“Take Buzz and run. Far away.

…and don’t trust the police.”

Framed for her boss’s murder, Sarah Peterson is on the run—with only her boss’s loyal husky, Buzz, for protection. To clear her name and keep her safe, she must rely on her ex-fiancé, former detective Colton Hawk. The police aren’t the only ones searching for Sarah and the brave dog…the real killer is on the hunt, determined to silence them for good.

CHRISTY BARRITT’s books have won a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery and have been twice nominated for an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy is a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover and a road-trip aficionado. For more information, visit her website at christybarritt.com.

Also By Christy Barritt

Keeping Guard

The Last Target

Race Against Time

Ricochet

Desperate Measures

Hidden Agenda

Mountain Hideaway

Dark Harbor

Shadow of Suspicion

The Baby Assignment

The Cradle Conspiracy

Trained to Defend

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.

Trained to Defend

Christy Barritt

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-0-008-90082-3

TRAINED TO DEFEND

© 2020 Christy Barritt

Published in Great Britain 2020

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

By payment of the required fees, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right and licence to download and install this e-book on your personal computer, tablet computer, smart phone or other electronic reading device only (each a “Licensed Device”) and to access, display and read the text of this e-book on-screen on your Licensed Device. Except to the extent any of these acts shall be permitted pursuant to any mandatory provision of applicable law but no further, no part of this e-book or its text or images may be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated, converted or adapted for use on another file format, communicated to the public, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.

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“You and Buzz need to go to the back bedroom. Now. Lock the doors, and don’t come out until I tell you.”

Colton pulled out the gun from his waistband, his jaw set with steely determination.

Sarah didn’t argue. She scrambled away, hardly able to breathe.

But as she locked the door, Buzz beside her, she pressed her ear there, trying to hear what was going on.

It was silent as Colton waited, seeming to prepare himself for battle.

Sarah waited. The moments felt like hours.

Flashbacks from earlier hit her, making her flinch. Images of seeing that man in Loretta’s room. Watching as Loretta took her last breath.

Now Colton was in danger.

She stood and pressed herself into the wall, resisting the urge to look out the window and see what was going on.

She didn’t have to.

She heard tires crunching on gravel in the distance.

Someone was here.

Dear Reader,

Thank you so much for reading Trained to Defend. I hope you enjoyed Sarah and Colton’s story, as well as meeting Buzz.

I love animals. In fact, I have four dogs, and they’re all different sizes, breeds and personalities. I always love being able to incorporate furry friends into my stories because my own dogs add so much love and adventure to my life.

In the book, Sarah talks about wanting a safe place to land. Do you ever feel like you need a safe place in your life? When things feel overwhelming, we all need somewhere we can go to rest and recharge.

Through the Bible, we know that God is our true safety. In hard times, He’s who we can run to. When trouble hits, we can rest in the blessed assurance of God’s promises. Let’s never forget that we always have a safe place in Him.

Blessings,

Christy Barritt

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.

—Psalm 46:1–3

This book is dedicated to Rusty, Sparky, Molly and Buttons. My furry companions are faithfully by my side every day as I sit down to write. Thanks for the inspiration and letting me be your person.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Note to Readers

Introduction

Dear Reader

Bible Verse

Dedication

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

SEVENTEEN

EIGHTEEN

NINETEEN

TWENTY

TWENTY-ONE

TWENTY-TWO

TWENTY-THREE

TWENTY-FOUR

TWENTY-FIVE

TWENTY-SIX

TWENTY-SEVEN

TWENTY-EIGHT

TWENTY-NINE

Extract

About the Publisher

ONE

Sarah Peterson quietly opened the back door to her new, temporary home in Spokane, Washington, and slunk inside. The warm glow of delight spread inside her as she reflected on her evening. Maybe things were finally starting to look up for her.

She’d been at an art show this evening, and two people had shown interest in her work. All she needed was one big break, and maybe all of the hardship of these past several years could finally be in her past—and stay there.

Behind her, the freezing rain pounded relentlessly as a mid-January storm claimed the area. Forecasters had predicted the precipitation would soon turn to snow and conditions outside would become perilous.

But now, inside the house, everything around Sarah was dark and quiet with the stillness of the evening.

Good. Loretta must be sleeping.

And, if Sarah was smart, she’d remain quiet so the woman could continue sleeping.

Loretta Blanchard wasn’t the type of woman you wanted to wake up—or even look at the wrong way, for that matter. She was a force to be reckoned with, and if she didn’t like you, she would make your life miserable.

Sarah left her damp coat on a hanger by the door in order not to track any water inside. As she crept through the kitchen, she looked around for Buzz, Loretta’s emotional support dog. The husky always greeted her at the door.

Strange. Where was he?

Buzz was one of Sarah’s favorite parts about this job. She’d never met an animal with such intelligent eyes, and his wagging tail was just the welcome she needed on most days. Her muscles tightened as she wondered where the dog was.

Sarah headed through the dark house toward her bedroom so she could change out of her dress and heels. Her bag slid from her shoulder as she slipped her heels off and carried them up the massive staircase.

Her boss was a scientific genius who’d created a new medication to help people with arthritis. She’d been at the top of her game until ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, had claimed her body and weakened her muscles. However, her mind was just as sharp as ever.

Sarah stepped into her room, flipped on the light and paused.

Something felt off.

Her spine tightened, and she glanced around her room. Everything appeared in place. Her ivory quilt was neat. Her curtains were drawn. Her dresser drawers closed.

But something was different. She was sure of it.

Her mom had always said that Sarah had an eye and an ear for detail. It was probably what made her such a good artist today. She noticed things that others didn’t. Slivers of light hidden beneath barren trees. A shy bird singing among the throng of boisterous ones. The way the sky still turned different colors for nearly an hour after the sunset.

So what had alerted her senses that something was wrong right now?

Sarah’s eyes went to the closet. Was someone in there?

She grabbed the scissors from her dresser. She’d used them to trim her bangs this morning. Holding them like a knife, she stepped closer to the door.

Her lungs froze as she reached for the knob.

This was probably nothing.

Dear Lord, please don’t let this be a mistake.

After lifting the silent prayer, she jerked the door open.

Something leaped toward her. Sarah swallowed a scream and threw herself back.

An oversize ball of fur nearly knocked her off her feet.

Buzz.

Buzz?

As the dog pounced on her, Sarah rubbed his head, sensing something was wrong—desperately wrong. “Why are you in my closet, boy? And you’ve been so quiet.”

Buzz whined.

The only reason he’d be in her closet was if Loretta put him there and commanded him to stay, Sarah realized. But if Loretta, who was in a wheelchair, had gone through all of that trouble, she had to have a really good reason. There was an elevator in the house, but Loretta hated using it.

Buzz whined again, trying to tell her something.

“What is it, boy?” Sarah murmured, leaning toward the canine.

Her words seemed to give the dog permission. He charged toward her bedroom door, nuzzled it open and ran into the hallway. Still gripping the scissors, Sarah took off after him.

The dog ran down the stairs and toward the opposite wing of the house—the wing where Loretta’s bedroom was located.

“Buzz!” Sarah whispered, urgency lacing her voice.

She didn’t want the dog to wake up Loretta. Then again, maybe Buzz knew something she didn’t.

She swallowed hard at the thought.

Sarah didn’t have much time to think. No, she could barely keep up with Buzz.

She caught sight of the dog as he pushed his way into Loretta’s bedroom and disappeared.

The knot in her stomach squeezed tighter.

This wasn’t like Buzz. The dog was usually regal and reserved.

A groan emerged from the darkness, then a loud, hard crash.

Something was wrong. Really wrong.

Sarah flung herself into Loretta’s room, fully expecting to find Loretta having a medical emergency of some sort. She froze in the doorway and gasped.

A masked man stood over Loretta as she lay on the floor, her wheelchair shoved to the side.

Fear rippled through Sarah.

What was going on here?

