Her hands shook. The trembling took over her entire body. She couldn’t show this to Dad.
“Sierra, what is it?”
Bryce rushed forward. She glanced up at him. “This. He left me a note.”
Concern poured from his gaze, then he looked over her shoulder to read the note before taking it and laying it on the side table. Bryce turned her to face him. She looked into his eyes where emotion and concern for her trumped anything he might have said, and then simply pulled her into his arms.
Comfort seemed to exude from his every fiber and she soaked it up, but she knew that he was restraining his anger. Not at her, but at the circumstances. She understood he felt powerless to stop the events from unfolding. What could possibly happen next?
Finally she stepped away from him. She hadn’t wanted to need him, but Bryce had been here for her just as he had that night when Raul attacked her. “It’s like we’ve come full circle.”
“We won’t let this happen again.”
Bold words. Sierra was unsure what more they could do to prevent it except call in the National Guard to surround her everywhere she went. “Please don’t tell Dad about the note. I don’t want him more upset than he already is. I’m going to distract him and you can show it to Sheriff Locke. Okay?”
Bryce nodded. She wasn’t sure she could express to him how much she appreciated his support. But she thought he probably already understood.
She was on her way down the steps when Dad appeared at the bottom.
“Oh, Dad.” She bounded the rest of the way down and hugged him on the last step.
She thought he would never let her go—and that was just fine with her. She’d been so afraid that she’d lost him. That Raul had killed him or taken him to get to her. “Somehow, this has got to end.”
He released her then peered at her, overwhelming concern in his eyes. “How’s Samson?”
His question surprised her. “He’s going to be all right. The vet wanted to keep him overnight to be sure.”
“I’d prefer it if he were here to protect you.”
Now she understood why he’d jumped right to that.
Sheriff Locke approached. “The state’s coming in to process the scene. See if they can get some fingerprints. We don’t have the resources for that, so they’ll take care of it.”
Sierra stared at him. “So you’re saying we can’t sleep here.”
He shook his head. “I’d give their evidence processing team a couple of days to get here and get it done, then you can come home again. The store wasn’t disturbed, so you’re good to keep that open.”
“You’ve got to be kidding.” Sierra scraped both hands through her hair and hung her head back. But then again, did she really want to sleep in that room where Raul had been mere hours ago, after eluding them up where the snowshoers had run into him?
Sheriff Locke moved away as he got a call on his cell.
“Bryce, what was he doing up in the mountains?” she asked. If he had been hiding somewhere up in that area, the searchers would have come across his hiding spot, and he would have to move.
“Maybe that’s what Raul wanted,” Bryce said. “To get you out of this apartment so he could take a shot at you, only he missed. He injured Samson, knowing you’d be at the vet, and came here to leave you that note. He loves this game of terror.”
Sheriff Locke finished the call then approached Sierra.
“Sierra, you and John are welcome to stay at my place,” Sheriff Locke said. “Barbara would be happy for the company.”
Barbara was her boss’s wife.
“Oh, no, I couldn’t impose.”
“The biggest event of the festival is tomorrow. You’re not going to get a room at a hotel tonight,” Sheriff Locke said. “Give me a yes and I’ll let Barbara know. Bryce, I’ll add you in to the count, and don’t say you couldn’t impose. Your protective services are required so I insist.”
Bryce nodded. “I won’t give up my hotel room, though, so I’ll have a place to stay in a couple of days.”
“Fair enough. Everything should be back to normal in a day or two. Who knows, maybe we’ll have tracked Raul down and caught him by then.”
One thing Sierra knew: she would have to come to terms with the fact that Raul had chosen to come into her room. He’d let her know that he could get to her whenever he wanted. He’d chosen not to kill Samson but had harmed him enough that she would spend hours at the vet, showing that he could also get to her dog if he wanted. He could hurt her in so many ways, whenever he chose.
And he would choose the time and place to end her life.
And...she had to come to terms with the fact that the whole reason Bryce had gifted her with the English mastiff puppy was for protection. Sierra had fallen in love with that dog and removed him from that role—to a point. Sure he could warn her of danger here at home, but she didn’t want him to face off against a criminal holding a deadly weapon.
In her current situation, with a killer after her, how did she prevent that from happening again?
NINE
In his Subaru Forester, Bryce had followed the sheriff to what he’d been told would be a sprawling log cabin with a wraparound porch situated somewhere just outside of Crescent Springs. Sierra and John had ridden with the sheriff along with Samson. Sierra had been too worried that Raul would somehow try to get to the dog at the veterinarian hospital, so she’d gotten him released. The vet had agreed that Sierra could take her dog with her and that she would call him tonight if she noticed anything concerning.
Sierra had told Bryce all about the sheriff’s dogs, Turner and Hooch, from the Tom Hanks movie by the same name, though these dogs weren’t big dogs, but corgis. Somehow that totally didn’t fit what Bryce would expect to see from the sheriff. But he understood better after learning the dogs mostly belonged to the sheriff’s wife, Barbara. Turner and Hooch weren’t K-9 or SAR dogs but were purely spoiled pets.
