Lasting Shadows: Shadows Landing #3

by Kathleen Brooks

  Thank you. I will. Give my love to the family.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting.” Ridge looked up to find Savannah looking gorgeous. Her hair was down, she was in sandals and a sundress, and she’d never looked so beautiful. And he had to be a jerk in public to her.

  “You should really get a watch. What could possibly take you so long to get ready?” Ridge complained loud enough for the patrons around them to turn to look at them.

  Savannah pulled out her chair and sat down. Her eyes were narrowed and she looked pissed. “You don’t have to be such a jerk about it.” More heads turned.

  “I guess I’m just the jerk then. I don’t see why you can’t simply get ready on time. You do this every time we go out.”

  Savannah slammed her hand on the table and now even people from inside were staring out the windows at them. “It’s always just about you, isn’t it? Only Ridge’s time matters. Only what Ridge wants matters.”

  Ridge felt his heart tearing in two. It was all fake, but he had a feeling Savannah had said these words before and he never wanted her to feel anything like that again. Instead of hurling insults, he was going to end it swiftly. And dramatically.

  Ridge got up and threw the napkin on the table along with a twenty for the waitress. “I’m over it. It’s clear you and I don’t mesh well together.”

  Savannah stood up and glared across the table at him. “I never should have bought you!”

  “Why? You buy everything else,” Ridge snapped. Suddenly water was splashed in his face and Savannah stormed away. Ridge didn’t hang around to listen to the gossip. He strode away in the opposite direction.

  Savannah let out a long breath as she leaned back against the driver’s seat of her rental car. That hit close to home. Way too close to home. Her body shook and tears pressed against her eyes. This wasn’t Penn. This wasn’t real.

  I’m sorry I had to do that. Call me when you get home.

  Savannah looked down at the phone and read Ridge’s text. She was sorry too,

  though it would be worth it if they caught Bunny. Emotions were still high as Savannah drove home. She was lost in the past—the anger, the fights, the affairs. She’d tried to be the peacemaker, and that worked for the first couple years of her marriage. But as Penn grew more successful, the worse his demands became. She had to be perfect all of the time. The ironic part was she was the one who helped make him successful.

  Savannah parked her car and took a moment to sit in the garden overlooking the river. Although her garden didn’t compare to Ridge’s, it was still peaceful. Ridge was supporting, understanding, caring, and after seeing Penn fake those things, it was easy to spot the real deal. Ridge was the real deal.

  Savannah’s frown finally lifted. She was ready to call Ridge. She pulled out her phone as she unlocked the front door. She reached for the light switch and her head was snapped back by a savage punch to the face.

  Savannah screamed. Her flight-or-fight instincts kicked in, and she turned away from the figure in a ski mask to bolt out the door. “Help!” she screamed frantically as her arm was grabbed and she was yanked back inside.

  Her eyes were desperate as she looked for an escape. The man had her by the neck and began to squeeze. Savannah went wild. She scratched at his face and arms. She struggled with all her might as she felt the helplessness come over her as he squeezed the life out of her.

  “Miss Ambrose?” She heard someone calling from outside.

  The man turned his head and Savannah used all her strength to kick him. He dropped her and the elation of being able to take in a deep breath was cut short as the back of her head hit the brick fireplace and everything went black.

  Ridge hadn’t gone straight home from the scene at the restaurant. Instead he’d gone to the park and looked out over the river. His gut was twisted as he thought about how cruel he’d been to Savannah. It wasn’t in him to act that way.

  As he sat on the bench, he hoped Bunny had heard it. It’s why he’d left his car and walked to the park. He hoped she’d find him and confront him. Then he could detain her and call Granger or Kord. The two of them were stationed around downtown keeping a lookout for Bunny.

  A twig snapped behind him. “Bunny?” he asked as he turned around.

  It wasn’t Bunny.

  A man in a ski mask stood directly behind him. As soon as Ridge turned, the man reached out and raked his nails across Ridge’s arm. “What the hell?”