The intruder glanced over at Sarah—but only for a second—before Buzz charged at him and knocked him off Loretta and into the wall. The man’s head hit the wall.

The man groaned before his eyes closed and his body went limp. Had he lost consciousness?

Either way, Buzz still growled on top of him.

With her heart beating out of control, Sarah’s gaze slid across the room and stopped at Loretta.

She moaned on the floor, her chest rising and falling too quickly. Rapid gasps sounded at her parted lips.

Sarah hurried toward her, kneeling at her side. Blood gushed from a puncture wound in the woman’s neck.

Tears rushed to Sarah’s eyes. That man had hurt her. She and Buzz had gotten here too late.

“Loretta, hold on,” Sarah whispered, grasping her boss’s shoulders. “I’ll call 911. Help will be here soon.”

“Sarah…” Loretta’s voice was so faint that Sarah could hardly understand it.

The woman tried to sit up, but Sarah gently pushed her back down. She was in no condition to move right now.

“It’s okay,” Sarah said. “Just stay still.”

Loretta’s sixty-year-old face wrinkled with pain that whispered across every feature, a face that had only recently developed fine lines. The woman was always so strong. Seeing her like this…

It made Sarah’s heart twist into knots.

“You’ve…got…to…go,” Loretta rasped.

“No, I need to stay here with you.” A shiver went up Sarah’s spine as she said the words. There was more at stake here than just Loretta’s wound.

The man who’d done this to her was still in the room. Still passed out. For now.

But he could wake up at any time and try to finish what he’d started.

Loretta might be hurt, but her grip was strong as she grasped Sarah’s arm. “Take…Buzz…and…run. Far away. Danger.”

Her eyes closed. She was fading, Sarah realized. Near death. Delirious maybe.

Had Sarah understood her words correctly? Run? Why would she run? She needed to stay here with Loretta.

“Ms. Blanchard—”

The woman squeezed her arm again, her gaze coming alive with a spark of intensity. “Go. Now. He’ll…kill you.”

“What?” The breath left Sarah’s lungs. Hearing the words out loud made a fresh round of panic swell in her.

“Don’t…trust…the…police.”

“But—” What did she mean? If she couldn’t trust the police, then who could she trust?

Loretta’s gaze suddenly locked on to Sarah’s. “Buzz…”

“What about Buzz?”

“Take…him…”

Before she could finish her sentence, Loretta shut her eyes, and her grip loosened—went limp.

She was gone, Sarah realized.

“Oh, Loretta.” Grief stabbed at Sarah. But she didn’t have time to dwell on it. Urgency pushed her on.

That man was beginning to stir. His limbs jerked, and soon he’d be awake. She felt certain of it.

Sarah stood, dropping the scissors from her hands.

She needed to go. If Loretta had given her those instructions, there was a good reason. The woman was smart, and she must know something that Sarah didn’t.

“Buzz, come on.”

Looking back at the man in black one more time, Sarah tore through the house.

She and Buzz had to get out of here. Now.

And there was only one place she could think to go. However, it was the last place she wanted to be.

Colton Hawk froze as a strange sound pulled him from his sleep.

It was a car. Coming up the gravel lane that led to his home. At four thirty in the morning.

He jumped out of his warm bed and threw on some clothes. After grabbing the gun from his nightstand, he peered out the window. Adrenaline pounded through him.

Unexpected visitors in the middle of the night usually meant trouble.

As a former detective, Colton had a whole list of people who might want to track him down and exact revenge. Apparently, not even moving out here to ten acres in northern Idaho was enough to keep people away.

He watched as the driver cut the headlights as he neared the house. He didn’t recognize the beat-up sedan. But the fact that the driver was being secretive set off all kinds of warning alarms in his mind.

Colton hurried down the stairs to his front door. He stepped out onto his porch just as the vehicle rolled to a stop behind his truck.

With his finger poised on the gun, Colton waited to see what would happen next.

Snow pelted down from above, and the darkness obscured the landscape around him. Nightfall out here in the middle of Idaho’s Rocky Mountains was unlike any Colton had ever experienced. The blackness was so deep, a person felt like they could be swallowed by it.

The isolation was both a friend and a foe.

Colton knew one thing: someone had to be desperate to head out in slick, treacherous weather like this, especially in a sedan like the one in front of his house. The vehicle looked like it could break down at any minute. The front bumper was dented, the driver’s side door was faded, and the tires looked tiny and worn down.

He glanced beyond the car to make sure no one else had followed. He saw nothing, no one—just a dark, empty lane lined with pine and fir trees.

Colton sucked in a breath when a dog hopped from the backseat and into the knee-high snow. A husky.

Why would someone bent on revenge have brought a dog with them?

And then he saw the biggest trouble of all.

Sarah Peterson stepped out and stared across the expanse at him.

He sucked in another breath.

Sarah. His Sarah.

Colton never thought he’d see the woman again, not after the way things had ended between them two years ago.

But there she was. Even in the darkness, he could see that she looked just as beautiful as ever with her shiny blond hair and petite figure. But something about her body language was different. Gone was the lighthearted, carefree vibe that Colton had loved so much. In its place was…terror. It was the only word he could think of to describe the look.

She staggered toward him and collapsed into the mounds of white, icy flakes that covered his front yard.

Colton jammed his gun into his waistband and rushed toward her. The dog barked at him, urging him on, telling him he wasn’t moving fast enough.

When he reached Sarah, snow already encased her limp body.

She was…barefoot? In a knee-length dress?

What was going on? Why would she be dressed like this in such frigid weather? Something was seriously wrong.

Colton gathered her in his arms and carried her inside his house. Despite the craziness of the moment, he still caught of whiff of Sarah’s honeysuckle-scented lotion.

At one time, it had been one of his favorite aromas in the world. It brought back memories of watching sunsets in each other’s arms. Of dreaming about the future while hiking their favorite trail. Of good-night kisses and long hugs on the porch.

Shoving aside the bittersweet memories, Colton lowered Sarah onto his leather couch. She was freezing and had to warm up. He’d call an ambulance, but it would take twenty minutes to get here.

Before grabbing a blanket, his eyes skimmed the light blue sweater covering her arms. Was that…blood on her sleeves?

Colton sucked in a breath.

What in the world had happened to her?

He quickly checked her for wounds but saw nothing. That meant the blood wasn’t hers.

Wasting no more time, he grabbed a blanket and covered her. That blanket wouldn’t be enough, though. He went to the fireplace and added wood, waiting until the blaze fanned and filled the room with more heat. Then he turned up his thermostat, hoping it kicked in quickly.

Colton went back to check on Sarah. He felt confident she just needed to warm up. He’d let her rest for a few minutes before deciding his next step.

His breath caught as he gazed at her. Beautiful Sarah.

He hadn’t expected to see her again. Ever. Not after the way things had ended. Not after she’d chosen a job over a future with him. Bitterness tried to claw at him, but Colton pushed it away. There wasn’t time for that now.

The dog nuzzled his hand, and Colton looked down at him. The husky sat directly in front of Colton, almost as if telling him that he had to answer to this canine.

“What happened, boy?” Colton murmured.

The dog let out a soft growl and stared at Sarah.

“Something bad, huh?” Colton’s stomach tightened. If only the dog could speak.

Colton double-checked Sarah’s vitals. Her pulse was good. She was breathing and didn’t appear feverish.

She must have passed out from exhaustion or shock.

Lord, be with her. I don’t know what happened, but I know she needs You now.

Just as he said “Amen,” Sarah began thrashing on the couch, and her breathing quickened.

“He’s coming,” Sarah murmured, her eyes still closed. “He’s coming.”

Colton’s back stiffened. Who was coming? What exactly had Sarah gotten herself mixed up in?

He didn’t know. He only knew that the woman he’d once loved had somehow found herself in serious trouble.

TWO

Sarah jerked her eyes open and startled at the unfamiliar space around her.

