Ransome said, “We’re taking you someplace safe, Jessica. You don’t need to be afraid anymore.”
The hero worship in her eyes was obvious as she thanked them. They told her there was no way they’d leave her to defend herself against an obvious threat.
Thirty minutes later, Jessica was sitting at Grace’s kitchen table, surrounded by Jack, Ethan, and Adam, Justin and the guys, as well as Chance and Lydia Carlisle. Charity was due to arrive any minute on her lunch hour. Justin had called the Carlisles to ask for help. He’d also called Hank Stinson, so he’d know what was going on. Hank had instructed them to just let him know where she would be and to contact him if they needed help. He’d agreed that the safest place for her was the Carlisles’ remote cabin since it was unlikely that Dornan would trace her out to Divine, and if he did, he’d never find her that far off of even the nearest gravel road. She could figure out the next step for her and her baby from there.
Val and Ransome didn’t know the Carlisle brothers that well, and when they didn’t seem certain Justin had reassured them. “Chance, Lydia, and Clayton live the farthest out of all of us, there are men at the Rockin’ C Ranch twenty-four-seven. Anyone who shows up will be seen from a distance. And they have the perfect place to safely tuck her away. No one will find her.”
Chance nodded his agreement and said, “We can take her out in the morning. The only way in is on horseback or four-wheeler. We’ve considered putting in a decent road, but sometimes it’s nice to be out of pocket.”
Lydia agreed as she put her arm around her husband’s waist. “You’ll feel very safe there, Jessica. I’ll come out and spend some time with you and help you get to know the area. Would you be okay with staying on your own?”
Looking down at her pregnant tummy, Jessica nodded but said, “Would my cell phone work out there?”
Lydia nodded. “They usually do, but if not, there is also a two-way radio at the cabin. I can show you how to use it.”
Val asked, “What about emergencies with the baby?”
Lydia grinned and said, “We can have a helicopter out there in minutes. It’ll be good to make more use of it, won’t it, honey?”
Chance nodded. “Clayton decided last year that we needed one and he’s just been dying to break it in ever since. We’ve got a couple of hands who are also licensed pilots.”
“Those are pretty versatile employees,” Ransome said with a chuckle.
Chance said, “Tank and Troy wanted to get out of the city and back on a ranch. We had just the job for them. Works for all of us pretty well. What do you say, Miss Bright? Want to come stay with us?”
Jessica looked up at all of them and chewed her lip. “Would…would it be possible to not tell anyone else about what happened to me? I mean, I don’t mind those of you who are directly involved knowing…but I don’t want it to get around town, you know? I’ve been trying to work through my issues and move on with my life and my baby. I just don’t want people looking at me—or my baby—with pity.”
Grace and Lydia shared a smile and Grace said, “The only ones who will know are the ones you tell. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You are a survivor of a violent crime and we want to do whatever we can to help you get better and get on with your life. Once everything blows over, you may even decide you want to stay in Divine. It’ll be up to you who knows what happened.”
Chance said, “That goes for all of us, Jessica. Far as Lydia, Clayton, and I are concerned, you could pose as Lydia’s niece who is coming to spend some downtime at the cabin while you prepare for this little one to be born. No one needs to know your private business.”
“And you’re sure it’s not any trouble? It sounds like a lot of trouble.” She gulped. “I’m not sure how well I’d do in a helicopter.”
Lydia took her hand and said, “It’s very plush inside. You’d be perfectly safe. And it’s no trouble at all. The cabin doesn’t get used often enough and we’d be happy to have you. And I could bring the girls out for a visit if you’d like,” she added, as Charity walked in and dropped her purse and jacket on Grace’s couch.
Jessica’s eyes brightened a little. “I wouldn’t mind visitors.” Her gaze roamed around the gathering and settled on Val and Ransome and softly added. “Anyone would be welcome if they wanted to come.”
Brushing her hair back, Charity went to Justin and gave him a kiss in greeting and said, “What’s up?”
They filled her in and before the story was finished, Charity had joined Grace and Lydia at the table, concern filling her eyes. “You’re going to stay, right?” she asked Jessica. Justin had known the minute the story was out that Charity would want to help Jessica somehow.