As Jamie rushed from his patrol car to the staff sergeant’s side, the front door to the cottage opened.
Leo stilled his steps and Ellen almost bumped into him from the unexpected halt. All movement slowed, as if every person in the vicinity was moving through syrup. One of the thieves stood in the doorway, his weapon raised. Fear seared across Ellen’s brain as both her brother and Clyne simultaneously reached for their sidepieces.
Jamie, farthest from cover, was right in the line of fire and she didn’t know what to do.
“Let’s go, Biers!” Clyne shouted, and the world spun into motion again. Instead of firing, the thief in the doorway bolted without another moment’s hesitation.
“Go, go, go!” shouted men inside the house. She heard thumps and scrambling as her brother followed the detachment leader, and her gut churned with anxiety for Jamie’s safety.
“This way, Ellen.” Leo motioned her toward Jamie’s patrol car. A horse trailer was attached to the back of the vehicle. “We’re vulnerable out here if there’s an exchange of fire. We need to be able to move if the scene gets hot.”
She allowed herself to be led behind the trailer. They crouched, waiting. Leo’s arm draped across her shoulders and she found herself involuntarily leaning into him. She straightened, cheeks on fire.
“Sorry,” she mumbled.
He offered a questioning glance. “For what?”
“I didn’t mean to... Never mind.” Of course he didn’t get it—he didn’t feel the same way as she had to admit she did. She was falling fast, in a real way, for this man, in a way that transcended childhood sentiment, while he felt for her how a person did for a small, helpless puppy.
That wasn’t fair. He’d never called her helpless, and so far he’d respected all her requests to treat her normally and not with kid gloves like Jamie often did. Leo hadn’t offered platitudes or condescending remarks when her doubts about God came up, and never once had he given false encouragement in a moment where he wasn’t certain himself about the outcome.
But he didn’t see her the way she’d begun to see him. All of those things had burrowed into her heart and given her a new perspective on the middle Thrace brother. He was strong and confident—as well as handsome—and ultimately considerate toward her point of view in a way that other men she’d tried to date had never been. Plus, he was able to handle Jamie without being intimidated, also unlike the other men she’d tried to date. Yes, she’d had plenty of conversations with her brother regarding how much influence he had over her life, but at the end of the day, she was glad he cared. And she knew that if she ever fell in love, he wouldn’t stand in her way.
Unless that person was an RCMP officer himself, in which case, she had a feeling that her relationship with Jamie would become very, very strained.
Not that I’ll ever have to worry about that. She glanced over and caught Leo watching her. When his tiny smile caused her heart to skip a beat, she knew she was in trouble—from more than thieves and bullets.
Though she had a feeling she’d rather face those than her brother if he ever found out how she felt about Leo Thrace.
* * *
It had taken every ounce of his self-control not to kiss Ellen when she’d dropped into his arms. She’d fit there so perfectly, her light but muscular body an easy burden—indeed, not a burden at all—and he’d had a rather vivid vision of holding her this way as he stepped across the threshold of his home. Their home.
He’d dropped to his belly to crawl across the grass without giving Ellen much warning, because he’d needed to separate himself from her before he did something stupid. The grass rubbing against the burns on his palms and the earth digging into his joints had quickly replaced the memory of her curves, the soft skin of her forehead under his lips. The strange look in her eyes when he’d pulled away had questioned what on earth he was doing.
Truth be told, he didn’t know. He couldn’t explain the emotions that had quickly built up during the hours in her presence, stacking layer upon layer until he felt he might explode if he didn’t tell her how he felt. But that look in her eyes when he’d drawn back had been enough—it told him exactly how she felt about being close to him, and boy, had it hurt.
Why he’d draped his arm over her shoulders as they hid behind the horse trailer, waiting for his best friend and the staff sergeant, he had no idea. Glutton for punishment? Perhaps. He wished he had his gear so he could run inside and help the other men, but then again, staying by Ellen’s side was just as important a job. At any moment, one of the thieves could rush outside the house with the bright idea of taking a hostage, or—
The front door opened, and Ellen’s gasp was sharp beside him. A weary-looking staff sergeant and his fellow officer emerged with a third man between them.