Where was she? Was that man here—the man who’d killed Loretta? Had he caught Sarah and taken her somewhere?

She sprang up, swinging her gaze around as panic seized her. Movement caught the side of her vision.

The killer. He was here.

Sarah raised her hands, ready to give every last ounce of her strength to stay alive.

Her arm jerked toward him. But, before her fist connected with the man, he grabbed her wrists.

The action immobilized her. She thrashed, trying to get away. It was no use. The man…he was too strong. He overpowered her too easily.

“Sarah, it’s okay.” His voice sounded surprisingly calm and soothing—not at all like Sarah had imagined.

But she wouldn’t let that fool her.

“No, it’s not okay.” With one last burst of strength, she began fighting again.

“Sarah, it’s me. Colton.”

Slowly, her ex-fiancé’s face came into view.

Colton.

That was right. She’d fled to Colton’s house. She barely remembered making it here.

She only vaguely recalled driving around as if on autopilot. Of deciding to come here but changing her mind. Of wandering country back roads in the dark, worried about running out of gas.

She remembered the panic. Remembered not thinking clearly.

As more details from last night flooded back to Sarah, she gasped.

Details about Loretta. Of the woman’s final moments.

Tears sprang to her eyes, and her limbs shook uncontrollably.

Loretta was dead. She’d passed right there in Sarah’s arms while her attacker had lain collapsed against the wall.

As Colton released her hands, Sarah leaned back, desperate to hold herself together. Yet she couldn’t.

No, she’d been so frantic that she’d run to the very man who’d broken her heart—only he refused to acknowledge that he’d been the one to pull away. Colton refused to understand why Sarah had no choice but to leave, refused to understand that this was never about her art.

Buzz appeared beside Sarah, and his cold nose nuzzled her hand. She smiled and rubbed the dog’s head, finding comfort in his familiar scent.

Her smile faded quickly.

Poor Buzz…he must feel worse than she did. Buzz had loved Loretta so much.

And now she was gone.

Another guttural cry escaped.

Colton leaned toward her, his gaze intense and concerned. “Sarah, you need to tell me what’s going on.”

She studied Colton a moment. Glanced at the perfect lines of his face. His messy light brown hair.

The man always got her pulse racing.

But he was off-limits. Sarah needed to remember that. He’d already broken her heart once. If he broke it again, she wasn’t sure it could ever be repaired.

Which was why coming here had been such a horrible idea. Sarah definitely hadn’t been thinking clearly. Otherwise, she would have gone anywhere else.

She gathered the blanket around her and stared at the fire in front of her. Buzz lay down beside her, his icy blue gaze on Colton, as if daring him to make one wrong move.

She needed to tell Colton why she was here. But first she needed to collect her thoughts. Besides, she wasn’t sure she could say the words aloud.

Every time she remembered what happened it felt like a punch in her gut. Maybe this was a nightmare. Maybe she would wake up. Sarah wished those things might be true and, even more, she wished she believed them.

But she knew the truth. She just didn’t know if she could find her voice long enough to share.

“Can I…can I have some tea?” Sarah asked, buying herself time. “Please. I… I just can’t get warm.”

As if on cue, her teeth chattered. The reaction had little to do with the cold, however. No, it felt like someone had rammed an icicle into her chest and shattered her emotions.

“Of course.” Colton stood. “But then we need to talk.”

Why had Sarah come here? Why couldn’t she think of anywhere else she’d be safe?

She knew why. Colton had always been a protector. Even if he had been distant and withdrawn toward the end of their engagement, he was still, in some way, her safe place.

The drive here flashed back to her.

There had been headlights behind her. They’d appeared about fifteen minutes into her escape.

Sarah had tried to lose the driver, fearing it was the man who’d killed Loretta.

But what if she hadn’t lost him?

She jumped to her feet and pulled the blanket around her as she walked toward the window. She had to know if she was truly safe here or not. Sarah had to see if anyone lingered outside, waiting to make his next move.

Buzz followed beside her, keeping a watchful eye on her.

“What are you doing?” Colton asked from across the open expanse of the room. His hands froze on the teakettle, as if he braced himself for action.

“That man…” Sarah started, fear seizing her again.

She couldn’t get the image of Loretta’s dying figure out of her mind. Couldn’t forget the horror of finding that man standing over her.

“What man, Sarah?” Colton stepped from around the breakfast bar, coming toward her. “Who are you talking about?”

Sarah shook her head, battling the memories and hoping this was all a bad dream. She knew it wasn’t. “I’m afraid… I’m afraid he followed me.”

Colton took her elbow and led her back to the couch. “If that’s the case, the last place you want to be is in front of the window.”

She felt stoic as she sat back on the cushions and stared at the fire. The kettle whistled.

“One minute,” he murmured. “Then we need to talk.”

A moment later, Colton handed her some tea, complete with sugar and cream. He’d remembered what she liked. The thought shouldn’t bring her so much delight.

“Sarah, you need to tell me what’s going on.” Colton stood with his hands on his hips. “Tell me why you have blood on your clothes.”

At his words, she glanced down and gasped. He was right. Loretta’s bloodstained her sweater.

A new round of tears welled up in her eyes. She jerked the sweater off, unable to stand the thought. She tossed it on the couch out of sight, wishing she could discard her memories as easily. But life didn’t work that way.

Colton’s intelligent, compassionate gaze remained latched on to hers. He sat on the chair near the couch, leaning toward her, waiting to listen.

He’d positioned himself at a place where he could also see the windows.

Sarah didn’t miss that fact. Colton was always the cop, wasn’t he? He was ever vigilant, kind of like Buzz.

She sucked in a deep, shaky breath. She wanted to forget about tonight. Erase it from her mind. Yet she realized that she couldn’t do that. She was going to have to go back and revisit those dark moments.

As she opened her mouth, words wouldn’t escape. “I…”

Where did she even start?

“It’s okay,” Colton prodded. “What happened last night?”

She drew in a deep breath, praying for courage as she shared the truth. “I’ve been working for a woman, Loretta, and living in her home. I returned to her house last night and found her on the floor in her room. Bleeding.” Her voice cracked.

Colton’s eyes widened. “What happened next?”

“Buzz knocked out the man who attacked her. I tried to help Loretta, but she told me to take Buzz and run and to not trust the police. And then she…” Sarah swallowed hard. “Then she died. She was gone.”

“I’m sorry, Sarah.”

She nodded stiffly. “So, I did what she told me. I didn’t know what else to do. I didn’t even put my shoes on. I just… I wanted to get away.”

“What happened to the man?”

“He was still in the house when I left. Buzz had jumped on him, and I think the man hit his head and was knocked unconscious. But then, on the way here, I was certain someone was following me.”

Colton stiffened. “Why do you say that?”

Sarah shivered at the memories. “There were headlights. And they always seemed to be there, even when I turned off the main highway. I lost him… I think. I mean, I didn’t see the car for the last thirty minutes of my trip.”

“Why did you come here, Sarah?”

She swallowed hard, downing every last ounce of her pride as her gaze met Colton’s. “Because I didn’t know what else to do or who else I could trust. Please help me, Colton. Please.”

Colton tried to process everything that Sarah had told him. He had so many questions but most of those could wait until later. Right now, he was concerned about Sarah. About how frail she looked. About how her arms trembled so badly she could hardly drink her tea.

“Sarah, I need to call the police—”

“No!” She nearly jumped off the couch, and Buzz followed her, standing on guard. “You can’t. Loretta said not to.”

“Why would she say that?” What sense did it make? The woman had been murdered. If Sarah had called the police, maybe the guy who’d committed the crime would be behind bars right now.

“I have no idea. But if she said it…she had a reason.”

“But the police could catch this killer. Time is of the essence in situations like these and—”

Sarah glanced around, as if looking for her keys or purse or whatever she would have brought with her. “I should leave. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come here. Some part of me thought I could trust you, though.”

