by Dani Pettrey
Piper took a sip of hot chocolate before pulling out of the Kaner Resort parking lot. As nervous as Megan had been about meeting, in the end she’d been helpful. Tess was her first strong lead. Now Piper just had to track her down.
She placed her drink in the cup holder and turned right onto Highway 11—the only road connecting Yancey to the north side of the island. It was only a two-hour ride back to town, but with the excitement of a true lead coursing through her, it’d probably seem a lifetime.
The road was quiet today, most skiers still on the mountain. But she had no time for boarding, no time for fun. Not while Reef was rotting in jail.
She couldn’t wait to reach home and tell everyone about her discovery, though she’d let Cole pass the news on to Landon. She couldn’t face him, not yet, not with the images of last night still seared in her brain. What would she say? What could she say? She still didn’t fully understand the overpowering emotions reeling through her, and until she did, she didn’t trust herself to be in his presence—not until her heart settled and her mind kicked back in.
She popped in Kutless’s latest CD, praying her thoughts would focus on God and not on a shirtless Landon.
Of course she couldn’t leave well enough alone. The sheriff was fully convinced Reef was guilty, even the detective was looking in the wrong direction, but no, she had to keep poking her inquisitive nose where it didn’t belong. He needed to put a stop to that. Needed to dissuade her from proceeding further, before something led her to them.
He spotted her Jeep a hundred yards ahead on the highway. He’d stayed far behind until they were well into the wilderness, assuring no one would see. He accelerated, drawing closer, until he could see her eyes widen in the rearview mirror and then he struck.
19
Landon answered his cell as soon as Cole’s name flashed on the screen. “Hey, Cole.”
“Piper’s been in an accident.”
“What?”
“I’ll explain when you get to the hospital.”
Minutes later Landon entered the hospital, the pounding of his heart echoing in his ears, drowning out all other sound. He rushed past nurses, his vision narrowing with the halls.
The triage bays were just ahead. He spotted Kayden’s silhouette through the glass and banked right.
Someone spoke as he pushed his way through a cluster of medical personnel, but the words sounded like mush.
His heart in his throat, he stepped into the bay.
Piper sat on the gurney—alert and arguing. A few minor scrapes and bandages covered her arms, neck, and face, but nothing horrible.
Sweet relief flooded him, the built-up adrenaline burning through his limbs as it dissipated.
Gage squeezed his shoulder. “Hey, man.”
“She’s okay?”
“I’m fine. I just wish everyone would stop fussing.” She tugged at the snowflake-print hospital gown, trying to get it to shift with her.
“You got run off the road,” Cole said, standing guard at the right side of her bed. “Of course we’re going to fuss.”
“What?” Shock reverberated through Landon.
“It happened so fast. All I know is one minute this SUV is on my tail and the next I’m being pulled from my Jeep at the bottom of the gorge by the paramedics.”
“And the other driver?”
“Gone,” Cole said.
“Meaning . . . ?”
“The creep hit her, knocked her car off the road, and fled.”
Landon’s jaw tightened. No one local would hit Piper and flee the scene. “Did you get a good look at the vehicle?”
Piper shook her head. “It was a black or at least a dark color SUV, but like I said, it all happened so fast.”
“I’ll call the highway patrol and see what I can find out.”
Cole nodded his appreciation. “It happened on the north side of Highway 11.”
Landon’s eyes narrowed on Piper. “What were you doing on the north side of Highway 11?” Also known as Avalanche Alley.
“Coming back from boarding.”
“Who was with you?” He could ask them what happened.
“Just me.”
“You went boarding . . . by yourself?” Piper rarely went anywhere by herself. She was too social. So opposite him.
“Yeah. I went to the slopes by myself.”
Something wasn’t right. She was answering too specifically, and was that a hint of a smirk on her lips? “What’s going on, Pipsqueak?”
“I thought we agreed you’d stop calling me that.” She linked her arms across her chest and winced at the pressure she’d put on the IV needle still in her arm. She shifted gingerly.
“You asked. I never agreed.” He turned to Cole. “You know what she was doing out there?”
Cole’s gaze dropped to the ground.
“Wait a minute. Does this have something to do with Karli’s case?”
Piper cocked her head. “Perhaps.”
He stepped closer, coming up on the left side of her bed. “What did you do?”
“Asked a couple questions about Karli.”
“Piper, you’ve got to stop. Let me do my job.”
“How does it hurt if I help?”
“You’re in a hospital bed!”
Her eyes widened. “You think this has something to do with my asking questions about Karli?”
Only Piper would be excited about the possibility someone was trying to silence her. “It’s too early to say.”
“But you think it’s a possibility?”
“It’s possible,” he said reluctantly, knowing it would only spur her on when she should be resting, should be staying safe.
“Which means Karli’s killer is still out there.” Delight danced across her battered face.
“Or someone has something to hide.”
“Like the fact he killed Karli.”
“Or the fact he had an affair with Karli.”
“Masterson.” She sat up straighter. “You think Masterson killed her?”
