by Davy, Wendy;
Slade hadn’t moved, hadn’t shifted the car into gear, or shown any indication he’d leave her stranded. Freedom lay a few feet away, but then what? Would she be safer with him, at least temporarily?
She leaned in, assessing Slade’s stoic expression. “Why is it so important to you that Aston doesn’t find me? What do you want from him?”
Slade thrummed long fingers on the steering wheel. The engine continued to idle and dashboard lights illuminated his taut features. He opened his mouth to speak, and then his gaze flickered to the rearview mirror as blue lights flashed behind them. “Looks like I should’ve called off the search.” His words held a sharp edge.
A sheriff’s department cruiser closed the distance, parking behind Slade’s vehicle. Thank You, Lord. She was no longer at Slade’s mercy.
“The police can’t keep you safe,” Slade warned.
“We’ll see about that.” Skylar stepped away, wrapping her thin jacket closer. The temperature had dropped, and the breeze had turned into a steady wind. Hair strands wisped against her face, and she swept them aside as she rounded the sedan. She met the deputy as he exited his cruiser.
“Ma’am.” He aimed a flashlight beam at her with one hand while his other hand rested on the gun attached to his belt. “Please return to the vehicle.”
She froze. The deputy would be cautious. He didn’t know she wasn’t a threat. She had no desire to be handcuffed or shot, so she took a step back. “My name is Skylar Hart. I’m the woman search and rescue is looking for. I was kidnapped.”
The young deputy widened his stance as he turned his light toward Slade. “Keep your hands where I can see them,” he called loud and clear.
Slade passed her a glance that conveyed irritation, held up his hands, and then rolled down the window. He greeted the officer, squinting against the bright light aimed at his face. “Been a long time, Deputy Landers. I heard you had transferred from Roanoke.”
Recognition lit the man’s features, and he relaxed. “Detective Marshal. I heard you swapped careers and went off the grid.”
Skylar puffed out a breath as her lungs constricted. These guys knew each other? Slade had been a detective?
The deputy averted his flashlight’s beam and shook hands with Slade. “What brings you out here?”
“I’m on a private case,” Slade explained as he gestured toward Skylar. “You can cancel the search. She’s safe with me.”
Deputy Landers glanced at Skylar. “Glad to see you’re in good hands.” He returned his attention to Slade, a wide smile beaming across his face. “You were always good at missing person cases. Where’d you find her?”
“She found me.” Slade cleared his throat. “If it’s all the same to you, I’ll see to it she gets to where she needs to be. I’ll have her send in a statement as soon as possible.”
The admiration evident in the young officer’s face didn’t waver. If anything, his expression grew even more earnest. “Yes, sir. I’ll let the others know she’s been located.” He took a step toward his cruiser.
“Wait!” Skylar lunged forward. “Don’t leave me with him.”
The officer did a double take. “What seems to be the problem?”
How could she explain her hesitation? If she told the deputy that Slade had been involved in her kidnapping, he probably wouldn’t believe her. “You called him a detective. He told me he was a security specialist.”
Slade stepped out, leaned against the sedan and crossed his ankles. “I was a detective, but I’m not anymore.” His broad chest exemplified strength hidden beneath layers of black clothing, making him look like a panther ready to pounce. But his features conveyed a forthright honesty and he made no threatening moves.
Still, she wasn’t convinced. Skylar turned toward him, crossing her arms as cold air raised goose bumps. “Why didn’t you tell me you used to be a cop?”
Slade lifted his brows. “Do you discuss your past with people you’ve just met?”
No, she didn’t. “This isn’t about me. You want me to trust you? Give me a reason.”
Slade’s lips quirked. “There’s a diner not too far away. We could grab something to eat and talk there.”
Although a little faint, she had no appetite. “I’m not hungry.”
“Well, I am.” Slade’s gaze darted over her. “Even if you don’t want to eat, you need to get warm, get off your feet. You’ve had a rough night.” His tone lowered, taking on the raspy timbre that had captured her attention in the van.
