"Until we get all of this settled," Dad said as he paced, "I want you to sleep in one of the spare rooms downstairs."
"No, way." I wrapped the blanket around me as I sat up on the edge of the bed but swayed a bit. My neck was already healing, but I was lightheaded from the loss of blood.
"Jess, no argument," Dad replied. "After we catch Cathy, if you want to go back upstairs, then so be it. But for now, I want you where I can protect you." Then he looked over at Dakota with his hands on his hips. "And Dakota, if you insist on staying here, then you can take the other spare room."
Dakota nodded. "Tonight, I was sleeping on the sofa so you would have more protection."
"I appreciate that, but trust me, I sleep with a pistol under my pillow so anyone who comes into my room will have a rude awakening." Then he looked between us. "Make sure to announce yourself before coming into my room at night... or knock. I don't want there to be any accidents."