“How did you know about Masterson? Never mind,” he quickly said before she could answer. The less he knew about her prior antics, the better. All that mattered was that she stop—now. Before anything else happened to her. “I’m not suggesting Masterson killed her . . .” Though the thought had crossed his mind. “I’m saying someone could want you to stop poking around so you don’t uncover something they’ve worked hard to hide. It may have nothing to do with Karli’s murder and everything to do with protecting his or her reputation.”
“How could my finding out where Karli worked involve anything detrimental to someone’s reputation?”
“You know where Karli worked?” They believed somewhere in Western Canada, though the lady was proving extremely difficult to track.
She smiled. “See, I’m being of help already.”
“At what cost? You could have been killed.”
“Please.” She exhaled. “I’ve taken harder knocks climbing.”
“At least when you’re climbing no one is trying to kill you.”
“Maybe not rock climbing, but sometimes I think the ice has a mind of its own.” She looked at Kayden. “Remember that time in Ecuador?”
“Piper!” Landon felt at his wits’ end. “Let’s stay on task.”
“Fine. I was pointing out how I’ve helped you by getting a lead on where Karli has been living and working when not on the circuit.”
How could he go from being terrified of losing the girl to wanting to throttle her in a matter of minutes? “And where was that?”
“I met with one of the competitors—Megan Whitaker. That’s what I came to your cabin to tell you last night—that I’d arranged a meeting.”
He stiffened, fearful she’d bring up Becky. They needed to talk, to clear the air, but not here, with her entire family present—and not when she’d nearly been killed. To his surprise, she simply continued on.
“It turns out that Karli bunked with her cousin in British Columbia.
The cousin, Tess, is currently employed at Wolf Creek Lodge about an hour outside Kamloops. I plan on starting there.”
“Meaning?”
“I’m going to British Columbia.”
A mix of concern and frustration heated his cheeks. “Oh no you aren’t.”
“Yes I am.”
Landon swung his head in Cole’s direction. “A little help?”
Cole cleared his throat. “Piper, it’s not safe for you to go tracking down a murder victim’s life in a foreign country.”
“It’s Canada, Cole, not the Middle East. I’ve traveled plenty, and more importantly, I don’t require permission from either of you.”
The woman liked to drive him mad—that’s all there was to it. “I’ve got to get back to the station. We can continue this conversation later.”
“Oh joy,” she said, with obvious sarcasm that had to make Kayden proud.
Without another word, Landon signaled Cole to follow and stepped into the hall.
Cole was clearly worried. “Do you really think someone was trying to shut Piper up?”
“They should have known that would be an impossible task.” He sighed. “Sorry. Not funny under the circumstances. I’ve got too much nervous energy.”
“It looks like you haven’t slept in days.”
Landon ran a hand through his hair. “Too much to do. Look . . .” He pulled Cole out of Piper’s line of sight. “I’m going to call the highway patrol and learn what happened out there. In the meantime, promise me, one of you will stay with her at all times.”
“You think she’s still in danger?”
“I don’t know, but I’m not willing to take any chances.” Not with the woman he loved.
20
Landon left the hospital with a hundred thoughts dancing through his mind. Was Reef the killer or was the killer still on the loose? Was Piper’s accident a random act of road rage, or was it linked to Karli’s murder? And if it was linked, what had Piper learned that set off the driver of the other vehicle? Or was it simply the fact that she was digging around?
More importantly, how could he keep going as is when he knew Piper wouldn’t stop pressing until she got herself killed? How could he possibly protect her when he didn’t know where she was half the time? He knew as well as Piper’s siblings that their protests were falling on deaf ears; as soon as Piper was discharged she’d be on a plane to British Columbia. He knew what he had to do. She’d left him no choice.
The drive to the station took under three minutes, not allowing him much time to plan, but he’d reached a decision.
Twenty minutes later, his ears still ringing from Slidell’s rant, Landon crossed the front porch to Cole’s door, bracing against the bitter winds. The temperature had dropped another ten degrees below zero. He was thankful the paramedics had reached Piper quickly. It would have taken no time for her to freeze to death. He looked across to her and Kayden’s house. She was either really lucky or extremely blessed. God seemed to be whispering the second in his ear. He’d called out to God, and God had answered. Question was, how would he respond?
Cole answered before he knocked.
“We need to talk.”
“Come in.” Cole led the way into his family room, where Kayden, Jake, and Bailey sat.
“I’m glad you’re all here.” He slipped off his hat and gloves and set them on the stone mantel to warm.
“Any news from the highway patrol?” Bailey asked.
“Yes. It definitely wasn’t an accident. Whoever hit Piper did it intentionally. There were no skid marks; the driver of the other vehicle didn’t so much as tap his brake. Just sideswiped her off the road and kept on going.” The image brought an even deeper chill to his bones.
“Why Piper?” Bailey asked. “Why not Megan too? Both had the same conversation.”
“That’s the critical question. I’m heading back to the hospital to get more info out of Piper.”
“And then you’ll talk to Megan?” Jake asked.
“If I can locate her.”
Kayden frowned. “What do you mean?”