“They caught one of the thieves!” Ellen’s lips parted, and Leo swallowed hard at the sight. He needed to push past distraction and think about this huge break in the case instead.
He turned back to the approaching crew. “This is fantastic. Between this guy and Hogan, maybe we can start getting some answers.”
“Did you hear any shots? I didn’t hear any gunfire.”
“I don’t think there was an exchange of shots. With two uniformed RCMP officers arriving on-scene, the thieves would have to be incredibly stupid to start a gun battle. And we don’t even know if those are real guns or the rubber bullet dupes, so an exchange of fire with police could have been suicide.”
He’d been thinking all this time that the men were crazy to fire at Ellen and him, considering his death would spur a deep federal investigation with swarms of officers and specialists scouring the area for the thieves, but that was thinking like an officer of the law. The thieves had seemed to know he was in law enforcement, but how would they have any idea that he was RCMP? He’d been wearing plain clothes this whole time and ever since he’d arrived in the area, so of course the thieves wouldn’t know.
“Clear!” Jamie called.
Leo tapped Ellen’s shoulder and stood. He wanted to blurt out so many questions, but this wasn’t his case and he didn’t want to upset the staff sergeant again. He’d stepped on the man’s toes enough.
Fortunately, Jamie knew his friend well. “The guys scattered as soon as they saw us coming. This character was farthest away from the crew, though, so we were able to catch him. Isn’t that right, Nick?”
“You know this guy?” Leo couldn’t help it. That was a big deal.
The staff sergeant huffed a laugh. “Know him? He’s only the most notorious carjacker in the area. Mind you, that’s not saying much, but at least it’s an accomplishment he can brag to his buddies about. Isn’t that right, Nick?” Clyne opened the door of Jamie’s car for the perp and waited while he climbed inside. “And remember that you have the right to keep quiet. I suggest you do.” He shut the door and sighed. “It’s not much, but it could be something. Hope so, since that old man isn’t talking. It was a fantastic lead you gave us, though. I apologize for shouting at you this morning, Ms. Biers, Officer Thrace, but I hope you understand why.”
Clyne extended his hand and Leo took it for a firm handshake. “No harm done,” Leo said, grateful for the assist.
Ms. Trucco slid out of the front seat again, her perpetual scowl unchanged except for a touch of worry that creased her brow. “Can we please move along now?”
“Old Hogan,” Jamie said, ignoring the woman’s protest and glancing at Leo. “Guy’s laced up tighter than a goalie’s shin pads. Won’t look at anyone, won’t talk to us except to say he doesn’t know anything. I’ve told him that we might have to press charges for obstruction, but he won’t budge.”
“Sounds like he’s scared.” Ellen’s voice shook. She seemed to be fighting to keep it steady. “Hogan’s not known for his jauntiness, but he’s not a bad person. So far as I know, anyway. He’s always been pleasant and respectful, if a little gruf
f. I figure he’s just old and ornery. If he’s not talking, he’s worried about something. Otherwise he’d tell you he doesn’t know anything and go back to work. He loves his job.”
“That’s what it seems like to me, too,” Jamie said. “But either way, we’re not going to get far until one of these two speaks up. Hopefully this guy will roll on his crew, because he’s not going to do himself any favors by keeping silent. Especially when there’s a homicide investigation at play.”
Leo looked over at Ellen. He didn’t miss how the dark circles under her eyes had deepened further. The color in her cheeks still hadn’t returned. She needed to rest. “Obviously we still need to head to the station and give our reports, but before we get moving—how did you two know where to find us? I was on a call with Jamie when we were run down on the main road, but my phone got run over.”
Jamie looked at the staff sergeant and back at Leo. “Believe it or not, your phone didn’t die. It just got a little flattened, but the GPS kept working. I had one of the guys hitch up the horse trailer in case one of the horses had been injured, and then headed for your location on the map. If we hadn’t set up the phone-finder app yesterday, who knows how long we’d have been searching for you.”
