Page 61 of Still Afraid

They hadn’t been talking about anything that might trigger something. But that was way worse than anything she’d ever experienced.

After pushing off the floor, Chloe splashed her face with water and looked in the mirror. She’d taken a shower when they first arrived and washed away all the dirt and grime. Still, nothing but sleep and true rest would take away the dark circles beneath her eyes. Maybe that’s all the panic attack was—her overstimulated nervous system misfiring. Sleep should cure it quickly.

With her breathing back to normal, she left the bathroom and rejoined everyone else. Josh and Dad cleared the table while Mom removed dessert from the fridge.

“We don’t need dessert after every meal.”

Mom pointed the pie server at Chloe. “Are ya gonna complain about homemade cheesecake?”

“I rescind my last statement.” Chloe held out her hand, and her mom handed her a decent-sized slice of cheesecake.

“That’s what I thought.” She handed Josh a slice.

After a thank you, Josh met Chloe’s eyes and gave her the smile that melted her into a pile of goo. She hoped he’d have that effect on her for the rest of their lives.

Dad said, “Why don’t the two of you go enjoy your pie on the porch? The night has taken a beautiful turn.”

Chloe nodded. Dad could probably tell she was exhausted and done with visiting. “Thanks. I’m going to head to bed soon though.”

Mom walked over and embraced Chloe. “Do what you need to do. You know where I am if you need me.”

She returned her mom’s embrace. “Thank you. I love you, Mom. You too, Dad.”

After another round of expressing their gratitude that Chloe was safe, Josh led her out to the front porch where they sat on the swing.

She savored each bite of the blissfully creamy cheesecake and the calming quiet that hung between the two of them.

When they finished eating Josh placed their plates on a nearby table and broke the silence. “I don’t understand what this person thinks you have.”

“Me neither. Wait. What about the journal? Maybe it has something nefarious in it the person doesn’t want known.”

“You read too many crime novels. If that was the case, why not simply claim it?”

“True, but desperate people do desperate things.”

“Now I want to read what’s inside that that thing.”

“Josh!” She swatted his arm.

He laughed and wrapped his arm around her. “Just in case, we can take it to Buck tomorrow. It’s still sitting on my—our coffee table.”

Tucking her feet up on the swing beside her, Chloe snuggled up against her soon-to-be husband. Being in that crawlspace by herself today made her even more grateful for this strong man beside her.

Chapter Twenty-Four

The next morning, Josh unlocked his front door. Chloe and Poirot stood right behind him, waiting. They’d come to get the journal and Josh’s gear before heading to the area where the tornado had ripped away homes and lives.

Once inside, Poirot ran to his new favorite spot and sat at attention.

Josh rubbed the dog’s head as he walked by. “You are so weird, dude.”

Chloe went straight to the living room and picked up the journal. “Are you what’s causing so much trouble, other than the weather of course?”

Josh laughed. “I’ll go ahead and call Buck and see when we can meet up with him.”

“Sounds good.” She sat on the couch and unwrapped the cord that kept the journal closed.

“Are you going to read it?”