Page 63 of Cole

"Montana has wildlife," Cole offered, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "Bears. Wolves. Elk. All kinds of animals that need veterinarians who understand them."

Janice laughed at his playfulness, feeling something bloom in her chest. “I guess we need to get out of this mess before we decide what’s next.”

He sighed, then cupped her face in his hand, his expression serious. "Yeah… but I just want you to know that this”—he gestured back and forth between them—“matters to me. You matter to me."

Janice leaned down and kissed him, pouring all her hope, fear, and wanting into the contact. When she pulled back, she was also sighing.

"Let's make sure that the evidence is secure. And we’re safe. And Charles Penson has to sweat out his illegal mining operation." She kissed him again. "Then we figure out the rest. Together."

"Together," Cole agreed. "I like the sound of that."

They settled back into each other's arms, and for the first time since this whole nightmare began, Janice felt truly safe. Not just because of the locked door or the walls around them, but because of the man holding her. The man who'd risked everything to protect her and who wanted to build something real when this was over.

28

Cole pulled out his phone. "I need to contact Penson and set up a meeting for tomorrow morning. Tell him I need to finish the measurements for the security proposal." He looked at Janice. “I don’t want to leave you unaccompanied⁠—”

“I’m not going to leave the room, I promise,” she vowed. “No one knows I’m here, and your team will be in soon.”

He nodded, then dialed Charles Penson's number. It rang three times before the man's smooth voice answered.

"Mr. Iverson. I was beginning to think the storm had swallowed you whole."

"Almost did." Cole kept his tone professional, neutral. "I rode it out in town, but I'd like to finish up those measurements tomorrow if you're available. First thing in the morning would be ideal. I want to make sure we capture the light conditions accurately for the camera placement recommendations."

"Tomorrow morning." Penson paused, and Cole could almost hear the gears turning in the man's head. "Yes, that should work. I have some business to attend to in the afternoon, but the morning is free. Shall we say eight o'clock?"

"Eight works."

"That’ll be fine. I look forward to seeing what you've come up with."

Cole ended the call and stared at the phone for a long moment. Tomorrow. He'd be inside Penson's house again tomorrow, planting devices that would hopefully expose every dirty secret the man was hiding.

And Janice would be here, alone, until he got back. He turned to find her watching him, her blue eyes filled with understanding.

"It's going to work," she said quietly. "Whatever you're planning, it's going to work."

"You don't even know what I'm planning."

"I know you." She crossed the room to stand in front of him, reaching up to cup his face in her hands. "I know you're smart and careful and that you have an entire team of people just as smart and careful backing you up. Whatever happens tomorrow, you'll handle it."

Cole pulled her close, burying his face in her hair. She smelled like her shampoo and something uniquely her. It was a scent that had become essential to him in a terrifyingly short time.

"I have something for you," he said, pulling back just enough to reach into his pocket.

The pendant was a small silver lighthouse on a silver chain. It caught the light as he held it up, the detail work exquisite despite its size.

Janice's breath caught. "Cole..."

"It's not just jewelry." He unclasped the chain and fastened it around her neck, his fingers brushing the soft skin at her nape. "There's a tracker inside. State-of-the-art, nearly undetectable. As long as you're wearing this, we can find you anywhere."

She touched the pendant, her fingers tracing the lighthouse's outline. "You're worried about me."

"I'm always worried about you." He tipped her chin up, forcing her to meet his eyes. "But this is insurance. Just in case."

"Just in case," she repeated softly.

The moment stretched between them, heavy with everything they weren't saying. The danger and uncertainty that lurked beyond. The feelings that had grown too big to contain in such a short time.