“I wondered if that might be the case.” An immense wave of gratitude washed over Leo for God’s provision. “Between the community center and where we were almost run off the road, the thieves must have approximated where we’d end up. They sent some men after us so we couldn’t mess up their next job, I guess. That’s what I gathered from their conversation. We’ve been trying to outrun them all day, and they finally got the upper hand and caught up.”
“Well, they certainly don’t have the upper hand anymore. That said, if Clyne hadn’t left for the community center seconds after Aaron’s call about what happened on the lake, I’m less confident things would have gone down as smoothly as they did just now.” Jamie looked over his shoulder at the forensic examiner.
Since Trucco seemed uninterested in entering the conversation, Clyne clarified, “I was taking Trucco out to do some preliminary forensics based on what Aaron mentioned about the bullets. She’s got another day here, so might as well use the resources we have. I was glad to hear the injuries were minor. Could have been much worse, even with rubber bullets.”
“Fully agreed, sir.” Leo ran his hand through his hair, feeling suddenly exhausted. “I assume at least one of these cars is heading back to the station? The horses aren’t hurt, but they’re probably tired after all we’ve put them through today, so they might appreciate a ride. As would we. The trails are too muddy and I’m not keen on getting run over again.”
“Me, either,” Ellen said. “Do you need help loading the horses?”
“Please.” Jamie walked around the back of the trailer and opened the doors. “Show me where they are?”
Leo felt a twinge in his heart as she walked away with her brother. Since the staff sergeant had his back to the house, the man missed the moment when Jamie—likely sensing a show of emotion wouldn’t be noticed by his superior—bear-hugged his little sister. Ellen pushed away from him and swatted his arm, so Jamie hugged her again. Their playful engagement continued until they were out of sight at the back of the house. A sense of loss began to envelop Leo. He’d been able to banter playfully with Ellen, too, when they were younger, but hugs and nudges meant different things now. His heart had betrayed him by falling hard and fast for someone who needed to stay just a friend.
“You two might as well come with me,” said Clyne, breaking through Leo’s self-reflection. “Biers will head back to the station with the suspect and the horses. There’s more room in my vehicle, less risk. Trucco can go with him, too.”
“Appreciate that, sir.” Leo sighed, ignoring the sputter of protest from Trucco, who’d undoubtedly heard Clyne’s comment. “And I appreciate you taking the time to personally assist on this case. I know how short-staffed rural detachments are, and you must have a lot on your plate right now.”
“That I do.” The man planted his hands on his hips. “But Rod Kroeker was a well-loved figure in this community. The thieves might have been able to continue their work without detection—or at least, much interference beyond what we already knew—if they hadn’t caused a man’s death. Accident or not, the town wants justice. It’s almost a relief to be out here rather than stuck in my office fielding call after call. The front desk has had two hundred and twelve calls come in since that local reporter blabbed on the news. Can you believe it?”
“Yes, sir. Unfortunately, I can believe it.”
“What I can’t believe,” Ms. Trucco interrupted, “is that neither of you are going to take me to the community center? Everyone is fine, no one got hurt, but if this case isn’t solved quickly, the way I see it? Another death is inevitable.”
Clyne’s jaw tightened, and Leo sympathized with the man. Trucco likely didn’t even realize how abrasive she sounded, but Leo didn’t begrudge her tone. He suspected she had to fight hard to be taken seriously in her field, and she made a good point. Getting the forensics taken care of quickly could help save a life, and the longer this situation dragged on, the more the thieves’ desperation seemed to escalate. He could only pray that they took the thieves down before they killed someone else, regardless of accident or intention.
“Why doesn’t Trucco come with us, anyway,” Leo suggested. “We’re not far from the community center, and it’s unwise to have her ride with Jamie and the suspect. We can drop her off at the community center. Aaron and Sam can assist her in any way she needs, then you can take Ellen and me back to the station.”
The staff sergeant raised an eyebrow. “You’re sure they’d help? I was going to observe her work for learning purposes, but if your brothers are willing to lend a hand, that’s the more practical course of action.”
