Wilde Thing

by Jannine Gallant

  The wind whipped icy pellets of sleet through the air, stinging her cheeks. Head down, she trudged through the parking lot. Ahead, the shuttle exited in a cloud of exhaust. As she crossed toward the terminal building, she coughed into her arm then jerked to a stop when the wheel of her suitcase caught. Turning back, she reached down to loosen the chunk of ice.

  The impact as the car hit her sent Hannah sprawling onto the snow-covered pavement. Pain ricocheted through her hip. All she could do was moan and roll left as the car sped away. Lying still, she tried to gather her bearings. Her right leg burned and throbbed.

  “Lady, are you okay?” Someone touched her arm. “You’re bleeding.”

  Putting her hands out, she pushed upright. The man hovering over her helped her to a sitting position. Wide brown eyes regarded her from beneath a blue knit hat. Her benefactor couldn’t be much more than twenty and looked almost as horrified as she was.

  “I’m okay, I think. My leg hurts.”

  “Your pants are ripped.”

  She glanced down. The material of her black pants was torn, and the side of her thigh was scraped and bleeding. A shudder slid through her.

  “The edge of the fender must have got you. You’re going to have a hell of a bruise, but you’re lucky you aren’t dead.”

  Hannah didn’t feel lucky. “Can you help me up?”

  “Sure.” Bending, he slid one arm around her and practically lifted her to her feet. “Let’s get you inside.”

  “Thank you.” She leaned on him and limped toward the door into the terminal. The throbbing pain in her leg nearly brought her to tears. Heading to the nearest chair, she dropped onto it with a moan.

  “Want me to call 9-1-1?”

  Hannah glanced up. “I’m not hurt badly enough to need an ambulance.”

  “I meant to notify the cops. That guy almost killed you.”

  “I guess so.” She drew in a shaky breath. “Did you see the person driving?”

  “No. I don’t even know if it was a man or woman. The car was a black sedan. I was just coming outside when it clipped you.”

  “I’ll call the police.” She reached for her purse then glanced around as panic took hold. “My purse.”

  “It was lying in the snow by your suitcase. Sit tight, and I’ll go get your stuff.”

  “Thank you.”

  A pair of young women hauling ski bags followed by an older couple entered along with a gust of cold air. Undoubtedly all four newcomers were there to catch the same flight she was. The matronly woman gave her a couple of quick glances before walking over. Her brow furrowed. “Can I help you, young lady? You’re obviously hurt.”

  Hannah’s smile trembled. “Thanks, but someone just went out to get my things.”

  “Did you fall?”

  “I was hit by a car.” She shifted on the seat and winced. “I’ll call the police once he brings me my phone, but I appreciate your concern.”

  “Mildred, we need to check in.”

  The woman glanced over her shoulder then nodded and walked away.

  When the door opened again, Hannah sighed in relief. Her Good Samaritan crossed the floor and handed over her purse. “My ride just showed up, but I can stick around if you’d like.”

  “That’s okay. The police might want to talk to you, though. I’m Hannah, by the way.”

  He smiled. “I’m Nate. You’re right about the cops. I’ll go tell my buddy to park and come inside.”

  After he left, she pulled out her cell and dialed 9-1-1. A brief conversation ended with the operator telling her to stay put and wait for the deputy, who would be there within a few minutes. After assuring the woman she didn’t need an ambulance, she hung up. Tears smarted. Hannah squeezed her eyes shut then opened them and tapped Tripp’s number.

  He answered on the second ring. “Hey.” His tone held a hint of uncertainty. “Are you at the airport?”

  “Yes.” Her voice cracked.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “A car hit me in the parking lot.”

  “Are you hurt?”

  “Scraped and bruised.” She tried to control the tremor in her voice and failed. “Scared. The police are on the way. The driver left the scene.”

  “Why would he leave? Wait a minute.” Tripp’s voice rose. “Wasn’t it an accident?”

