Mending Hope (Contemporary Western Romance) (License to Love Series:Book 2) Read Free Page B

now, something I can combat instead of just swinging at shadows.”
    Alyssa nodded.  She understood completely how relieved Clara must feel to be able to put a face to her fears.  Right after the car accident she didn’t know who had caused the wreck that had taken her husband and son from her because they had left the scene.  When the police did find them, it was so hard to see that the monster she had hated blindly for months, the demon whose unknown face haunted her waking and restless nights, was nothing more than a middle aged soccer mom who had ran a red light because she was too busy trying to text and drive. 
    She also knew having someone to blame did not always make it easier to fight, but that was a different story.  A hand rested on her shoulder, causing Alyssa to jump a little.  She looked up to see that Clara was studying her.  “Are you okay?”
    Alyssa forced a smile. “Me?  I’m fine.  You guys are the two who were attacked,”  She said as she looked over at Shad and the bruises that had darkened his arms and cheek. 
    Clara looked at her knowingly, but then decided not to pursue the conversation any longer. 
    Just then a large black and white SUV pulled up in the driveway with the words “Sheriff” written on the side.  A woman got out and started to walk over to them.  She had the same sharp eyes and strong jaw line as her brothers, but on her it looked beautiful.  Not even having her dark auburn hair pulled back into a severe bun could lessen how stunning she was. 
    “How are you guys doing today?” she asked as she approached Clara and Shad.  For a moment, Alyssa had the distinct impression that Melinda was ignoring her on purpose and then judging her reaction.
    “We’re doing well, Melinda,” Shad told her and then immediately turned to Alyssa.  “Have you met Clara’s childhood friend, Alyssa yet?” 
    Melinda turned her gaze on Alyssa, and she felt the weight of its judgment.  After a moment she answered.  “No, I haven’t.  Hello, Alyssa.  Sorry that you had to come to Stanhope on such a bad note.”   When she extended her hand, Alyssa took it in her own and made sure to return a firm grip.  When she did Melinda smiled in response.  She may have just met Melinda, but one thing she knew for sure was that she didn’t ever want to be on her bad side. 
    “Do you feel ready to give your formal statement?” Melinda asked, turning back to Shad and Clara. 
    “Yeah,” Shad said, “I want to get this over with.”
    “It would probably be good to move this inside then.” Melinda told them.  When they went to go inside Woody put his hand on the small of Alyssa’s back, and she felt the heat and electricity pour out of him even through the fabric.  Before she realized what she was doing she found herself leaning back into his hand as they walked up the stairs and into the house.
     

Chapter 3
     
    It had been a long day by the time Woody led Alyssa into the Slice and Suds.  Even though he had heard about the things that the stalker had done to Clara, he hadn’t realized the extent of what that had meant to her life. 
    They went to a corner booth away from a lot of the noise.  After Woody ordered a pitcher of beer and a pizza, he turned to Alyssa. 
    “I don’t think I realized how much of our lives are susceptible to hacking,” admitted Woody.  “Hearing what that guy did, makes me want to completely disconnect from the outside world.”
    “Aren’t you already?” Alyssa asked. 
    Woody thought about that for a moment and then laughed.  “That’s very true.  If I had a problem with my electric bill I could just go downtown and straighten it out.  I’m not a nameless person.  That can be good or bad depending on your point of view.”
    “Bad?” Alyssa asked as she poured her first cup of beer. 
    “Yeah, “Woody confided.  “If you’re a teenager trying not to get caught doing something you shouldn’t, it can be a bad thing.”  He