Calculated Revenge Read Free Page B

today.
    Laney tweaked her daughter’s button nose. “But remember, we can’t trust strangers. I need you to stay with me everyminute. Don’t get out of my sight. And if you can’t be with me, I’ll make sure you’re with someone who will take care of you. Do exactly what they say.”
    “Don’t worry, Mama.” Her daughter patted Laney’s cheek. “God’s watching over us.”
    The depth of faith in the simple statements stole Laney’s breath. Where was her faith? It sure wasn’t very strong in this area. She struggled to believe God would—not could—keep them safe from this monster? Why hadn’t He protected Gracie?
    Why didn’t you? A small voice accused.
    A rap on the door brought her head around. Noah sidled halfway inside. His questioning stare met hers.
    Laney rose. “You shouldn’t have to knock to enter your own office.”
    “Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t intruding at a bad moment.”
    “No, we’re done here.”
    “You okay, princess?” His gaze fell toward Briana, who beamed at him. As usual, Noah had said exactly the right thing. Bree’s pink princess pajamas were her favorite.
    “I’m fine, Mr. Ryder.” The little girl hopped up. “Mama told me about my Auntie Grace and the bad man who’s come back.” She stepped toward the principal, face tilted up toward him. “I’m glad you’re gonna help keep us safe.”
    Noah rendered a half smile. “I’ll do my best.” He looked toward Laney. “Everyone’s gathering in the gymnasium. I’ll escort you to a secure location backstage.”
    “We’re ready.” Laney nodded, not at all sure she’d spoken the truth.
    She snagged her daughter’s hand and followed on Noah’s heels. As always, his presence enveloped her like a warm security blanket, and she craved more of that feeling. Too bad the principal had made it clear, by fending off more than oneunwed teacher’s batted eyelashes, that he wasn’t interested in a work romance, even though there was no rule against it.
    They wove through a hallway teeming with children and adults headed for the gym, which doubled as an auditorium in this small school. The masses parted before the school principal, and Laney kept herself and Briana closely in his wake. She caught snatches of agitated speculation in conversations buzzing around her. Soon they went through a doorway and entered the relative calm of the stairwell that gave backstage access. As they climbed the few stairs, the faint scent of resin-coated boards greeted her. Two folding chairs waited in the left wing area between the heavy, velvet curtains. A city police officer hovered nearby.
    “I’ll leave you in Deputy Carlson’s capable hands,” Noah told them with a nod toward Laney and a wink at Briana, who warbled a tiny giggle.
    “Thank you,” Laney breathed.
    Something in her expression must have betrayed that she hovered between petrified and panicked, because he laid his hands on her shoulders. His solid nearness drew her. What would he think if he knew how tempted she was to throw herself into his arms? She kept her gaze averted. Maybe he wouldn’t notice the pulse pumping in her throat.
    “You’re doing great, Laney,” he said. Then he leaned closer. His warm breath feathered the hair on the top of her head. “Hang tough. We’re going to get through this.”
    She lifted her head, but he’d already turned away. Did he say we? Just how much could she presume on this man?
    Laney watched Noah Ryder walk out onto the stage. The muted roar of conversation dimmed, and at his first words, halted.
    Butterflies fluttered around inside Laney’s stomach. In a few minutes, every student and staffer would know about the greatest tragedy of her life—a tragedy that now cast a shadow overtheirs. In a few hours, the entire town would know. If the flourishing local grapevine hadn’t accomplished that task already.
    Who did this murderous pervert think he was? Why had he returned to plague her now, after all these years? How