Colton touched her arm, ignoring the electricity that came from feeling her soft skin. “Don’t leave. That’s not what I’m saying. Please, sit down. We’ll figure this out. I’m just asking questions right now.”

She stared at him. Said nothing.

Finally, she nodded and lowered herself back onto the couch across from him. Buzz jumped up beside her and laid his head on her lap.

“Let’s just talk.” Colton spoke softly, trying to put her at ease and alleviate some of her caginess. “Okay?”

Sarah nodded, but her eyes looked strained and unconvinced. Instead, she leaned forward and rubbed Buzz’s head.

“Do you have any idea why anyone would want Loretta dead?” he asked.

Sarah shook her head. “No. And…the more I think about it, the stranger it all is.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because I found Buzz locked in my closet upstairs. He couldn’t have gotten himself locked in there. It wouldn’t make any sense.”

“Okay. You think Loretta put him there?”

“It’s the only thing that makes sense. If the killer had put him there, Buzz would have been a wreck, clawing to get out. But he was sitting there obediently.” As Sarah talked, she continued to rub the dog’s head.

“So, he’s well trained.”

Sarah nodded. “That’s right. But the thing is… Loretta could hardly get up the steps. She had ALS. If she went through all that trouble…”

“Then she suspected something might happen.”

“Exactly.” Sarah trembled again. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I don’t like it. I hope I didn’t lead trouble here, Colton. I didn’t think I was going to make it. The roads were so icy. And the drive was long and dark. I barely had enough gas. So many things were not in my favor.”

“It sounds like God was watching over you to bring you this far,” Colton said.

“I agree.” Her gaze met his, her brief moment of gratefulness at their spiritual connection replaced by fear. “What am I going to do?”

“We’ll figure something out, Sarah.” Had he just said that?

Colton had taken time off from law enforcement, even though he’d been offered a job in investigative services with the Idaho State Police.

One day, he thought he might go back into that line of work. But, if he ever had hopes of doing that, the last thing he needed to do was harbor someone who might be wanted in a police investigation. And if the police weren’t looking for Sarah yet, they would be soon.

Still, one look at Sarah, and Colton knew he couldn’t refuse helping her. She’d always had that effect on him.

Sarah rubbed her hands against her dress and frowned. “Colton, is there a way you could… I don’t know. Maybe call someone? Maybe use some of your connections to find out if there are any updates? Maybe the police caught this guy. Maybe those headlights I saw were just another traveler headed in the same direction I was. I just don’t know. Nothing makes sense, and nothing will make sense until I have more answers.”

He didn’t say anything for a moment and instead sat there, letting her words settle.

She frowned. “I’m asking too much, aren’t I? I’m sorry.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Colton finally said before nodding toward the hallway. “Listen, first, why don’t you take a shower?”

“A shower sounds nice.”

“I’ll find you something to wear and you can leave what you have on now outside the door. I’ll wash everything for you and leave you something fresh. Once you’ve cleaned up, we figure out a plan.”

Sarah continued to stare at him, as if trying to gauge his thoughts, to figure out if he was still trustworthy. “You’re not going to call the police while I’m in the shower, are you?”

“I won’t. You know I’m as good as my word.”

Finally, she nodded. “Okay then.”

But just as she stood, her phone buzzed. She pulled it from her purse and looked at the screen. Her face went pale.

“What is it?” Colton moved closer, sensing something was wrong.

“It’s a message…from Loretta.”

The killer must have grabbed the woman’s phone, Colton realized.

“What does it say?” Colton asked, glancing over her shoulder. As he read the words there, his blood went colder than an Idaho winter.

I know who you are, and I will find you. You have something I want.

THREE

Sarah’s heart raced as she sat on the couch and stared at the words on her phone.

The killer knew who she was? How? What did this mean?

Fear rushed through her. Exactly what was this man planning to do when he found her? Sarah didn’t even have to ask that question. She knew what he planned on doing.

He would kill her.

She should have pulled up his mask and looked at his face. At least then she would know what the man looked like.

But it was too late for that now. It didn’t matter.

Her head spun as reality again hit her and left her reeling.

“It’s going to be okay, Sarah,” Colton said beside her.

His voice snapped her back to the moment. His platitude was meant to bring her comfort but it failed. Nothing was going to be okay. Nothing.

Why couldn’t Colton see that? Why did he always think things would be okay when they clearly wouldn’t? Sometimes people couldn’t change their circumstances, no matter how hard they tried.

Sarah’s life had been a case in point.

Nothing had gone the way she’d planned—including her relationship with Colton.

She put her hands over her face. Why had she ever come here? What had she been thinking?

This was just one more bad decision in a long line of them.

Colton leaned closer, still staring at her phone. As he did, his arm brushed hers, and a surge of old memories rushed through her. Memories of when life used to be happy. When the future had seemed bright. When it looked like her future wouldn’t be a repeat of her past.

Sarah had been wrong then. As much as she wanted to believe and trust in God’s plan for her future, she’d accepted the fact that her future was meant to be full of struggles. Other people might cruise through life and find happiness. But not Sarah.

Her father had left. Her mother had been arrested. She and her sister had grown up with a string of foster care families—and they hadn’t been together in most of those homes.

No, life had never been smooth sailing. Even now as an adult, life had been full of financial and career struggles, all of which had led her to this point.

“Do you have any idea what he’s talking about when he says, ‘You have something I want’?” Colton asked, his gaze still laser focused on her phone screen and that text she’d received.

Sarah’s mind raced, charging back to the present. What did the man mean? What exactly had he come to Loretta’s to get this evening?

“I have no clue,” she said, her voice shaky. “I left with nothing. All my things are still at Loretta’s. It was just me and Buzz and a few of Buzz’s essentials that were in a bag by the back door.”

She leaned down and patted Buzz’s head. The dog leaned into her, but Sarah noted how his eyes remained on guard as he scanned the room.

She felt sorry for Buzz. He’d cherished Loretta so much and had been such a faithful companion.

The dog was truly beautiful. White with gray spots. His eyes were an icy blue, and he had a matching collar. Despite his regal demeanor, the dog also had a playful side. Loretta had trained him well. All she had to do was cluck her tongue once, twice or three times, and he would immediately obey whatever command corresponded.

In fact, in some ways, the dog had been like a child to Loretta. Buzz had been raised to act as an emotional support canine for her.

“Is Buzz special?” Colton asked, staring at the husky.

Sarah looked at the dog again. “I mean, he’s special in the sense that he’s a great dog. But he’s not of a championship bloodline or anything.”

“That’s strange that the man would say that then.” Colton reached over and rubbed Buzz’s head also. “Whoever killed Loretta must think you have something—something worth killing for.”

Sarah wrapped her arms over her chest. “I agree. But it doesn’t make sense. What am I going to do, Colton?”

Colton stood. “You should take that shower. Maybe it will help you clear your head.”

She rose to her feet. “You’re right. I need to get this blood off me.”

Loretta’s blood.

Nausea churned in her stomach.

Everything still felt surreal, like a nightmare.

Only Sarah knew she wouldn’t wake up and everything wouldn’t be better this time.

Colton waited until he heard the door to the bathroom open and close before he peered around the hallway.

Sarah’s clothes were on the floor, neatly folded, just as he’d asked.

His heart twisted as he quietly stepped from his room, carefully picked the dress up and slipped it into a bag.

The clothing would most likely be needed as evidence. Though Sarah didn’t want to tell the police what had happened, Colton hoped to make her come around. And, when she did, these clothes would need to be examined.

Though Sarah wanted to stay far away from the police, they would only help her. That was their job—to find the truth. Colton had no idea why her boss had told her not to talk to them. Was there more to that story? Or had the woman been delirious during her final moments?

Colton left the bag on the washing machine for the time being and then went into his bedroom. He opened the door to the attic and stepped inside, a musky smell enveloping him. He searched for a moment before finding what he wanted.

