Devil's Lake (Bittersweet Hollow Book 1) by Aaron Paul Lazar Page A

live out in the woods. There probably wouldn’t be too many, especially those who live there year round.”
    Dirk’s thoughts seemed to drift elsewhere. He stood, walked around the table a few times, and stopped at the window. “It just dawned on me. If he’s alive, there are two ways he might have reacted to Portia’s escape. Either he’s pissed off and will want revenge, maybe to recapture her…or he’s afraid she’ll bring the cops down on him and might have disappeared even further into the woods to hide. After what happened to that guy Ariel Castro—he might be running scared.”
    Portia appeared in the doorway, the quilt and pillows in hand. “He’ll be mad. He has a huge ego, and an even bigger temper. If he’s alive, he’ll come after me.”
    Daisy ran her hands through her short hair. “Well. If that’s the case, you men sure can’t desert us and head out to Wisconsin.” Her brow furrowed. “What if he’s already on his way here? Or somewhere out there, in the woods? Watching, waiting?”
    Stillness came over the room.
    “Right,” Dirk said. “I'm getting my rifle.”
    Boone stood up and scanned the woods through the kitchen window. “Mine’s in the truck. Might be better to keep it here, by the door.” He turned to Dirk and Daisy. “Might also be a good idea for me to bunk in the groom’s shed until we figure out what’s going on.”
    Daisy shook her head. “No. You can sleep right here on the couch. It’s much more comfortable and closer.”
    Dirk turned to him. “You sure your family can spare you, Boone? We’ve already taken terrible advantage of your kindness.”
    Boone shook his head. “They’re doing fine. You folks are my second family, anyway. I’d never desert you at a time like this.”
    Dirk shook Boone’s hand, pulling him into a bear hug. “If I’d had a boy, I’d have been proud for him to turn out just like you, son.”
    Portia tossed a grateful smile at Boone, then went toward the stairs. “Think I’ll go up for a rest.”
    Grace jumped up to go with her. “It’s my turn. Can I come with you?” She linked arms with her sister at the bottom of the stairs.
    “Sure,” Portia said with a soft sigh. She whistled to the dogs, who immediately followed the girls up to the bedroom.

Chapter 20
     
    G race climbed into the bed with her sister and snuggled closer to her, lying on her side facing Portia. “Just like when we were little, huh?”
    Portia sighed. “Yeah. Except…”
    Grace. “I know. A lot has happened.”
    “Too much.”
    “You too tired to talk?” Grace said, one hand stroking Portia’s shoulder.
    “I don’t know. It is pretty exhausting. You know, reliving the whole thing.”
    “I can only imagine.”
    “I don’t want you to. Nobody should have to know about that kind of evil.”
    Grace’s eyes puddled. “He really hurt you.”
    “Uh huh.”
    “What did he do, exactly?”
    Portia’s eyes closed. “I think that’s a story for another day. I…”
    Grace’s face fell. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”
    “Tomorrow, maybe. Let me get my strength back. K?”
    “Okay.”
    The dogs jumped onto the bed. Cupcake sat on Portia’s pillow, licking her face, and Boomer wiggled up between the girls.
    With eyes closed, Portia spoke in a soft, mumbling tone. “Dogs are the best.”
    Grace stroked Boomer’s soft fur. “Yeah. They are.”
    In minutes, they were both asleep.
    ***
    Murphy came for her as always, big and hulking, naked, and glistening from the shower. His shoulders bunched and he leaned forward to touch her face. “Hey, sugar. You ready for a night of romance?”
    She screamed a silent NO! and strained against the ropes that held her tight to the bedposts while he untied those holding her legs to the footboards. Kicking with all her might, she landed blow after blow on his tree trunk body, but nothing stopped him from moving closer.
    Hovering over her, she tasted his salty lips on hers and cringed with all her soul,