She hadn’t imagined his compassion. A melancholy ache formed in her chest, tempting her to accept his offer. Then again, he had been a detective. Perhaps this was all a deliberate attempt to coerce.
She needed more information before making a decision. “Deputy Landers, if I come with you and tell you everything that happened, I’ll need protection until the men are arrested.”
“We can send an extra patrol unit around your neighborhood for a while,” the deputy offered.
Skylar’s blood ran cold. “That’s it? You couldn’t assign an officer to guard my home?”
“Round the clock protection is something they do in the movies, ma’am. The sheriff’s department doesn’t have the resources. We can take your statement, assign a deputy to locate and speak with the alleged abductors and—”
“Alleged abductors? I assure you these men did take me against my will.”
“I don’t doubt your sincerity, and I’m sorry for what you’ve been through, but we have to follow standard procedures. We must gather sufficient evidence to make an arrest,” Deputy Landers explained.
Aston would refute her claims, had probably already covered his tracks. It would be Aston’s word against hers, and for whatever reason, Slade wasn’t ready to back her up. What if the police began searching her background and uncovered her criminal history? Once they found out, the authorities might not believe she’d been abducted at all.
“Until this is sorted out, you shouldn’t be alone.” Deputy Landers flicked a glance toward Slade.
“I agree.” Slade nodded.
“Well, I don’t have to go home. My uncle has a large house, plenty of space.” And if she went there, she’d have time to speak with him about the danger Willow was in and the missing charity money.
“It’s not that simple.” Slade’s somber tone cut through her thoughts. “Barnes won’t hesitate to harm your relatives if they get in his way. Anyone you’re in close proximity with could be in danger.”
He would have to point that out. “You’re not leaving me many options.”
“I am your best option.” Slade leaned in. “Please come with me to the diner. Listen to what I have to say. We’ll decide where to go from there.”
“You’re not afraid to be near me?”
He shook his head. “I can handle Barnes.”
Skylar was beginning to think he was the only man who could.
Lord, what do I do?
Officer Landers’s radio crackled. A dispatcher spoke, relaying a numbered police code. He looked at Skylar. “Domestic dispute. I’ve got to go. Who do you want to leave with? Me or him?”
Time had run out. Should she risk her past being exposed? Or take her chances with Slade?
8
Slade crossed his arms to keep from seizing Skylar and dragging her into his vehicle. She had to choose for herself. It would take immeasurable effort to keep her safe if she wasn’t a willing participant. But what would he do with her if she did choose to come with him? Stashing her at a hotel wouldn’t be prudent, and Trinity Security’s safe house was currently occupied by a client. He could take her home. He would be opening his private life in a way he’d never done outside of family before, but his lakeside cabin had a state-of-the-art security system. He had an empty spare bedroom. Plenty of living space. It could work if she would accept his help.
Skylar nipped her lower lip as she debated, her gaze travelling from the deputy to Slade.
Tension radiated in her expression—tension
he needed to diffuse. His decade in law enforcement and three years spent as a security agent had taught him multiple tactics in dealing with victims, but Skylar was by no means typical. Best case scenario: she’d agree to come with him. Worst case: she’d leave with Deputy Landers, give a statement and then take her chances. Barnes would find her. She wouldn’t survive for long.
Lord, how do I convince her she needs my help?
Slade took in a breath, let it out. In his faith journey, he’d come to learn God spoke through many platforms. But his favorite was the still, small voice whispering to his heart. Would God choose to answer now?
Let her in.
The quick response and influx of peace left no room for doubt. A professional, cut-and-dry approach wouldn’t work. Skylar needed to know his motivations. But he’d worked undercover for months, pretending to be an unscrupulous criminal. Could he lose his edgy demeanor and simply be himself?
Slade’s pulse rate increased. He could do whatever the Lord asked. He would give her a peek straight into his heart. He withdrew his wallet, slipped a small photograph from a sleeve. “Deputy, if you wouldn’t mind shining your light on this.”
