Protect And Serve. Terri Reed
wouldn’t subject anyone to that uncertainty.
“Did the psychiatrist have any idea why your brother would be affected and you seemingly aren’t?”
She shrugged. “Even non-twin siblings have a ten-percent chance of developing the same disorders.”
“That’s a pretty low percentage. Chances are you’ll never suffer the same fate.”
She wished she could count on his words to be true. “But there is still a chance. No one can make any guarantees one way or the other.”
“One of God’s many mysteries.”
She met his gaze, expecting to see wariness, pity even. Instead, his expression was open and sincere.
“I often wonder why God chose to afflict Tim,” she told him. “Dad would say God never made mistakes and that, for reasons we may never know, God made Tim the way he is for a purpose.” She couldn’t keep the bitterness out of her tone. “I love my brother but I fear him, and have for as long as I can remember. Maybe I inherently knew something wasn’t right with him. As for a purpose? That I can’t wrap my mind around.”
“I agree with your dad. God has a purpose for Tim. For you. I don’t know what that purpose is, but He does have one. You have to trust Him.”
She cocked her head and studied Shane. She hadn’t realized he was a believer. But then again, it wasn’t something they’d had reason to discuss during class, and she’d been very careful to keep things work-focused despite how much she wanted to spend time with him outside class. “My dad would have liked you.”
The green of his eyes was highlighted by the firelight. “I wish I’d had the chance to meet him.”
So did she. A wave of sadness washed over her. She missed her dad so much.
Bella jumped to her feet, her ears back. She let out a loud bark.
A shaft of anxiety tore through Gina. “What’s wrong with her?”
Shane rose. “I don’t know.”
They heard scratching and a long howl. Hawk. James opened his bedroom door. The bloodhound raced through the living room and halted at the sliding glass patio door. Bella joined Hawk, her deep growl ricocheting off the condo’s high ceiling. James came into the living room wearing sweats and a T-shirt, his expression sharp with concern and his service weapon in his hand.
From her bedroom, the puppies’ excited barks rang out. Even the pups sensed danger. A shiver of dread ran across her flesh.
Shane touched her shoulder, startling her. “Go to your bedroom and lock the door.” He and James moved toward the sliding door.
Gina nearly dropped the glass in her hand. Someone was on the patio. Deep in her heart she knew the trespasser was her brother. Hating the thought of anything happening to Shane or James, she said, “Be careful. You know how dangerous he is.”
Shane met her gaze. “I know. Now go.”
She hesitated for a second then hurried to her bedroom, locked the door and gathered the pups in her arms. “Oh, Lord, please,” she whispered.
There was only one thing for her to do.
Leave Desert Valley and hope this time Tim wouldn’t find her.
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