  And then it was on. The man leapt at him and Ridge threw a punch. The man kept attacking. A swipe of his nails down Ridge’s other arm. A shove. A punch to the stomach.

  Ridge fought back. He punched the man three times in a row, getting him to back up a little more with each punch. Even through the shock of the attack, Ridge noticed the man wasn’t trying to block the punches. Finally Ridge swung hard and connected to the man’s chin. The man stumbled back weaving. But instead of falling down, he turned and ran.

  Ridge gave chase, but the man was faster. They approached the road and the man jumped into a running car and drove off. He must have had it waiting for him. But none of this made sense. Why had he walked into the park and attacked Ridge?

  Sirens sounded and Ridge began pacing as he saw Kord’s cruiser heading straight toward him. What the hell had just happened?

  Kord got out of the car slowly. He took a look at Ridge and his hand went to his gun.

  “Don’t worry. It’s over,” Ridge said with a huff as the adrenaline finally began to die down. He leaned against the hood of the cruiser and looked at the scratches on his arms.

  “Why’d you do it, Ridge?” Kord asked with shock in his voice.

  “I had to. The attack came out of nowhere.”

  Kord came to stand in front of him and pulled out his cuffs. “I’m sorry, but . . . Ridge Faulkner, you’re under arrest for assault and battery.”

  Ridge felt his mouth drop open in surprise. “I was the one attacked. I was just defending myself.”

  “And Savannah is the one found barely conscious. Let’s go.”

  The earth fell out from under Ridge. “Savannah? What happened to Savanah?”

  “Ridge, I advise you not to say another word until you have a lawyer. It’s not looking good for you. Granger is with her now.”

  “Savannah said I attacked her? That doesn’t make sense. Wait, Kord, something is wrong,” Ridge said as the cuffs were closed around his wrists. They hung heavy even though he knew they weren’t.

  “Savannah was attacked. She was hit and then choked. She punched the face and scratched the arms of the man attacking her. I was to look for anyone with matching defensive wounds. Your wounds match those described, exactly. Your knuckles are bloody, your face is bruised, and you have scratch marks down your arms.”

  Kord grabbed a stunned Ridge by his shoulder and pulled him up. “Can you call Ryker for me?”

  “Sure thing, Ridge. I’m sorry, but you have the right to remain silent,” Kord said as he read Ridge his rights.

  14

  Gavin finished examining Savannah’s injuries and set about cleaning the cut on the back of her head as Ellery brought her some hot tea for her bruised throat. Savannah sat quietly as everyone now discussed her as if she weren’t there.

  Her neighbor had heard her scream and had run over with a shotgun. The man who attacked her had fled out the back and disappeared. Granger had arrived shortly after and immediately called Gavin for emergency medical attention.

  Savannah hadn’t been knocked out for long. She had woken up with her neighbor bent over her. As soon as Gavin arrived, he had questioned her. Savannah had told him about the intruder and about how she had fought back. How she kicked, punched, and scratched the man attacking her. Granger then called Kord and started a manhunt.

  And now Granger was whispering to Gavin who was shaking his head. Savannah was starting to get annoyed at being left out of the conversation. She was tired, she was hurt, and she was pissed. Savannah was ready for some Bunny stew.

/>   “No. That’s not possible,” Gavin said as his voice rose in anger.

  Granger purposely avoided Savannah’s gaze as he tried to calm Gavin down. Ellery joined them and Savannah’s anger rose as she saw Ellery’s arms moving rapidly as she whispered urgently at Granger.

  “That’s it!” Savannah shouted as she ignored the pain it caused her throat. “Stop talking as if I’m not here. I was the one attacked, and I should be the one you’re talking to if you have news.”

  Granger cleared his throat and stuck his hands on his hips. His face was completely unreadable as he stared her down. “We found your attacker.”

  “Great!” Savannah said with relief. It was if her whole body turned to jelly. The fear was gone, and she knew he wouldn’t come after her again.