An old burgundy trunk. With a touch of trepidation, Colton opened the lid.

Sarah’s old clothes stared back at him.

She’d left them at his old place when they thought they were getting married. She’d needed somewhere to store a few things, and his place had seemed like a logical choice. When he’d moved, he’d thought about getting rid of them. Why hadn’t he?

He wasn’t sure. It didn’t matter now.

He rummaged through several things before pulling out some choices for Sarah.

Colton deposited the clothes for Sarah outside the bathroom door. He could still hear the water running on the other side and steam seeped from beneath the doorway.

He pulled out his phone, remembering that call he’d promised to make to find out more information on Loretta’s death. He glanced at his watch. It was early—too early to make any inquiries without bringing attention to himself, which was the last thing Sarah would want.

But there was one person Colton could call. Fred Higgins. The man was his closest neighbor and one of the most vigilant people he knew. If there was any suspicious activity in this area, Fred would know about it.

The man always woke at the crack of dawn, and it was already past 7:00 a.m. Quickly, Colton dialed his number and waited for an answer. Mr. Higgins didn’t disappoint.

“What I can I do for you, Hawk?”

“Morning, Higgins. Listen, did you hear anyone coming down our road last night?” Colton got right to the heart of the matter, knowing the ex-military man would appreciate his directness.

“Funny you ask that. As a matter of fact, I did. An old beat up sedan came through about four thirty, taking it real slow.”

Sarah. That had to be Sarah’s car. “An old friend is here visiting me.”

“Good to know. Strange thing is that a few minutes later, another car crept by.”

Colton’s spine stiffened. “Is that right?”

Colton walked to the window and peered out, looking for any sign that someone was there. The sun hadn’t risen yet, and everything was still clothed in darkness, making it nearly impossible to see.

“That’s right. But it turned around and left a few minutes later. Figured someone got lost.”

Colton wished he felt as confident about that. But at least he knew more now. “Thanks, Mr. Higgins.”

“Everything okay?”

“It’s fine. I know you like to keep an eye on this mountain. My friend thought she saw someone behind her.”

“Well, she was right. But, like I said, that other car turned around.”

But that also meant that someone knew where Sarah was. Most likely, the killer. The thought made Colton’s stomach churn.

“Will you let me know if you see anyone else?” Colton asked.

“Absolutely.”

Colton ended the call and leaned against the wall as the impact of this early morning’s encounter hit him. Sarah…he never thought he’d see her again, especially not like this.

The two had met when he’d been a detective in Seattle. Sarah had worked in a coffee shop he liked to frequent. They started talking about some of the artwork hanging on the walls, and Sarah had finally admitted the paintings were hers and that she’d been working as a barista just until she got her big break in the art world.

After a month of coming in every day for coffee, Colton had finally asked her out. They were inseparable after that first date. They’d gotten engaged six months later and planned for a spring wedding.

But one night on a case, Colton had been forced to shoot an intoxicated, belligerent man who’d put innocent people in the line of fire. Guilt had haunted Colton ever since—especially when he remembered the rage the man’s wife had toward him afterward. He wasn’t a hero to her. No, he was the villain.

It wasn’t long after that that Colton had decided to move from Seattle to northern Idaho. He wanted a slower pace of life in a more peaceful area. He wanted a lot of land and clean air and fewer demands.

Sarah had seemed onboard at first…and then she’d taken that job at an art gallery in Spokane, saying it was too big of an opportunity to pass up.

Apparently, that opportunity was bigger and more important than he was. His stomach clenched at the memories.

His life looked so much different today than it had two years ago. Colton had taken a break from police work. Instead, he built live-edge tables out in his barn.

His friend with the state police called him every month, asking when he wanted to come work for him. But Colton had refused. He’d know when the time was right to go back—if he ever did go back.

Despite all of that, sometimes he wished he could turn back time and go back to those days when his life had seemed so full. Back when he’d had someone to share his sorrows and joys. When his dreams of having a family had seemed close enough to touch.

There was no use dwelling on all of that now. He had other more pressing concerns to think about. The first thing he wanted to do right now was move Sarah’s car out of sight—just in case.

He grabbed Sarah’s car keys—she’d left them on the table—and then went outside and climbed into her sedan.

Colton cranked the engine and slowly pulled around to the back of his cabin.

As he did, he glanced around. This car was old. It was the one Sarah had back when they’d been engaged. And it had been unreliable then.

In fact, Colton was surprised the vehicle had even made it this far. It was probably fifteen years old, one of the seats was ripped and the engine made a puttering sound.

Colton put the car into Park and shook his head. Just what had happened with Sarah in the past two years?

His jaw tightened. It wasn’t important. That wasn’t his business. Nor was what kind of car Sarah was driving or what kind of condition it was in.

As he took the keys out of the ignition, he glanced on the floor and saw a bag there. It seemed out of place in the vehicle. The leather looked expensive and new.

Colton started to reach for it and then stopped himself.

No, he wouldn’t look inside. That was too intrusive. But his curiosity was sparked.

He glanced down at it one more time and saw a tag on the side labeling the bag as Buzz’s. This must be dog supplies.

At that thought, he unzipped it, checking to see if there were items inside that he needed to take into his house for Buzz.

Instead, he saw money.

A lot of money.

Carefully, he prodded the bag open more. His eyes widened.

Just by looking, Colton would guess there was at least fifty thousand dollars there.

Where had Sarah gotten that money? He couldn’t even begin to imagine.

Had she gotten in with the wrong crowd? Had she done something illegal?

Colton didn’t like the conclusions that his mind started to form.

But he needed to be more cautious now than ever.

FOUR

Colton climbed out of Sarah’s car, locked the doors and went back inside the house. He wandered into the kitchen and pulled out what food he had in his refrigerator. Maybe something to eat would help them sort out the situation.

He put some water on to boil for rice and found a can of gravy. This would work as dog food until he could get something else.

A few minutes later, Colton heard the water stop and the bathroom door open. The clothes disappeared from the hallway.

Colton’s pulse pounded at the thought of talking to Sarah again. It had been so long, and there was so much he wanted to say to her, to ask her. But he needed to keep himself in check. The last thing he wanted was to get hurt again.

Buzz lay at his feet, keeping a watchful eye on the house. “Long night, huh, buddy?”

The dog stared back at him, seeming to take everything in.

“Your food is almost ready,” Colton continued. “Maybe you could use something in your stomach too.”

Buzz raised his nose to the air and sniffed his approval.

Just then, Sarah emerged from the hallway, her hair wet and her skin flushed. Yet she looked adorable. She always did.

“Thank you for the clothes… I can’t believe you kept them.” She stopped at the kitchen counter, looking a touch self-conscious.

“I meant to get rid of them. I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t.”

“I guess so.”

Colton nodded toward the kitchen table. “Look, why don’t you sit down? I’ll fix some breakfast.”

Her lips twisted down in an adorable half frown that Colton often thought about. It wasn’t just that expression. He often thought about Sarah. He thought about her too much, for that matter.

He knew he needed to move on—to find someone who’d be more committed to him than a career. But there was no one else like Sarah. Despite that, she was off-limits.

“If you don’t mind, then that sounds good. Thank you.” She glanced around. “This place looks really great, by the way. It’s rustic, but it’s got a bit of style to it. Did you make this live-edge table yourself?”

He nodded and began scrambling some eggs in a bowl. “As a matter of fact, I did.”

He liked working with his hands. It was quiet work that helped him to sort out his thoughts. He had a barn out back that he used as a workshop. He’d thought on more than one occasion about how much Sarah would enjoy a space like that to paint. The view of the mountains out the back was amazing.

As he poured the eggs into a sizzling pan, the timer went off. The rice was ready. He put the food in a bowl and waited for it to cool.

Buzz scooted a little closer, and Colton smiled, tossing down a small piece of egg for the dog to eat. A few minutes later, the omelets were finished, and Colton set the plates on the table so they could eat.