“She’s gone.”
“Gone? The championship hasn’t even started yet.”
“Regardless, she’s gone. Pulled out of the competition, checked out of the lodge, and left.”
“Why? You think she heard what happened to Piper and got scared?”
“News travels fast in Yancey, so it wouldn’t surprise me at all. She probably feared she’d be next.”
“Have you told Slidell?” Cole asked. “Surely he’s got to question Reef’s role in Karli’s death now.”
Landon swallowed. Slidell was as convinced of Reef’s guilt as ever, which had made his decision even easier to make. “There’s something else I need to tell you.”
“Okay,” Cole said, apprehension lingering in his tone.
“I’ve handed Karli’s case over to Slidell.”
“You did what?”
“I gave Slidell Karli’s case, and—”
“And you might as well just sentence Reef.” Kayden stood, pacing. “You know Slidell is gunning for reelection.”
“I know, but—”
“Then how could you—”
“Let me explain.”
Landon poked his head around the doorframe of Piper’s hospital room.
She was flipping channels on the TV while Gage reclined in the chair, his feet propped on the edge of Piper’s bed, a comic book in hand.
“Iron Man?”
Piper’s hand stilled on the remote.
“Captain America.” Gage smiled. He stood and tucked the book under his arm. “If you’re going to be here for a few, I’m going to grab some grub.”
“Sure. I’m not going anywhere.” He looked at Piper as Gage exited the room, realizing it was the first time they’d been alone since that night at his house. He slid his hands in his pockets. “How are you feeling?”
“Anxious to get out of here.” She smoothed her hair back.
She looked better, more alert, even somewhat rested, but now that his initial overwhelming relief for her safety had settled, he took on the extent of her wounds. Nothing life threatening, but they were far more significant than he’d first realized. Bandages covered generous portions of her arms and face. A strand of hair was stuck in the adhesive on her right cheekbone.
“You’ve got . . .” He stepped toward her.
Her hand flew to her face, and she winced as it made contact.
“Let me.” He leaned across her. “You’ve just got some hair stuck in this bandage.” He gently tugged her hair as she fidgeted. “Hold still.”
She frowned but did so.
Her hair felt soft and silky between his fingers. Gently peeling back the corner of the wrapping, he extracted the strands and slipped them behind her ear before refastening the bandage. “There. All better.”
She grasped his hand, not letting go. Heat shot through him. “Things aren’t better.”
He looked her in the eye, taking in the full depth of emotion shining back at him. “I know, and I’m sorry.” So, so sorry.
“Then find Karli’s killer.”
He slid his hand into his pocket as she released it, wanting to preserve the warmth of her touch for as long as possible. “I took a look at your report.”
“My report?”
“From the accident, though I don’t know why we all keep calling it that. It wasn’t an accident.”
A glimmer of hope brightened her brown eyes. “It wasn’t?”
“No.” He sank into the chair beside her bed. “Whoever drove you off that road did so intentionally. What I’ve got to figure out is why.”
“Because of Karli. Because of questions I was asking.”
“What kind of questions?”
“About her life, her past . . .”
“I’m going to need you to be more specific.”
“Okay.”
He listened as she relayed her and Megan’s conversation in its entirety.
/> “Sounds like Karli had a lot going on. There could definitely be a lead in there.”
“Exactly what I thought.”
He shifted, unsure how she’d take what he was about to say. Would she thank him, blast him, or not care either way? “I’ve given Slidell my leave-of-absence notice.”
“You what?” Confusion flitted across her beautiful face.
“Slidell is hindering me from doing my job, and you guys are my family, and I’m going to—” Horror radiated through him as Piper lunged for him with open arms.
He leapt to his feet, catching her midair.
Her arms wrapped snugly around him. “Thank you.”
“You’re going to hurt yourself.” He placed her back in bed. “You’re still hooked to the IV for goodness’ sake.”
“None of that matters.”
“Your health and safety matter.” More than anything.
“So where are you going to start?”
He arched a brow.
“On proving Reef’s innocence?”
His heart lodged in his throat. “I . . .”
Her eyes narrowed. “You believe he’s innocent. That’s why you left, right?”
“I left so I could work the case with a clear conscience.”
Her brows pinched together. “So, this is about your conscience? Not about proving Reef’s innocence?”
This is about protecting you. “I’m going to find the truth whatever it takes.”
“But you still believe that truth might mean Reef’s guilt?”
“I’m looking for the truth without bias.” The evidence still didn’t look good for Reef, but he was beginning to believe the kid might actually be innocent. He wouldn’t tell Piper, not yet, not until he was certain. “I’m heading to British Columbia to retrace Karli’s steps. I’ll start with Wolf Creek Lodge and hopefully Megan’s cousin Tess.”
“I’m going with you.”
“No you’re not. You are staying right here, where your brothers can keep an eye on you.” He knew it was foolhardy to argue, but he had to try, had to make her see the danger she was in.
“I’m an adult. Contrary to what you and Cole seem to think, I don’t need a baby-sitter.”
“No, but you do need someone looking out for you—especially now.”