocky Mountain Search and Rescue Team.”
“My brother, Chaska, is the climber. I’m not nearly as good as he and the others are. Mostly, I help with rescues that involve animals.”
“You rescue animals?”
She shared rescue stories with Megan until her hot chocolate was gone and Janet and the men reappeared. She could tell from the resolve on Jason’s face that they’d decided on a course of action.
“Morning comes early,” Jack said. “Time to put these old bones to bed. Have the two of you been shown your rooms?”
Winona got to her feet, empty mug in hand. “Yes. They’re beautiful. Thank you.”
“I’m awful sorry about what happened tonight, Winona, but you’re safe under our roof.” Jack’s eyes held no reproach, only concern. “I hope you rest easy tonight.”
“Thank you, Jack.”
Nate helped Megan to her feet. “We’ve got a state-of-the-art security system, not to mention two ex-military men and a federal agent here. And that bunkhouse we passed? It’s full of men, a few of them ex-military, who know how to deal with trouble.”
Winona willed herself to smile. “I’ll remember not to cause any trouble then.”
“I hope you’ll sleep well.” Janet slipped an arm around her husband’s waist. “We’re just down the hall from you if you need anything. Goodnight!”
“Goodnight.”
Megan took Winona’s empty mug. “I’m glad we got a chance to talk, Winona. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Thanks, Megan.”
“Of course.”
Winona walked with Jason upstairs and down the hallway to their adjoining rooms. She stopped outside her door. She didn’t want to be alone, and there was so much to say to him.Be brave.“Goodnight.”
“Hey.” He caught her hand, looked into her eyes. “Are you okay?”
She nodded, lied. “I’m fine.”
“Nate and I will be heading out early tomorrow with some of their men to cut sign and see if we can’t find this bastard.”
He didn’t ask her to join them this time.
He probably thinks you’re not up for it.
Maybe she wasn’t. “Please be careful.”
“We will. Thanks. Goodnight, Win.” He bent down and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Our rooms have adjoining doors. Just knock if you need me.”