“Green onions, cheese and ham,” he said. “Is that still good?”

He was rewarded with a smile.

“It’s perfect,” Sarah said. “Thank you.”

He placed a bowl of rice and gravy on the floor for Buzz and then sat down. “So, how did you meet this Loretta woman?”

Sarah forced herself to swallow a bite of her breakfast, not hungry but trying to eat anyway. “It’s kind of a strange story. I was actually participating in an art show in Spokane. It was outdoors. I saw Buzz near my booth. He’d stepped on something. I went over to help him and found a rock had gotten lodged in his paw.”

“Poor guy.”

Sarah flashed a bittersweet smile at the dog. “Yeah, he wasn’t feeling too great. I decided to wait with him until his owner came back. Loretta showed up. Apparently, Buzz had gotten away from her. She was in her wheelchair and had attempted to take him out to the show. She offered me some money for my trouble. I told her I couldn’t accept anything. She ended up coming over to my booth and purchasing a painting instead. She talked to me a little about my work, and genuinely seemed to like it.”

“How did that lead to a job?”

Sarah put her fork down. “At that point, she knew my name and even my number—I’d given her my business card. She called me two months later and offered me a job as Buzz’s caretaker, as well as part-time personal assistant. She said the job would still allow me time to work on my art. It was like an answer to prayer.”

“It sounds like it.”

“It wasn’t always easy. Not at all. Loretta wasn’t the easiest to get along with. But I really respected the work she was doing in the medical community, and it was an honor to work for her. She was a medical researcher, and she developed a drug to help people with arthritis.”

“That’s great, Sarah.”

She picked up her fork again but looked uncertain. “I know this sounds weird, but could we turn on the TV? I want to see if they’re reporting Loretta’s death yet and what they’re saying about it if they are.”

“Of course.”

Colton flipped on the morning news. Breaking news aired over the station.

All the blood drained from Colton’s face when Sarah’s picture appeared on the screen. The headline proclaimed that Sarah Peterson, twenty-seven, was wanted for the murder of famed medical researcher Loretta Blanchard. The news anchor continued, saying that there was now a manhunt to find Sarah and warning viewers that she could be dangerous.

Sarah exchanged a look with Colton.

This was much, much worse than he’d imagined it would be.

Because not only was a killer potentially looking for Sarah, but so were the police.

“The police think I killed Loretta,” Sarah murmured, her head spinning. “Why would they think that? I would never hurt anyone.”

“Someone could have seen you run from the scene,” Colton told her. “It would be a natural assumption.”

She put her fork down, her thoughts clashing inside her until her head pounded. “You’re right. Of course I look guilty. I was the last person seen with her. Her blood was on my sweater.”

Colton squeezed her arm. “Don’t panic yet. We could talk to the police, explain what happened—”

“I told you, no police. I can’t risk it.” Especially now that Sarah knew they thought she was guilty.

“The police aren’t your enemy, Sarah.” Colton’s voice was quiet and calm—but also full of conviction.

“I didn’t say they were. But Loretta had reasons for everything. There was a reason she said that. She…she was one of the smartest women I’ve ever met.”

Colton frowned, looking as if he was trying to find the right words. “Not coming forward will only make you look more guilty.”

Sarah shrugged, knowing his words were true but unable to verbally agree with him. “I just don’t know what to say or do.”

Colton opened his mouth, like he was about to say more. Before he could, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and frowned again before answering.

Sarah tried to interpret the one-sided conversation but couldn’t. She only knew something was wrong. Colton’s voice sounded stiff, and he glanced at the window.

He ended the call and stood. “You and Buzz need to go to the back bedroom. Now. Lock the doors, and don’t come out until I tell you.”

Alarm raced through her. “Why? What’s going on?”

“My neighbor saw someone coming up the lane toward the house.” Colton walked toward the window.

“And that’s strange?”

Colton looked back, locking gazes with her. “There are only two places they could be going—his house or mine, and neither of us are expecting anyone.”

Sarah’s heart rate surged. It was the killer, wasn’t it? Or the police. Either way, her future looked bleak enough that nausea rose in her so quickly that she grasped her stomach.

“You need to go. Now.” Colton pulled out the gun from his waistband, his jaw set with steely determination.

Sarah didn’t argue. She scrambled away, hardly able to breathe.

But as she locked the door, Buzz beside her, she pressed her ear there, trying to hear what was going on.

It was silent as Colton waited, seeming to prepare himself for battle.

“Buzz, what’s going on?” She reached down and wrapped her arms around the dog, relishing his soft fur.

The dog let out a whine and licked her cheek. Buzz knew something was wrong also.

Sarah waited, praying for safety and favor. But the moments felt like hours.

Flashbacks from earlier hit her, each one making her flinch. Images of seeing that man in Loretta’s room. Watching as Loretta took her last breath.

Sarah remembered running. Fearing the man was following her. Fearing what he would do if he caught Sarah too.

Now Colton was in danger.

She stood and pressed herself into the wall, resisting the urge to look out the window and see what was going on.

She didn’t have to.

She heard tires crunching on gravel in the distance.

Someone was here.

Sarah braced herself for whatever would happen next.

Colton rushed to the window, reaching for the gun at his waistband. Who would be coming here at this time of the day?

No one—unless it was an emergency or unless it was trouble.

His breath caught when no vehicles emerged at the end of the lane.

Someone had started this way and stopped.

Colton’s instincts were finely tuned from years of law enforcement—finely tuned enough not to believe in coincidences, especially given the circumstances right now.

No. Someone had scoped out this place. Seen his cabin. And then returned.

That person was most likely the one who’d sent Sarah that threatening text.

He wanted whatever it was he thought Sarah had.

Colton couldn’t let that happen. He wouldn’t let that happen.

Without thinking about it anymore, Colton stepped outside. He glanced around, listening for any signs of trouble.

He heard nothing.

Cautiously, he walked down his road, his gun still in hand.

He was never one to cower away from trouble, and he wasn’t going to start now.

With every step, Colton listened for any clues that someone was near. Stalking. Waiting.

He anticipated hearing footsteps. Twigs cracking.

All was silent except for the occasional rustle of wind or the crackle of icy snow beneath his boots.

He still didn’t let down his guard. If this criminal was in any way trained, he would know to disguise his presence. And based on everything Sarah had told him, this man very well could be someone who hadn’t killed in the heat of the moment but in premeditated murder. The thought wasn’t comforting.

As Colton turned the corner, he spotted a dark sedan tucked away at the end of the lane.

He froze. His heart pounded in his ears as anticipation built inside him. What was the driver doing?

The car didn’t move, and the windows were too tinted to see inside. The driver could be there…or he could have slipped out.

Colton’s gaze traveled to the front of the car, but the license plate was concealed by the brush.

Quickly, he scanned the woods.

Was the driver waiting behind one of these trees, watching Colton’s every move?

Colton heard nothing around him.

Cautiously, he took another step.

He wasn’t leaving here until he knew who was inside that car or until he at least got a license plate.

With every step, he listened, keenly aware of everything around him.

Suddenly, the car’s engine revved.

A moment later, the car charged toward him.

FIVE

What was taking so long? What was Colton doing out there? Sarah wondered.

A few minutes ago, it had sounded like the front door opened. Had Colton gone outside?

What if he was hurt right now? Hurt because Sarah had brought danger into his quiet life, the life that was supposed to keep him from situations like this one.

She glanced down at Buzz. The dog stared at her, as if trying to communicate, before letting out a bark.

“Something’s wrong, isn’t it?” she murmured.

Buzz barked again.

Sarah shushed him, trying not to draw any more attention to them than necessary. Buzz’s barking could alert an intruder that they were here. Since she had no idea what was going on outside this room, she had to be cautious.

Taking a tentative step, Sarah went to the window and peered out. Just as she shoved the curtain aside, she saw a car careen toward Colton at the end of the lane.

She braced herself for whatever would happen next while frantically praying.

