Protector - Laurel Dewey [133]
Jane shifted gears. “Okay, you’re right. Patty and I have been through a bad time. We came to Peachville to decompress. But my husband is not going to find us—”
“Jane Perry is your real name.” Jane froze in disbelief. “I saw it on that police report. The first rule when you’re on the run from an abusive husband is to change your name so he can’t track you down. I don’t need to know your daughter’s real name. It’d probably be less confusing for her if I didn’t know. But, if your husband is the least bit intelligent—and most of these fellas are in a real sick way—he’s gonna figure out where you and she are hidin’. I’m not takin’ ‘no’ for an answer.” Dan took several steps toward Jane. “I’m gonna protect you.”
Jane couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Dan, I—”
“I’m gonna drive by during the day and if I see anything out of place, I’ll check it out. I’ll drive by on my way home and first thing in the morning. If things get dicey and you need anything, you call me on my cell and I’ll be here in the blink of an eye.”
Jane needed to put a stop to this. “Dan, please—”
“Don’t worry about your situation gettin’ around town. This is just between us. You know, I think we should have some sort of code—something that will alert me if you sense you’re in danger. How about this: you could flick on the porch light and the light over the garage together. That’ll be our ‘trouble’ signal—”
“Dan! Listen to me!” She decided to let down her guard part way. “You have to trust me when I say this. I cannot have you involved in my situation with Patty. It’s extremely complicated. Thank you for keeping this whole mess quiet. But I simply can’t risk getting you involved.”
Dan hung his head, more in thought than rejection. “You’ve gotta cover yourself for your own safety. Talk to Sheriff George and let him know what’s going on—”
“No! And don’t you dare do that on my behalf!”
“Jane, he could help you!”
“Oh, Christ!” Jane’s patience was wearing thin. “There are a lot of details that I can’t go into with you! But, trust me, I cannot get anyone in law enforcement involved! Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Dan considered Jane’s words. “Your husband’s a cop, isn’t he? That’s why you don’t want law enforcement involved. They could tip him off to your location.”
Jane needed to think carefully before answering. “Yes. My husband’s a cop.”
“Oh, Lord,” Dan said as if the weight of the world were resting on his shoulders. “You sure got a full plate of trouble.”
“You have no idea,” Jane replied honestly.
“Okay,” Dan said after some thought. “We keep Sheriff George out of this. But I’m still gonna watch out for you and Patty.” He grabbed his toolbox.
Jane realized it was useless to argue. “What do I owe you for fixing the pipe?”
“Nothin’. It’s on me.”
“Dan, I have money.”
“I don’t want your money—” Dan opened the sliding glass door and yelled out to Emily. “I’m leavin’, sweetheart! I’ll be checkin’ up on you and your momma!”
Emily turned and waved. “See ya around, Dan!”
Jane headed to her wallet. “I’m serious. How much?”
“Two dances at the Peach Pit Days Carnival,” Dan replied without missing a beat. “It’s two weeks from this Saturday in the park across the street. There’s line dancin’ and two-steppin’. It’s a real fun time. Maybe it’ll take your mind off your troubles for a little bit.”
“Two dances, eh?” Jane said, not sure what to think. “Okay, it’s a deal.”
“I’ll drive by on my way home tonight, just in case. You take care.” Dan lugged his toolbox off the counter and started out the front door. He stopped and checked the lock on the doorknob. “You keep this door locked, you hear?” he hollered at Jane.
Jane let out a long sigh. “I will!” she yelled back.
“And the garage and porch light on for trouble!” Dan no sooner closed the door behind him when Jane’s beeper vibrated against her waist. Jumping to attention, she grabbed it and pushed the play button. After a crack of static, she heard Weyler’s voice.
“Jane. Call me as soon as you can get to a phone. We may