“Consider it done. I’ll give them a call now.” Leo nodded at Trucco to acknowledge the matter was settled, and her features softened. “Can I borrow someone’s phone?”
“Thank you,” she said. “Here, use mine.” She handed off her cell, then slid back into the passenger seat of Clyne’s car.
By the time Leo finished his call to his brothers, Ellen and Jamie had rounded the corner of the cottage, each leading a horse. The animals were moving slowly, and Leo was glad for his friend’s quick thinking to bring along the trailer.
After the horses were loaded up and the suspect secured in Jamie’s vehicle, Leo and Ellen climbed into the back seat of the staff sergeant’s patrol car as Jamie pulled away.
It didn’t take long for Clyne to reach the community center. He and Trucco exited the vehicle to talk to Aaron and Sam, though Leo chose to stay inside the car with Ellen. As much as he wanted to get out and help, the thieves were still out there—and they could be anywhere. Ellen also had grown very still and quiet, and he didn’t like the idea of leaving her alone.
Once they were back on the road, minus one forensic examiner, Clyne turned down the police radio.
“You two need anything? Food, coffee? We’ve got a few things at the station, but I know it’s been a long day for you.”
“That’s very kind,” Ellen said. “But I don’t want to take up any more of your time. We can order in, or I’ll have a friend bring something over to us. Is that okay with you?” She looked at Leo, but his hunger evaporated as she regarded him with her crystalline blue eyes.
“I’m... Yeah, that’s fine. Whatever you like, I can work with.”
She tilted her head, a tiny but curious smile touching her lips. “If you’re sure.”
The staff sergeant cleared his throat. “Uh, well...that’s all well and good, but I have another suggestion. And you might not like it.”
“Oh?” Leo straightened his spine at the serious tone in the man’s voice. “And what’s that?”
“It’s my professional recommendation that you don’t return to the s
tation. I didn’t want to mention it while Trucco was still in here, because these criminals have proven they’ve got a line to you just about anywhere. They could be talking to anyone, extracting information in ways we haven’t even thought of.”
The statement increased Leo’s weariness. “How so?”
Clyne sighed before continuing, sounding as frustrated as Leo felt. “Officer Biers mentioned that only officers inside the detachment knew that you were going to the community center, and yet the assailants found you there, anyway. That sounds like an inside job. I’m worried that if I bring you two back to the station after everything that’s gone down today, whoever’s behind this might decide they’ve had enough.”
He cleared his throat, and Leo had a feeling he knew what was coming next. “If you go back to the station? There’s a very real possibility that I’d be handing you over to the very person, or people, who want you dead.”
TWELVE
Ellen hoped she’d heard the staff sergeant wrong. After all, the police station was supposed to be the safest place in the entire town. If they couldn’t go there, where else could they go? Would he make them leave town entirely? She could get on a bus and head south to stay with some friends, but even that seemed like a risky proposition. These thieves had her name and knew what she looked like, so if they found her isolated while traveling to a place she wasn’t all that familiar with—
“Hey, breathe.” Leo’s hand landed on her arm. She flinched at the touch but didn’t pull away. “I see you panicking. We’re going to get through this.”
“No need to panic just yet,” Clyne said, picking up on Leo’s words. “In fact, I have a suggestion, and if you’re up for it, it’ll be between the three of us.”
Ellen took a deep breath and stared out the window at the trees whipping by. “I guess options are limited at this point, so go ahead.”
“There’s a motel up the road. It’s east of the lake and a little north of town. It’s where we put up visiting officers so that they can experience the sense of being in the isolated northern wilderness without being too far from the station. It’s about a fifteen-minute trip between the motel and the station. Plus, and you didn’t hear it from me, it’s all our budget allows.” He chuckled without humor. “But we work with this place all the time, so I know it’s secure. And if we drive you over right now, it means that only the two of you and myself need to know that you’re there. I’ll check you in anonymously, get your rooms side by side. I’ll even personally have someone send a pizza up and tell them to leave it outside the door so that nobody sees you’re inside. How does that sound?”
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