Please, Lord, help him. Keep him safe. Please!

Just before the car hit him, Colton dove into the woods. The black sedan did a swift U-turn. Then it sped off, leaving a trail of dust behind it.

Was Colton okay?

Sarah couldn’t stay in here any longer. She had to check on him.

If he got hurt because of her, then she’d never forgive herself.

“Come on, Buzz,” she called.

The dog remained on Sarah’s heels as she ran outside. Her bare feet crunched in the thick snow, and a painful ache began because of the cold. Her wet hair slapped her face before the strands froze together in clumps. Icy air invaded her lungs.

She didn’t care.

Colton could be in danger right now.

Moving as quickly as she could, Sarah hit the gravel road. Her feet were already numb now as they hit the rocky soil.

All she could think about was Colton and whether or not he was okay. That driver had tried to run him down.

The seriousness of the situation hit her again. Whoever was behind all of this wasn’t playing games. He’d rather kill again than risk being exposed.

Sarah pushed down a sliver of fear.

Just as she reached the end of the lane, Colton emerged from the woods. He rubbed his head and his eyes were narrow with irritation, but he otherwise looked okay.

Thank goodness.

She rushed toward him, stopping just short of touching him. She paused there, a bone-chilling wind sweeping around her, sending clumps of snow from the branches above down on them.

“Sarah, you shouldn’t be out here.”

“Are you okay?” she asked, still worried about him and studying his features for any sign that something was wrong. “I couldn’t leave you.”

“I’m okay. But I don’t want that man to see you if he comes back.” He took her elbow and turned her around. “Come on. Let’s get inside. Besides, you’re going to freeze out here.”

She ignored the charge of electricity she felt rush through her at his touch.

This was no time for electricity. Besides, she and Colton were finished. Done. There was no going back to fix what had happened between them.

Colton might forgive, but he didn’t forget.

Not that Sarah would ever want to get back together with him. It didn’t matter that she’d missed him and his companionship. Missed the kisses they’d shared. Missed the possibility of spending the future with someone.

But everyone she’d ever loved had disappointed her. Why should Colton be different?

Sarah had so many questions she wanted to ask about what had just happened. But she held them in.

For now.

Instead, she listened for a minute. She didn’t hear the car. Didn’t hear footsteps or yells. Buzz seemed calm.

Those were all good things, but she didn’t know how long they would last.

As soon as they stepped into his cabin, Colton locked the door and then peered out the window again. His entire body looked tense and on alert.

“Is the man still there?” Sarah demanded, a surge of anxiety rising in her. What if he came back? What if he killed all of them, just like he’d killed Loretta?

Colton’s gaze remained focused out the window. “I don’t see him. Was that the car that followed you?”

“I… I don’t know. Maybe. It was so dark that I could really only see headlights. But whoever was driving the car just now left. What does that mean? If he knew I was here, wouldn’t he have stayed?” Sarah walked toward the fire, unable to ignore just how cold she was and how badly her feet hurt.

“He may have been feeling this area out. If he lost you as you came down the road, then he may have come here looking for your car. He may be looking for confirmation.”

“My car…” Sarah’s heart skipped a beat. It had been out front, hadn’t it? She hadn’t been paying attention, but that was where she left it.

Colton looked back at her, his gaze softening. “I moved it behind the house, so he didn’t see it. I don’t think he saw you when you ran out either.”

“He could have killed you.” The words caught in Sarah’s throat. No matter what had happened between the two of them in the past, she couldn’t live with herself if something happened to Colton because of her.

“He could have. But, most likely, he doesn’t know with certainty that I know you. If he knew you were here, he would have kept on going right to the house to find you and complete his mission.”

“You think?” She shuddered. That had been close. So, so close.

“He was aggressive. He wouldn’t have let me stop him.”

“Maybe he’ll move on now…” Sarah walked over to the window and glanced out also, half expecting to see the car again.

Instead, the peaceful woods stared back, the early morning sky stretching above the frosted evergreens.

Colton’s expression remained grim, as if he didn’t want to give her false hope. “If he suspects you’re in this area, then he’ll keep on looking.”

Sarah trembled again. “So what should I do?”

His jaw tightened with resolve as he continued to stare out the window, not saying anything for a minute. “We don’t have any choice but to get out of here. We have to operate as if this is a worst-case scenario. That guy could come back—we don’t want to be here if he does.”

“We?” The words came out as a squeak, and Sarah’s hand flew to her throat.

Colton nodded. “I can’t send you out there alone, Sarah.”

“I… I don’t want to put you at risk.” She’d pulled him into danger with her. What had she been thinking? Why had she come here? She would have been better off driving until her car couldn’t make it any farther.

But when she’d thought of safety, Colton was the first person who had come to mind.

Colton stepped closer and lowered his voice. “You’re not. I’m going with you, Sarah. Nothing you say will change my mind.”

She didn’t want to feel pleased. Didn’t want to feel the shiver that rushed down her spine. Didn’t want to find benefit in the thought that someone else was in harm’s way.

But Sarah did feel relief wash through her.

Because she knew she couldn’t do this on her own. And Sarah could do it with Colton by her side. But their history was going to be their biggest obstacle.

Colton’s eyes continually scanned the road as he traveled from his cabin into the majestic countryside. Snowcapped peaks surrounded him, along with rocky terrain and what in the summer months was a rollicking river.

These were the things he’d moved to the area for—the peace and serenity of wide-open spaces and clean air.

But right now, he found no joy in his surroundings. Not knowing what he did. Not with everything he’d learned that was going on with Sarah.

He hadn’t seen the dark-colored sedan since he’d left his cabin twenty minutes ago, but he still didn’t let down his guard. Someone who was determined to kill Sarah wouldn’t give up that easily.

They’d left quickly. Sarah had packed up some of her old clothes, as well as a few extra supplies for Buzz, including a water dish. Colton had also packed a bag, as well as some snacks and water. He’d slipped Sarah’s bloody clothing into the bottom of his duffel, just in case. He didn’t want to leave them there for just anyone to discover.

Glancing in the backseat, he also saw that Sarah had grabbed the bag from her car. She didn’t act suspicious, like she felt guilty about whatever was inside.

But Colton couldn’t stop thinking about it. Maybe Sarah had sold a painting. Maybe she had a good explanation for having that kind of cash.

But what if she didn’t?

He would ask her. Soon. When the time was right.

“Where are we going?” Sarah’s arm snaked into the backseat of his double cab, and she rubbed Buzz’s head. She’d done that often since they left, and the dog’s presence seemed to calm her.

She wore some old jeans and a blue flannel shirt. Her hair—wet when they’d left—had been pulled back into a bun. She had no makeup on, but she didn’t need any. Her skin looked perfect just the way it was. Colton had given her an old jacket of his—a thick black one that would keep her warm outside. She’d also found some old boots in that trunk, back from when they used to go hiking together.

Colton glanced at Buzz again. He liked having the dog with them. The canine had perceptive eyes, and he always stood on guard. Without ever witnessing it, he could tell that Buzz would do whatever it took to protect Sarah.

“I think we should go back to Spokane,” he told Sarah.

Sarah’s wide eyes focused on him. “Spokane? Why would we go back there? Shouldn’t we get as far away as possible?”

“A couple of reasons. First of all, I doubt this guy would think you’d go back.”

“That could be true, I guess.” She shrugged, still looking uncertain.

“Second, I think we need to figure out what happened to Loretta ourselves.”

“Why would we do that?” Sarah’s voice climbed with anxiety. “I mean, the police are looking for me. Won’t they be more likely to find me there in Spokane?”

“I realize that, so we’ll need to be careful. But I think the only way we’re going to put this behind us is to find answers ourselves.”

She gasped and paused before she said, “You think we should find the killer? Is that what you’re saying.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s what I’m saying.” Colton knew it sounded crazy, but he’d worked in law enforcement for more than a decade. If he trusted his instincts, he knew this was the right plan.

