Plain Target. Dana Lynn R.

roaring blaze. There were three candles flickering on tables. It was a relief to be in a room that was warm and reasonably well lit.

      Ted turned off his light, then swiveled to shut and lock the door. When he faced them again, his normally cheerful face was more serious than she could ever recall seeing it before. The direness of their situation stabbed at her.

      “Okay, son, want to tell me what this is about?”

      Seth glanced over and met her eyes. She understood what he was asking. Slowly, she nodded, hoping she was making the right decision. Her instincts said to trust Ted; that he was on her side. But she knew it was very possible he was only being a good host. Or worse. Yet either way, what choice did she have, really? She was stuck in his house until they could find a way out of this mess.

      “Do you need me to sign?” Seth asked her.

      Again, she was surprised by his thoughtfulness. The longer she was around him, the more she felt sure he had truly changed.

      “No. It’s quiet, so I can hear you pretty well. And there’s enough light for me to read lips, if necessary. Thanks for checking.”

      He nodded, then got down to business.

      “Someone is after Jess, Uncle Ted.” Seth began. “Even before we arrived here, we had the feeling someone was trying to hurt her, but since yesterday, things have escalated.” Seth explained about the cowboy in the hallway, and the intruder in his room. He even mentioned his confrontation in the kitchen with Bob Harvey. At that, anger crossed Ted’s affable face. Even in the less than perfect light, she could see the angry tide of red rolling up his neck.

      “I should have known that hothead would cause trouble. But to confront my own nephew in my house? Why, I have half a mind to—”

      “There’s something else you should know.” Jess hated to butt in, but she knew she needed to say something before her courage deserted her. Or before he got off on a tangent, which Ted was well-known for doing.

      Both men turned to face her. Seth’s eyebrows raised in surprise.

      “I didn’t fall down those steps. I was pushed.”

      Complete.

      Silence.

      Jess swallowed, the reality of her situation crashing down on her as she said the words out loud. Her shoulder and back tingled where her attacker had touched her. “Someone pushed me.” Just saying the words made the fear and shock rise again, even worse than before. “I’m going to be sick!”

      Her stomach rebelled, and she had to focus all her attention on keeping the contents of their late supper down. She retched, but thankfully nothing came up. Still, she had a nasty taste in her mouth.

      An arm came around her shoulders. Seth.

      “Easy, Jess. It’s the shock. You’re safe. I’m here. If you need to be sick, that’s okay. I’ll take care of you.”

      “I’m good,” she whispered, suddenly drained. “Just want to sit down.”

      Seth led her over to the recliner positioned next to the fireplace. Ignoring her protests, he helped her to sit down, than covered her with the afghan from the couch. She felt like such a baby, being fussed over.