Sierra had mentioned her concern about bringing Samson with them to Sheriff Locke’s place. Samson needed to take it easy and not get caught up in playing with Turner and Hooch, but the sheriff’s wife had promised to make her pets behave.
So for a night or two they were going to be one big happy family.
He thought back to the whole family thing. He’d once thought that he wanted exactly that, and he’d allowed his heart to take that risk in caring deeply, loving someone, hoping for a future.
First with Rebecca.
He’d let himself, no holds barred, fall head over heels for her, and had been foolish enough to believe she had fallen in love with him in return. He thought back to that moment that he’d planned to propose. He’d planned to meet her at a nice restaurant. He’d walked in with a little black velvet box in his pocket. They’d enjoyed a nice dinner and as his hopes had risen and his palms slicked for that moment that would soon be upon them, ushered in with dessert, Rebecca had proceeded to explain how much and how deeply she cared about Bryce...but that she had met someone else. This other man, she explained, was a better fit for her because Rebecca hadn’t wanted to grow too serious with a police officer.
Really? She could have said no to that first date then.
He followed the sheriff who turned down a winding drive. Bryce had gotten over Rebecca. Learned his lesson and his heart had grown a little bit harder. Then he’d met Sierra—a woman who was in law enforcement too, who understood the risks involved and wouldn’t judge him for them. They’d connected in a way he could never connect with anyone else, especially considering their battle with the Novack brothers.
Bryce had... He’d loved Sierra. But he knew to take it slowly and not confess those feelings or consider proposing until he knew she felt the same. He had believed she was beginning to return his love.
So, yes, Bryce had been foolish again and let himself fall.
But after Raul h
ad attacked her, Sierra had cut ties with Bryce. She didn’t want to care too deeply, she’d said. He had known about her past and that she’d loved a highway patrolman who had been shot and killed on duty. Raul nearly killing Bryce had brought that back for her.
So with Bryce’s track record, a relationship with Sierra, any relationship, seemed like it wasn’t worth the risk. A happy family was a pipe dream.
He still cared about Sierra and was here for her now to see that she made it through this alive.
The sheriff finally parked his vehicle and out climbed the happy gang. Bryce exited his own vehicle and yanked his small duffel from the seat.
A slender brunette stood in the doorway of the cabin and let the corgis run out, barking and wagging their tails. Turner and Hooch.
Samson’s deep bark mixed with their yaps.
Yep. One big happy family.
Bryce pulled his gaze from the joy and took in the surrounding woods. So the sheriff thought this would be a good idea. No wonder he’d made sure Bryce came along for the ride and stayed too. After he met the wife and dogs and settled in, he’d make sure to check the perimeter. This wouldn’t be a vacation.
He never imagined it would be.
Not until Raul was out of their lives for good. Not until Sierra was safe.
Then Bryce would go back to his life in Boulder.
* * *
Samson snored loudly at her feet.
Turner and Hooch had been put to bed like young children. They slept in Barbara’s room.
Sierra yawned, wishing she was already sleeping in the guest room offered by Sheriff Locke and the hospitable Barbara. Dad had long ago gone to sleep in one of the extra rooms. The day had been long and terrifying on so many fronts that it had left her exhausted. But instead of resting, hoping she could sleep without nightmares or fears of Raul preventing her, she sat on the comfy sofa across from Barbara, sipping the hot cocoa her hostess had offered. Bryce and the sheriff were outside making sure no one was stalking the house.
Neither of them believed Raul would find her here or dare to attack her while she was at the sheriff’s house, but just in case, the state had loaned Officer Kendall to them for night duty, and the sheriff and Bryce were giving the area another once-over. The sheriff’s home had become an unintended safe house—except that her whereabouts weren’t exactly a secret.
“Thanks for letting us impose on you for a night or two, Barbara.” Sierra watched her over the brim of her cup.
Barbara was about a decade younger than the sheriff’s late forties, and she was a talented artist—her paintings and decor brightened the walls. She offered a soft smile. “We’re more than happy to open up our home. We don’t get guests nearly enough and, without kids, we can’t expect grandkids in our future.”
Sierra resisted the urge to suggest Barbara get a SAR dog and get involved in that kind of work. That would be so worthwhile, but Barbara spoke first.
“The way you and Bryce look at each other, one could almost construe something was going on. I see by that flash in your eyes that was is the operative word.”
Sierra measured her next words, then asked, “Do all artists read people so well?”
Barbara laughed, clearly pleased to learn she’d hit her mark. “Some do. But with you and Bryce, I think anyone could see that there’s something more going on.”
“Was going on. Yes, we saw each other when we both lived in Boulder.”
“The way you look at each other begs the question—what happened? Surely you could work out whatever it was that broke you two up.”
Sierra stared at the fire, exhaustion flooding her. Did she want to open up all of it to Barbara? She’d moved back to Crescent Springs wanting to escape and she’d done well for a year. But the least she could do was answer this sweet woman’s question.
“Before Bryce, there was someone else.” Sierra frowned at the thought.
“Oh, honey. I’m sorry if I overstepped. You don’t have to tell me.”