  “No, I’m pretty sure the driver tried to nail me. If I hadn’t stopped and turned at just the right moment…” She let out a breath when the loudspeaker crackled and the woman behind the counter announced the flight to Denver would be boarding shortly. “I’m pretty sore. I don’t think I can manage hustling through an airport to change planes. I’ll probably miss the flight, anyway, since they just called it.”

  “Shit. Damn it! I’m coming to get you. Don’t go anywhere, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “I’m down in the gym. I’ll run up to the room and dump my gear then be on my way. Forty minutes, tops, until I get there.”

  When the door opened again, she glanced up. A uniformed deputy stepped inside, accompanied by Nate.

  “I have to go. The deputy is here.”

  “I’ll be there soon. Damn, I can’t believe this! Stay safe.”

  “Thanks, Tripp.” She disconnected.

  The officer stopped in front of her. “I’m Deputy Lund. Are you sure you don’t need medical attention?”

  Hannah shook her head. “No, I’m okay.”

  “You might want to rethink that decision.” Blue eyes held compassion. “You don’t look so good.”

  “I’m fine. Really.” She shifted on the chair and winced.

  “Let me know if you change your mind.” He pulled out a pad and pen. “What happened?”

  “Someone tried to kill me. Again.”

  Chapter 20

  Tripp took the turn into the parking lot in front of the airport terminal going way too fast and skidded to stop. Not a soul was in sight. Apparently the deputy had finished questioning Hannah and left since his vehicle wasn’t in the lot. Jumping out of the rental car, he slammed the door and pocketed the keys, then ran toward the building.

  His heart thumped as he pushed open the door and stepped inside. Hannah sat on a vinyl chair to the right of the check-in counter, head tilted back against the wall, eyes closed. She was the only person in the room other than the employee who glanced over to smile at him. Some of his tension drained away as he hurried across the floor.

  Hannah opened her eyes, and relief filled them. “You’re here.”

  “I drove like a bat out of hell.” He crouched down beside her and took her hands. “How’re you doing?”

  “I’m stiff, and my leg is throbbing. Thanks for coming.”

  “Jesus, Hannah. I can’t believe this happened.” Rising, he helped her to her feet then pulled her against his chest and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “I was worried out of my mind the whole drive here.”

  “I told you I was okay.”

  “I needed to see for myself. Your coat is filthy.”

  She brushed at the dirt-streaked wool. “You should have seen my pants. I had to throw them away, but I was able to wash out the abrasions pretty thoroughly in the restroom before I changed.”

  He stroked a thumb across her cheek. “The deputy finished questioning you?”

  “Yes. He also took a statement from a witness who was nice enough to help me out after I was thrown down. The guy saw a lot more of the car than I did.” She let out a sigh. “The police are looking for it now.”

  “Let’s hope they find the crazy-assed lunatic.” Pulling back, he gripped her arms. “Are you ready to go?”

  “Please. I’d love to get out of here.” Her voice wobbled a little. “I just couldn’t face the plane changes, not to mention the tight seats when I feel like I’ve been…well, run over.”

  “I’m glad you called me.” Slipping an arm around her, he grabbed her suitcase with his free hand and steered her toward the
door. “Do you want me to pull the car up to the front?”

  “No, I can walk as long as you don’t expect me to move very fast.”

  He glanced down as he ushered her outside and tried to shield her from the harsh wind. “Should we go to the ER to get you checked out?”

  “I’m just bruised and scraped. I didn’t hit my head this time, thank God.”

  He clamped his teeth together to bite off an oath. Hannah didn’t need to listen to him vent his frustration. Goddamn homicidal asshole. Reaching the parked car, he pulled open the door and helped her inside then tossed her suitcase in the backseat. She carefully adjusted her position then leaned back and let out a sigh.

  After he climbed in his side and started the engine, he gave her a quick smile. “We’ll get you back to the hotel where you can be comfortable.”

  “I called my mom to tell her I wouldn’t be coming home today, after all. She actually stopped complaining long enough to ask if I was all right when I told her a car ran me down.”