Deputy Landers complied. The flashlight illuminated the picture of Slade’s niece.
Emotions welled as he looked at Lily’s beautiful smile. Her entire face radiated joy as she held a colorful monarch butterfly in her outstretched palms, her yellow dress twirling around her little legs. She’d been playing in a field, surrounded by wildflowers when her mother had captured the photo only days before Barnes had struck.
“This is Lily, my sister’s only child.” Slade’s voice wavered. He cleared his throat before speaking again. “She was six when this picture was taken last summer.”
Skylar took a step forward and leaned in. “She’s precious. Did something happen to her?”
“Aston Barnes abducted her and held her for ransom.” Guilt slammed him, making it difficult to breathe. He’d been so intent on protecting his clients from danger he’d neglected to shield his own niece. “Barnes should never have gotten close enough to touch her.” Slade had played out the scenario too many times to count, lying awake throughout endless nights. If only—the words tormented his soul. If only—whispered accusations branded him a failure.
Empathy overcame Skylar’s features. “Did Aston…I mean…is Lily…?”
“Alive? Yes. The same? No. Her eyes don’t sparkle like this anymore.”
9
Questions formed in rapid-fire succession burning for release, but now was not the time for Skylar to ask; Slade’s pulse throbbed on his temple, perspiration dotted his forehead. Intense, cobalt eyes showcased vulnerability. Sharing his personal family matters couldn’t be easy for him, especially considering he had a former colleague listening.
Skylar stole a peek at Deputy Landers. His admiration for Slade had seemed to compound, his gaze riveted as if he’d forgotten he’d been called away for another duty.
The deputy’s radio crackled again. He blinked, straightened, and cleared his throat. “Sounds like you two need to have a private discussion.”
“Yes, we do.” Skylar took in a shaky breath. Her eyes don’t sparkle like that anymore. Had Lily even begun to recover? Her pixie face and energetic, vivacious eyes could lift anyone’s spirits. What had Aston done to her?
Skylar hadn’t felt truly needed in a long time, but she did now. She turned to Slade. “I don’t know what I can do to help, but I’m willing to listen to what you have to say.” How could she not? Aston had wreaked havoc on a sweet, innocent child.
Slade closed his eyes and let out a breath. “Thank you.” When his gaze found hers again they held quiet appreciation.
“I’ll get going then.” Deputy Landers nodded, climbed into his vehicle, and sped away.
Except for the sedan’s headlight beams all was dark; except for her riotous heartbeat and nature’s continuous harmony, all was silent.
Slade stepped close, his form remaining large and commanding, but no longer threatening. “Allow me.” He led her toward the passenger side and opened the door.
Skylar hesitated.
“I won’t lock you in this time,” he prompted.
“That’s not what I’m worried about.” The risk of getting deeper involved could prove devastating. Not only was her life on the line, her reputation was balancing on a precipice. One wrong move could destroy them both.
10
Slade waited for Skylar to settle into the checkered vinyl booth before sitting across from her. With his back against the wall, he swept his gaze over the diner’s few occupants. Some sat eating, others sipped beverages. He didn’t much care what they were doing as long as he and Skylar had ample space. What he had to say didn’t need to be overheard.
As the tempting scents of pancakes and frying bacon and eggs made Slade’s stomach rumble, the waitress arrived. Skylar produced a weary smile and ordered a decaf coffee and a meal. Slade asked for a regular coffee, a western omelet with extra cheddar cheese, and a couple of sides.
The young waitress scribbled on a notepad, nodded and smiled. “Be right back.”
With the preliminaries taken care of, Slade clasped his hands and eased back in his seat, keeping close watch on the front entryway. No signs of Barnes or Mayhew, or any of the generic thugs Barnes used to do his bidding but he would remain vigilant.
Convinced they were safe for now, he returned his attention to Skylar. “How are you holding up?”
