Free Love Inspired Suspense July 2015 #1 by Valerie Hansen, Sandra Orchard, Carol J. Post Page A

childhood, Isaac couldn’t imagine the pain she must have suffered. Must still be suffering.
    Perhaps it was his empathy, perhaps his deep desire to look after her, that made the difference. He didn’t care how it was defined. All he knew was that Daniella abruptly turned to Jacob to apologize for leaving, then joined him.
    He smiled. She took his arm. The warmth of her touch through the fabric of his shirtsleeve was unbelievable. For a few moments he actually forgot the pain in his leg, overlooking everything but her.
    When she said, “You know, it’s high time I contacted the marshal’s office and set up an appointment,” Isaac’s heart lodged in his throat.
    Of course she was leaving DC. He’d known that from the beginning. So why were his emotions taking him for such an impossible ride?
    It must be the pain meds that were befuddling his brain, he concluded. No way was he going to actually fall for a woman whose primary goal was to disappear for good. He was smarter than that.
    At least he hoped he was.
    * * *
    Parts of the day sped by for Daniella while other parts seemed interminable. Her biggest concern was for her poor, abandoned kitty.
    â€œI’ve decided what to do,” she began at the dinner table. Becky had arrived bearing several pizzas and the rest of them had set the table. “Do?” Isaac raised a brow.
    â€œAbout Puddy. You can drop me at my apartment in the morning and I’ll go in alone so he won’t be so scared.”
    She saw his gaze rake over his brother and sister before returning to her. “See? What did I tell you? The woman is self-destructive.”
    â€œI’m nothing of the kind. I’m logical. Puddy’s afraid of dogs. That’s why he hid. All I have to do is go in by myself and he’ll come right to me. Then I can dig out my private contact numbers for witness protection and I’ll be all set.”
    â€œNot happening,” Isaac muttered.
    â€œWhy not?” If she’d been standing she’d have planted her fists on her hips. As it was she almost pounded the dining room table. “You told me there was a watch on my apartment in case my— In case the bad guys showed up again, so unless your cop buddies are slacking off, the place should be secure.”
    Jake chuckled. “She’s got you there, bro.”
    Agreeing, Becky reached over and patted Daniella’s hand. “When you’re right, you’re right. Would you like me, or all of us, to go with you?”
    â€œNot necessary. But thanks for the offer. Like I said, the cat is kind of shy. Being black, it’s easy for him to hide in dark spaces and I’m afraid if I don’t coax him out soon he may get depressed and make himself sick.”
    Laughing softly, Becky winked at her brothers. “Well, guys, I tried to get us invited. Guess you’re on your own.”
    As far as Isaac was concerned this was no laughing matter. He scowled at his siblings. “Coercion isn’t necessary. Ms. Dunne wants to survive long enough for the authorities to arrange a new life for her. I’m sure she knows I’m right about not going off on her own.” He smiled as if positive she was about to agree. When she did not, he was happy to see the subject dropped, at least temporarily.
    He just wished he couldn’t see the wheels grinding in her fertile imagination. One look in her eyes told him she was far from convinced.
    * * *
    â€œSuppose we play it by ear and see what the circumstances are once we get to my apartment,” Daniella suggested, eyeing his injured leg after breakfast the following morning. “After all, I know better than to bandage a cut without cleaning it and assessing the damage first. The same should go for your job. It’s silly to borrow trouble and react defensively to a threat that may never come about.”
    Isaac’s palms were pressed to the table as if he intended to leap to his