  His grip on the wheel tightened as he turned out of the parking lot onto the road. “Amazing.”

  “I know, right? I think she wanted to somehow make it all my fault, but couldn’t figure out how on such short notice.”

  He snorted.

  “Tripp, this doesn’t change anything between us. I appreciate you coming to get me, but I still think we need a break.”

  Not the most encouraging start to a conversation when all he really wanted to do was hold her close and never let her out of his sight again. Forcing down his overprotective urges, he let out a calming breath. “Marco has a spare bed? Well, he can damn well let me bunk with him, and you can have our room.”

  He glanced over when she didn’t answer right away. Her golden eyes were filled with emotions he couldn’t identify…except maybe a bit of gratitude.

  “I appreciate that.” She shifted on the seat and winced. “Uh, do you think we should talk about who did this?”

  He scowled and pressed harder on the gas. The car raced down the black ribbon of highway through the frozen tundra. “If hitting you was deliberate, I have to assume the same person who made the other attempts on us is responsible.”

  “But this time the incident was directed solely at me.”

  “Which means we were wrong to consider one of the other skiers had something to do with our accidents. So, we’re left with the fact that we witnessed a murder.”

  She nodded. “Exactly what I was thinking. Whoever killed Monica believes we know more than we do…or that I do, at least.” Her fists clenched on her lap. “I can only assume he’s somehow convinced I’ll eventually out him to the police if he doesn’t stop me first.”

  Tripp glanced over again. “Why wouldn’t you have told them everything you know already?”

  Her brow creased. “I have no idea. It’s not as if I had much of a connection to Monica or to anyone she might have seriously angered. At least I don’t think I do.”

  “Seems likely the person who ran you down is one of the men we saw leaving the parking lot that night. The bearded guy in blue or the man in the black jacket who did the actual pushing from the chairlift.”

  “And the irony is I didn’t see either one well enough to identify him in a lineup.”

  “I might be able to pick out the bearded man.” Tripp tapped the steering wheel with his index fingers. “I wonder if the police have any suspects. If they do, maybe one of them is somehow connected to you.”

  “Do you think they’d give us a list?”

  “Seriously doubtful, but when we get back to Tahoe, we can at least ask.”

  Hannah sighed. “I told the deputy who took my statement today about all the other incidents. He said he’d be in touch with the Placer County sheriff. He couldn’t offer me any formal protection, but he did caution me to be aware of my surroundings at all times and not to wander around alone.” She adjusted her leg then grimaced. “He didn’t want to leave me before you got there, but an emergency call came in.”

  “He’s right to caution you.” Tripp forced out a calming breath. “Not that it matters since you aren’t going anywhere without me.” He gritted his teeth. “Or possibly Marco when I’m out on the mountain. As long as my trainer doesn’t try to prove he’s not gay again.” His gaze strayed her way.

  That comment actually elicited a smile. Seeing her sober expression lighten for a moment eased some of the tension knotting his stomach. He focused on the road as they drove in silence for several minutes before another thought struck. “You’re not still considering going back to Tahoe without me, are you?”

  “I guess not. I’m not brave enough to stay alone in my cabin while some maniac is out to kill me.”

  “Well, that’s a relief.” He whooshed out a breath. Even if she didn’t want to share a room, at least he’d be able to spend time with her, maybe even convince her he wasn’t a total idiot. The boob-signing incident was strike one. He’d blown his second chance in the hot tub. He wasn’t about to risk a third, but he wouldn’t kid himself that convincing Hannah of his sincerity would be easy.

  “Hey, Sawyer and Devin are arriving tomorrow. You and Devin can hang out together. I’m sure you’ll appreciate a bit of girl time after being around no one but guys for the last few days.”

  “Devin’s great. I talked to her a few times at Griff and Ainslee’s engagement party. We got along well.”

  “Perfect.” Maybe he could convince Devin to put in a good word for him. At this point, he’d take any help he could get because right now all he wanted was Hannah. Too bad it had taken nearly losing her to make him realize just how much.