Drawing in a deep breath, she shrugged. “I’m not used to fearing for my life.” She unrolled utensils and placed the paper napkin in her lap. “It’s not a good feeling.”
No. He supposed it wasn’t. He’d chosen his career as a police officer, and then he’d decided to remain in a dangerous profession when he’d formed Trinity Security. Skylar, however, was an unwilling and untrained participant in a potentially deadly scenario.
“For what it’s worth, I am sorry you’ve been caught up in this,” Slade said.
“It’s not your fault.”
At least she didn’t blame him. That pleased him, probably more than it should. The day’s tension eased a little.
The coffees arrived, and Skylar added two creams and then a packet of sugar. Her slender fingers held a spoon as she stirred the steaming liquid. A bell sounded above the front door, and Skylar jumped, dropping the utensil.
Slade placed a hand on hers. Cold. Her skin felt like ice. “It’s all right.” He probably shouldn’t be touching her, but he didn’t regret his knee-jerk reaction. She needed reassurance. “You can relax. I’m keeping an eye out. It’s not Barnes. A customer exited the building.”
A slight blush tinged Skylar’s cheeks, and she eased her hand away. “I don’t usually overreact to everyday noises.”
“I wouldn’t think so. Not after the way you’ve handled yourself through all this. You’re a strong, confident woman.”
She opened her mouth, sucked in air, and then closed it as if unsure how to respond. Good. He meant to keep her distracted. If she mulled over what had transpired today for too long, she might shut down. He needed her cognizant for their impending conversation.
“You ready to talk?” Slade asked.
“I should warn Willow about Aston first.” Skylar withdrew her cellphone and started to dial.
“No need. Willow is safe, for now. I contacted her father when I found out Barnes was targeting her. Hayworth said he would send her out of town for a while.”
“He did? Neither of them told me what was going on.”
“I asked for their discretion. The less people who know about this, the better.”
Skylar nodded, tucked away her phone, and then laced her fingers around her coffee mug. “Thank you for protecting her.”
“I don’t want anyone getting hurt. I would’ve warned you, too, had I known Barnes might’ve mistaken you for Willow.”
“Who is Aston Barnes anyway?”
Slade leaned forward. “He’s a lowlife criminal
adept at pretending to be an upstanding citizen. He has ties to Forest Lake’s town council. He coordinates and attends high-profile society events. Meanwhile, he uses his in-depth computer skills to circumvent traditional means of employment.”
Slade swept his gaze over the restaurant’s diners and then re-zoned in on Skylar. “Last year, Barnes hacked into a life insurance beneficiary database and discovered my sister, Sarah, had received a half million dollars when her husband passed away.” He paused, letting this information sink in before continuing. “Barnes took great measures to plan and execute my niece’s abduction. He held Lily three days in a sweltering hot, filthy hunting shack until Sarah paid the ransom.”
Skylar shivered. “He’s a monster. Why isn’t he in jail?”
“Multiple agencies worked together coordinating efforts to gather evidence, including the FBI, but Barnes covered his tracks. He had concrete alibis. He made certain Lily couldn’t ID him or anyone working with him. They wore masks and gloves. Generic clothing.”
“Couldn’t they find DNA in the shed where she was held? A stray hair or something?”
“They might have found trace evidence if Barnes hadn’t burned down the shack. But all that remain are ashes. And there’s no indication that Barnes accessed the other buildings on the hunt club’s property. As far as the authorities are concerned, all evidence is circumstantial.”
“But you’re certain he’s responsible for Lily’s abduction?”
“I’m positive. When he was identified as a suspect, I studied the case files, collaborated with federal agents. I spent time with the type of men Barnes employs—men with unsavory pasts motivated by greed and earthly desires—and then pretended to be like them. With the help of a few contacts, I went undercover and made it known I was looking for a fast track to money, acted as if I was willing to bulldoze anyone in my way. Barnes liked my style, hired me. Wasn’t long before he began bragging about his unorthodox dealings, including the one involving Sarah and Lily.”