“How are we going to do that?”

Colton stared straight ahead as the sun peeked just over the trees, the new day settling in for a while. “We need to talk. I need more information.”

“I can do that but…what about your work? I know you have a job. You can’t just leave.” Sarah sounded halfway panicked and halfway guilt ridden.

It was kind of her to be concerned about him. Sarah had always been sensitive and intuitive. It made her a great artist. She picked up on things that others didn’t.

At one time, Colton had loved that about her.

“I’m just doing some woodworking right now, Sarah. I’m on sabbatical from my work in law enforcement.”

“But—”

He glanced at her and shook his head, trying to nip this conversation in the bud. “No buts about it. Now, tell me more about your boss.”

Sarah shifted, pulling her arm back into her lap and staring straight ahead at the road. “Loretta? I hardly know what to say. She was…she was esteemed in the medical community. She was a real genius.”

“Did she have enemies?”

“I… I don’t know. I mean, I didn’t work for her that long, so I didn’t get to meet many people who knew her. She was demanding and a perfectionist. I guess that’s why she was good at her job. But she also had ALS. She was in a wheelchair. She didn’t even have a chance to defend herself…” Sarah’s voice broke as tears streamed down her face.

“I’m sorry, Sarah.” Colton’s heart squeezed with compassion. This situation would be a lot for anyone, but for someone as tenderhearted as Sarah it would be devastating.

“I just keep picturing her. I keep seeing her in her room, on the floor, with the man standing over her. It was so horrible, Colton.” She sniffled again and used her sleeve to wipe beneath her eyes.

He reached over and squeezed her knee. Colton hadn’t intended on touching Sarah, but he couldn’t stand to see her looking so alone, especially considering what she’d been through. No one should have to be so isolated in their suffering—not when they had someone right beside them.

“Seeing that would be hard on anyone,” he murmured.

Using her sleeve, Sarah wiped beneath her eyes again. “I’ve always known that there’s danger in the world. But seeing it firsthand… I just can’t stop thinking about it.”

“We’re going to get through this, Sarah.” There Colton went again, promising Sarah things. Promising a future—no matter how potentially long or short. Their paths were intertwined, for now, at least.

Just as he said the words, a black sedan came into view behind him.

Colton pulled his hand back from Sarah’s knee and gripped the steering wheel, his law enforcement training kicking into gear.

“What is it?” Sarah asked, glancing behind them. “Is that the car?”

“I don’t know. But I’m not taking any chances.”

SIX

Sarah gripped the door handle, her lungs frozen as she waited to see what would happen next. Would the driver try to run them of the road? Would he shoot? Try to kill them?

She had no idea. But each possibility made her head pound harder.

How had her life turned into such a nightmare? Things had just seemed to be getting back on track. She finally found a better place to live. Another job. All her mistakes seemed to be haunting her less and less.

And now this?

She glanced over her shoulder again. The sedan was still back there, but it wasn’t close. No, the driver kept a decent distance behind them.

Maybe that was a good sign, an indication they’d be safe for a while longer. But Sarah knew the interlude wouldn’t last for long. If Sarah had to guess, they were still forty-five minutes away from Spokane. The town was almost two hours from Colton’s house, which was just north of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Expertly, Colton began weaving in and out of traffic. The closer they came to Spokane, the more congestion they’d encountered. It was mostly commuters, some logging trucks and a few semis.

“What are we going to do?” Sarah couldn’t seem to stop asking that question.

“We’re going to lose them.” Colton sounded so confident as he said the words. He always had that calm, soothing way about him. While everyone else panicked, he calmly assessed a situation and became the hero.

She gripped the door harder as her thoughts continued to race. “How did he even find us again? He wasn’t back there when we left. I’ve been watching, and I know you have also.”

Colton glanced in the rearview mirror. “He must be tracking you somehow. It’s the only thing that makes sense.”

“How in the world would he track me?”

“I only have one guess. Your phone.”

“My phone…?” It made sense, Sarah supposed. The man had her number—he’d called her using Loretta’s cell. The device had a GPS locater that he could have somehow tapped into, if he had the right skills or knowledge. “What should I do? Throw it out the window?”

“No, I have another idea. I don’t think he knows for sure that we’re in this truck.” He eased into another lane.

“Why do you say that?”

Colton glanced in the rearview mirror again and pressed the accelerator harder. “It’s just a hunch. He seems to be keeping his options open and staying behind several vehicles. I’m going to play a little game with him so I can know for sure.”

Sarah nodded, her throat tight. She was going to have to trust Colton on this one because she had other ideas about what they should be doing.

As the road curved up ahead, Colton hit the accelerator and sped just out of sight. He turned at a large gas station and parked beside a semitruck. Moving quickly, he took Sarah’s phone, instructed her to stay in the car, and then rushed out.

As Colton walked past the back of the semitruck, he nestled the phone in the back bumper of the vehicle. Based on the snug fit, it should stay there for a while.

He glanced around.

No one looked his way.

Moving quickly, Colton headed back to his car, jumped into the driver’s seat and sped around to the back of the building to wait.

“Why are we staying here?” Sarah’s voice sounded breathless with fear.

“I need to see what happens.” The semi was just in his line of sight. He had to keep a careful eye on it. Otherwise, his plan would be all for nothing.

“If your guess is wrong, then we’re sitting ducks,” Sarah whispered.

Her words were a somber reminder. She was right. The stakes were high right now—it could cost them their lives. But he had to rely on his gut instinct at the moment. It was all he had.

“You’re right,” Colton said. “So let’s hope I’m not wrong.”

“Comforting.” Sarah crossed her arms and slunk down lower.

Though Colton was just out of sight, he could still see the truck where he’d planted Sarah’s phone. He watched carefully, waiting for the black sedan to appear.

His breath caught when he saw the car slowly creep into the parking lot and pull into a space.

Part of Colton wanted to get out and confront the driver right here. But he couldn’t do that. The man could be dangerous—could have a gun and put other people at risk. No, Colton had other ideas right now—ideas that required patience.

“Colton?”

He raised a finger, asking for silence. “Just a minute.”

He could feel the tension—the fear—in the car. Even Buzz seemed to notice. The dog stuck his nose into the front seat and sniffled, like he smelled danger was near.

A minute later, the semitrailer pulled out of the lot. Colton waited, watching to see what would happen next.

The sedan pulled out after it.

Sarah gasped. “Wait…”

“Someone was tracking the phone.”

After giving the driver a good head start, Colton followed as he headed down the road. He wanted to follow this car. See who was inside.

Because the driver had some answers—answers they needed.

But there was also more than one way to figure out who was behind that wheel.

With his eyes on the car, he pulled out his phone and called a friend, Jim Larsen, with the highway patrol.

“Colton, what can I do for you?”

“Hey, Jim. I need you to run some plates for me for a case I’m working,” Colton said. “Would you mind?”

“Not at all. What do you have?”

Colton rattled off the license plate.

“I’ll do it right now. One second.”

Colton waited, anxious to hear what Jim found out.

A moment later, his friend came back on the line. “Car belongs to a Randolph Stephens in Spokane.”

“Randolph Stephens?” Colton repeated, glancing at Sarah.

She shrugged, indicating the name wasn’t familiar.

“Anything else on this guy?” Colton asked.

“I don’t see any priors. Not even a parking ticket.”

“That’s great. Thank you, Jim.”

Colton ended the call. At least it was something. He’d take whatever information he could get right now.

Randolph Stephens?

Sarah turned the name over in her head as they continued down the highway.

Had Loretta ever said the name?

Sarah didn’t think so. She’d probably remember a name like Randolph. It was unique enough that she didn’t hear it often.

Colton handed her his phone. “Do me a favor. Do an internet search for me for this Randolph Stephens guy. Tell me if anything comes up or if he looks familiar.”

Sarah took the device from him and stared at the screen a moment. “I need your code.”

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