  Savannah closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened her eyes, no one else was looking as relieved as she was. Gavin’s lips were pressed so tightly together there was nothing left but a white line. Ellery’s face, which normally had a kind smile on it, was cold. Her lips were downturned, her eyes filled with anger, and they were all looking at her.

  “What’s going on?” Savannah asked and felt her anger begin to boil as no one said anything. “You said you caught the guy. What’s the problem?”

  “It’s Ridge,” Granger said in a complete monotone voice.

  “Is he okay?” Savannah asked as she stood up so quickly she became dizzy. “Is he hurt? What happened to him?” No one answered her, but Gavin had crossed the room to steady her. “Dammit! Someone tell me what’s going on right now or I’ll have a hissy fit that will leave you curled up on the ground in tears!”

  Granger stepped forward and looked down into her face. “Ridge has been arrested. He was the one who attacked you.”

  Savannah’s whole world came to a screeching halt as she took in Granger’s serious words. Then, like a record on double time, her brain caught up and processed the information. “You’re wrong.”

  Granger shook his head as his cop face never changed. Savannah was staring him down as Ellery came to join her for silent support.

  “I’m sorry, Savannah. You know I don’t want to believe it. But his face is bruised and he has defensive scratches on his arms. Just like you told me you gave your attacker.”

  Savannah shook her head over and over again. “No.”

  “I’m sorry,” Granger began to say, but Savannah wasn’t listening. She was replaying the incident over and over again in her head.

  “A watch.”

  “What?” Granger asked as Savannah’s focus snapped back up to him.

  “Was Ridge wearing a watch when he was arrested?” Savannah asked calmly. She knew the answer and she knew it was only a matter of time before Ridge was freed.

  “I don’t know, why?” Granger asked as Gavin was nodding his head. He knew exactly what Savannah was talking about.

  “My attacker was wearing a watch. Plus, how tall are you?” she asked Granger.

  “Around six one. Again, why?” Granger asked in his steady voice.

  “Is Ridge taller or shorter than you?” Savannah saw a tic by Granger’s eye. He didn’t like these questions. He wanted to get to the point. And she would.

  “A little taller. Again, why?”

  “Because the attacker had on a watch and when he faced me to choke me, I was looking right at his nose.” Savannah pointed to where her eyes reached on Granger. “On you, who is a little shorter than Ridge, my eyes come to your upper chest.”

  “Well, let’s see if Ridge is wearing a watch,” Granger said, opening the front door. “Savannah, you can ride with me.”

  Savannah headed for the passenger door of his SUV and waited for him to unlock it. Gavin and Ellery were on the phone and Savannah knew the family well enough to know that by the time they arrived at the jail, half the family, if not the entire crew, would already be there.

  “You know I have to be harder on Ridge and demand more evidence than I would someone else, right?” Granger asked as he started his SUV.

  “Why? He’s your friend.” Savannah let him clearly hear her frustration.

  “That’s exactly why. Anyone we arrest after Ridge will use him to create reasonable doubt. I have to clear him with more evidence than I would anyone else or a good defense attorney will say I played favorites with my buddy. Suddenly a jury thinks I’m not being truthful and the real bad guy walks.”

  Oh gosh, he was right. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think about that. I just want Ridge cleared. The townspeople are going to think the worst of him. They saw that public fight and then he’s arrested for assault. It could ruin his reputation.”

  “I’m sure Kord will make sure the very last thing we do is any kind of paperwork. We’ll give him time to get an attorney there . . . what the hell?”

  Granger stopped the SUV as a helicopter landed ahead of them on the corner of Main Street and South Cypress Lane. The door opened and out stepped Ryker.

  “Ryker has a helicopter?” Savannah asked in surprise. Then Ryker turned back to the helicopter and held out his hand. A slim arm in a ruby red suit handed him a briefcase that Ryker shifted to his other hand before holding his hand up to the woman.

  Slowly, slim legs in designer high heels appeared, then a smooth face that seemed to be made of porcelain and blonde hair in a ballerina bun at the base of her neck came into view. “Who’s that?”

