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Something is wrong.

She recognized the truth in her soul.

Dash—the name she had given the stray dog—softly whined from his bed in the corner before padding across the wooden floor, his nails clicking with each gentle step until he rested his shaggy head on the mattress, as if he sensed her foreboding.

His presence grounded her—soothed and comforted her.

Dash had been little more than a walking tangle of matted fur when she first saw him. Yet, despite his obvious hardships, his soulful brown eyes gleamed with intelligence, and he had met her gaze without fear, only cautious hope.

After the Ladies of Opportunity meeting, Roxina coaxed him inside with a leftover meat pie, expecting him to dart away at any moment. But he hadn’t. Instead, he trusted her and followed her into the kitchen, his head low, tail tentative but wagging.

From that moment, he had been hers.

His coat blended dark browns with deeper russet hues, and his thick, slightly wavy fur framed his ears and the ruff of his neck. Now bathed and brushed, and beginning to put on weight, he bore the appearance of a dog who belonged to someone—a faithful companion rather than a forgotten stray.

“It is all right.” Brushing her hand down his still scruffy but clean coat, Roxina reassured the anxious dog. She spoke the words as much for herself as for the dog.

He nuzzled her arm, something he had done to show his affection and appreciation since she had coaxed him into the cottage a few days ago. Not only had he become good company, but Dash’s presence also gave her a sense of security she had not realized she needed.

He had been someone’s pet, for she had no trouble bathing him, and he eagerly joined her on her daily walks, staying close to her heels. Neither a puppy nor elderly, he was in his prime. She didn’t know his age but guessed he was five or six years old.

She would likely never know his history, but his future was with her.

With a last pat, she told him, “Go lie down, Dash. We have church in the morning.”

At once, he returned to the pile of blankets that formed his bed. After a bit of snuffling and turning in circles, he collapsed onto the pile with a hearty sigh.

Turning onto her side, Roxina stared into the darkness.

Unlike when she had lived in London, she rarely lay awake at night since moving to Blackheath. The worries that had kept her from sleeping there no longer existed. Yet tonight… Tonight, something gnawed at her, an invisible thread of apprehension weaving itself into her thoughts and refusing to subside.

She shifted her attention toward the casement window.

Beyond the draperies and glass, the village lay shrouded in darkness, its winding lanes and quaint cottages asleep beneath a moonless night. All seemed peaceful, but she knew how quickly such harmony could shatter.

She had seen it before. Lives unraveled by secrets, trust broken by betrayal.

And Shelby…

Her heart ached at the thought of him, a sensation so unexpected that a quiet breath escaped through her lips. He had been a part of her life for so long—Usually a thorn in her side or a pebble in her shoe but always a presence she could not ignore.

If Roxina ever saw him again, she would be kinder, gentler, more understanding.

Her ruminations returned to what had disturbed her peaceful slumber.

Though her heart had returned to a normal cadence, tension still tightened her belly.

Again, the thought nagged at her—something is wrong.

Closing her eyes, she murmured a quick prayer, the familiar words bringing a measure of comfort.

Lord, watch over my friends, keep them safe from harm. Let no ill befall them, and if danger lurks unseen, grant them the strength to overcome it.

She hesitated, her thoughts turning to Mitchel and Shelby.

And, Lord, I ask for Your protection over Mitchel and Shelby as well. Though Mitchel has strayed from the path of righteousness, I do not wish him harm. Open his heart to see the error of his ways before it is too late. And for Shelby… keep him safe, Lord. Wherever he is, whatever trial he faces, let him not face it alone. Deliver him from those who would see him harmed.

Tears pricked her eyes, but she blinked them away.