  * * * *

  When her phone vibrated in her pocket for the second time since they’d sat down to eat, Hannah pulled it out and glanced at the display. The sheriff’s office. Her appetite disappeared faster than the egg roll appetizer.

  She glanced across the table at Sawyer and Devin then offered a hesitant smile. “Excuse me, but I need to answer this.”

  “Of course.” Devin’s blue gaze held kindness and a touch of curiosity.

  Beside her, Tripp touched her arm. “Everything okay?”

  She nodded as she pushed back her chair and held the cell to her ear. “Hello.”

  “Miss Ryder?”

  “Yes.” Hannah stood, stepped out of the way of a waiter carrying a large tray, then headed toward the restaurant’s entrance.

  “This is Deputy Lund calling with an update on the hit-and-run you were involved in yesterday.”

  “Did you find the person who ran me down?” Stopping beside a window that overlooked the sidewalk where pedestrians hurried past, she stared out at the blowing snow and tightened her grip on the cell.

  “I’m afraid not. We did find an abandoned car that matches the description given to us by the witness. Since there was a piece of black fabric adhering to the fender, we’re relatively certain it’s the right vehicle. We’ll know for sure after we run some tests. Unfortunately, the car was stolen from a parking lot shortly before it hit you, and the driver must have been wearing gloves. The only prints on the vehicle belong to the owner, an elderly resident who left her keys in the ignition while she was grocery shopping.”

  “So, you won’t be able to track down the person who ran over me.” Her shoulders slumped.

  “We’re checking footage from video cameras, but we haven’t been able to come up with a decent shot of the suspect. I’m sorry I don’t have better news.”

  “I appreciate you calling.”

  “I did speak to the Placer County sheriff who questioned you about the suspicious death of the woman up in Tahoe. After the series of events you’ve reported, he’s concerned, as am I, about your safety.”

  “I’ll be careful, stay close to friends and keep an eye on the people around me. Do you know if the sheriff has any suspects in his investigation?”

  He hesitated for a moment. “That’s not information I’m at liberty to sh
are. You have my number. Please call if you remember anything else about the incident at the airport.”

  “I will. Thank you, Deputy Lund.” Hannah pushed the phone into her pocket then jumped when a hand touched her shoulder.

  Tripp’s eyes were clouded with uncertainty. “What’s going on?”

  She pressed a hand to her chest. “You startled me. That was the deputy I talked to at the airport. They found the car that hit me, but they can’t trace the driver.”

  “Damn.” He took her arm. “Let’s go back to the table. I gave Sawyer and Devin a brief rundown of what we saw out on the ski hill and everything that’s happened since.”

  “I wish he hadn’t called, at least not until after we finished dinner. I was actually enjoying myself instead of worrying, for a change.”

  “Either way, stressing isn’t going to help.” He sidestepped a woman herding a young child toward the restroom, then pulled out Hannah’s chair when they reached the table. “Okay, let’s forget about dead bodies and attempted murder while we eat.”

  Sawyer’s green eyes, so similar to Tripp’s, held concern. “I can think of better dinner topics.”

  Devin forked up a bite of kung pao chicken as Hannah and Tripp resumed their seats. “Sure, we can talk about something innocuous like how wedding preparations are making me want to elope. Everyone keeps asking for my opinion, and I honestly don’t care what kind of flowers we have or if the cake is white or yellow or carrot.”

  Tripp glance up from his plate. “What’s wrong with chocolate?”

  “Nothing. As far as I’m concerned, cake is cake and flowers are flowers. I’m good with anything as long as Sawyer shows up.”

  Tripp’s brother grinned then reached over to pat her hand. “No one wants you to feel left out.”

  “I’d be okay with that. I picked out my dress, and it’s spectacular.” She licked a drop of sauce off her finger. “Isn’t that enough?”

  Sawyer choked on his sweet and sour pork, and reached for his water glass.