  “Well, Kord is going to be useless now,” Granger grumbled. He drove closer as the helicopter pulled up, hovered, and took off low over Shadows Landing. “That’s Olivia Townsend, one of Ryker’s lawyers. She’s the one who helped Darcy get the rights to the Black Law treasure.”

  “What does she have to do with Kord?” Savannah asked, so relieved that Ryker had brought an attorney that she wanted to kiss him.

  “You’ll see,” Granger said, finally grinning as he pulled to a stop in front of the courthouse.

  Savannah had her door open and was already halfway around the car before Granger caught up to her. “You may not believe me, but it’s really best if I do the talking. Just answer my questions. Don’t elaborate. This will be on the record and one thing I’ve learned as a cop is people can talk themselves into trouble faster than green grass through a goose.”

  “Okay,” Savannah said, but she didn’t slow down, and she wouldn’t until she saw Ridge.

  Granger opened the door to the courthouse and they walked through the empty hallway a short distance until they reached the sheriff’s department. Granger opened the door and Savannah’s breath hitched. Through the front desk opening she could see Ridge talking to Ryker and Olivia Townsend.

  “Ridge!”

  Granger was entering a code to unlock the door when Ridge’s head snapped.

  “Savannah, I di—”

  Olivia’s hand slapped over his mouth, and she turned with a sweet smile such as a great white shark might have before eating a seal and looked at Savannah. “I am Mr. Faulkner’s attorney. My name is Olivia Townsend. I’m sorry, but at this time my client is not to have any communication with you.” She turned to Kord and smiled a kinder smile. “Would you be a dear and get us a private room?”

  “Right this way, Miss Townsend,” he said as he gave her a wink.

  Savannah rolled her eyes.

  “It’s just a flirtation. Even Kord couldn’t handle a woman like Olivia,” Granger told her as he led her back to interrogation.

  “Should I have a lawyer with me?” Savannah asked as Granger pulled out the chair for her.

  “This is an victim interview. You can have one if you like, but it’s not necessary.”

  Savannah took a deep breath and reined in her emotions. “Can I have a glass of water for my throat?”

  Having the room to herself gave her a moment to think without pressure. The faster she could prove Ridge was innocent, the faster Ridge would be released. She could do this.

  Granger walked in and set the water down. “Would you like to call an attorney?”

  S
avannah shook her head. “I’m ready to give my statement.”

  Granger pushed the recording device. “This is Sheriff Granger Fox with victim Savannah Ambrose.”

  “Ridge, you need to calm down,” Ryker said, seated calmly in the office with his legs crossed as he flicked invisible lint from his tie.

  “How can I be calm? Did you see the marks on her neck? I could see them from across the room!” Ridge continued to pace. His blood pressure was through the roof. He felt the blood pumping in his ears.

  “Mr. Faulkner,” Olivia said just as calmly as Ryker. “Sit down and shut up.

  Please.”

  Ridge stopped pacing and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry,” he said as he pulled out a chair and finally sat down. Although he was not calm. He was worried to death about Savannah, and his leg was bouncing so fast it was shaking the table.

  “Now,” Olivia said, sounding calm and even, “is there a reason for Ryker to leave the room? I don’t want to know what it is, but Ryker can break confidentiality and I need you to lay it all on the table.”

  Ridge stopped bouncing his knee. “No. I never touched Savannah. I would never touch a woman in anger. I was at the park when I was attacked.”

  Olivia looked at him and slowly leaned back and crossed her legs. “Tell me everything and don’t leave out a single detail.”

  15

  Savannah stood in front of the tape measure and pointed to where her direct line of sight fell on the man who attacked her. Then she added where the top of his head was. The man clearly wasn’t Ridge. This man was around five foot nine whereas Ridge was a good five inches taller. Not something easily confused or concealed.

  “I have your report,” Granger finally said, turning off the recording equipment. “I need to talk to Ridge. Kord will be in, and he can take you home if you’d like.”