She was already in so she would finish. “No, it’s okay. I thought I was in love. No, wait. I was in love with a guy named Buck Thomas. He was Colorado Highway Patrol. One day he stopped a driver whose taillight was out—a simple traffic stop. Oddly enough those simple stops are one of the most productive ways of catching the bad guys. The next thing you know, he was shot and killed. I don’t think Buck knew what hit him. But I do. He’d pulled over someone who was transporting drugs. They thought it was worth it to kill him to try to evade justice.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“It’s been five years and time heals most wounds. I told myself I wouldn’t care about anyone in law enforcement again. Then I met Bryce. He got under my skin before I knew what was happening and I became close to him. But...”
“What happened?”
Sierra hadn’t meant to get this detailed. “Raul happened. He nearly killed us both. I knew then I needed to distance myself from Bryce. I couldn’t bear it if he got hurt again because of me. I couldn’t go through someone else I cared about getting killed. Someone I loved. Unfortunately, I also love my dog. Bryce gave him to me. I trained him for protection and to search for and detain those the police were after. But then a friend’s K-9 was killed in the line of fire and that’s when I decided I’d had enough. I couldn’t let Samson die too, so I moved here. I cross-trained him for wilderness search and rescue and avalanche searches, so here we are.”
“Yes.” Barbara gazed into the fire too, as if lost in thought. “And Bryce is here too. Looks like you can’t get away from those who care about you even if you try.”
Barbara offered Sierra a soft smile, then she rose from the chair. Squeezing Sierra’s shoulder as she moved past, she said, “I’m going to leave you to your thoughts and do a few chores before bed. Feel free to turn in if you want. Oh, and I see Bryce is already back.”
He stepped all the way into the room from the hallway. Had he come in the back door? “The sheriff is in the mudroom cleaning up.”
Sierra risked a glance his way and found Bryce studying her as though he had heard every word she’d said about him.
Oh, no.
TEN
Bryce edged closer to the sofa opposite Sierra, uncertain if she wanted his company.
Chewing her bottom lip, she watched him approach—with that look in her eyes. It was obvious that she wondered if he’d heard what she’d said to Barbara.
Should he tell her? Or spare her the pain? He’d come in through the back and padded down the hallways in his socks. Sheriff Locke had remained outside talking to Officer Kendall.
When Bryce had heard her voice and mention of Buck, he’d paused. He should have made himself known or headed the other way so he wouldn’t eavesdrop, but his feet became cemented in the floor.
He didn’t think he could bear the discussion of their past loves and their breakup himself, so said, “Do you ever wish you lived somewhere like Florida?”
She rewarded him with a smile and a burst of laughter. “Where did that come from?”
“Are you kidding me? It’s cold out there. Brrrr.” He rubbed his arms for effect.
She angled her head, her smile soft. He wished her lips didn’t appear so inviting. He was positive she didn’t intend that, but they did have a history, after all. He should good and well remember the other part of their history and why he was here at this moment.
Stay focused on protecting her.
“I guess I’ve never thought about it,” she said. “Growing up in the mountains, I couldn’t see living anywhere else. Maybe Florida or some warm beach with palm trees would be a nice break and make me appreciate my home even more. But I can’t think that far into the future at the moment.”
He heard in her tone what she hadn’t said—Raul was consuming all her attention.
“Uh...Bryce?”
Uh. Oh. “Yeah?”
>
“I’ve been thinking.”
He leaned forward until his elbows were on his thighs. “I’m not sure that’s such a good thing.”
She threw a pillow at him and he caught it. “Hey.”
“Hey, yourself.”
“So what have you been thinking?” He rubbed his chin. This was going to be a long night on multiple fronts.
“You and I discussed going out there and searching for Raul ourselves. Samson and I know the area better than the state police and their dogs. We could come across an obscure place—a cabin or a mine—out of sight. Some place he could be hiding out. It’s far better than waiting around here for him to come and get me. That he’s crazy is obvious, but—” she shivered, even sitting close to a crackling fire “—being targeted and obsessed over by a sick person like him is unnerving in a thousand ways. We have to get him before he gets us. We have to find him.”
“But you don’t want to take Samson out there until he’s ready for that.” And that was only if she would allow Samson to search for Raul, at all, especially after what happened today. But he wouldn’t bring it up.
“Exactly where I was going with this. Tomorrow is the mixed climbing, one of the main competitions in the festival, so it’s going to be über-crowded. Raul knows his way around. He must have some skills in mountain climbing. Maybe ice climbing, like we discussed. We should go to the event and see if he makes an appearance. He’ll think he can hide in the crowd.”
“I don’t know, Sierra. Your safety is the most important thing.” Should he tell her? “Tonight when we checked the perimeter, the sheriff and I discussed you potentially staying here through this—as a sort of safe house.”
“Dad and I are here only until the state has processed the crime scene and released our apartment. I can’t stay here beyond then, Bryce. I’ve already texted Jane to let her know that Dad and I will be back in town in the morning in time to attend the ice climbing festivities and watch the main event with you tomorrow.”
Fugitive Trail Page 9
