Page 158 of Where We Stay

But the other part of me can’t stop thinking about Dean and Aspen. I would never forgive myself if being with me put either of them in danger.

And whether he knows where I am or not, this man is dangerous.

I call the only person who knows enough to understand.

Jerry answers after the second ring. “Kid?”

“Jerry.” His name breaks on another sob. “He’s back.”

The warmth disappears from his voice. “What do you mean, he’s back?”

“He texted me. He knows about the name change.” I press a trembling hand against my mouth. “He found me, Jerry. He’s going to come here and ruin everything.”

“Slow down and listen to me,” Jerry says firmly. “He found your new name and phone number. That’s more than we wanted him to know, but it doesn’t mean he knows where you are.”

I go still. “How can we be sure?”

“We can’t,” he admits. “But if he knew you were in Hartwell, he would’ve said it. Those messages were vague for a reason. He wants you frightened enough to answer and give him something he doesn’t already have.”

My chest loosens by half an inch.

Jerry’s right. There was no mention of Hartwell. Nothing about my cottage, the school or The Breakwater.

Just enough information to make me believe he knows everything.

“I didn’t answer,” I tell him.

“Good. Don’t give him anything.”

I’m not naïve enough to believe he’ll never find me. If someone is determined enough, they find a way.

But for tonight, I let myself believe I’m safe.

Jerry goes quiet for a moment before asking, “What about Dean?”

I close my eyes. “I asked him for space.”

“Is that what you want?”

“No.”

The answer comes far too quickly.

I wipe at my face with the back of my hand. “He has a daughter, Jerry. I can’t drag them into this mess. It’s too dangerous.”

“Did Dean say that?”

“No,” I admit. “He doesn’t know anything.”

Jerry releases a slow breath. “I know you’re trying to protect them, kid. But you’re deciding what Dean can handle without giving him a choice.”

“You don’t understand.”

“I understand why you’re scared better than most.” His voice softens. “You spent years having your choices taken away from you. Don’t let that fear convince you to take Dean’s away too.”

I swallow against the lump in my throat.

“Tell him the truth,” Jerry continues. “Then let him decide whether he wants to face it beside you.”