by Crissy Smith
Okay, he has a point.
“Look at this here.” Logan pointed. “The way these footprints are more noticeable here mean they stayed here for a little bit. Maybe someone, Mr. Grainger or one of his men, was around. We’ll need to ask.”
“I never would have seen these on my own,” she admitted. Now that they’d been pointed out to her, she could see the evidence left behind.
“I could smell their sweat,” Logan told her. “So, I knew to look around. I can also distinguish that the scents are newer compared to the rest of the stalls. It’s not so much as picking them out as knowing that they don’t belong.”
“Okay.” Melissa peered around. “So, three humans come out of the state park and cross Mr. Grainger’s property. Someone is walking around, so they run in here. Wait until the coast is clear before moving on.”
“The question is, where did they go after leaving here?” Logan responded. “We didn’t have any incidents last night.”
“Huh.” If the unknown humans had been in Brookside, there had to have been a reason. “Maybe nothing’s been called in yet?”
“I have Mac checking.” Magnus strolled forward without Mr. Grainger.
“Sheriff,” Melissa greeted. “You have Mac checking for what?” Why did Mac have so much pull in the town? He wasn’t part of the sheriff’s department, and yet everyone, including Magnus, appeared to have no problem involving him in an official investigation.
“We have a communication program for the town. Mac makes a call, that person makes a call, until every resident is accounted for. It helps us keep any eye on what is going on inside the town without stepping on people’s toes. The residents move here for privacy, so the phone link is utilized during threats. Mac will make sure everyone is aware to look out for strangers.”
“Great. Hopefully you won’t get a call on me,” she replied.
Magnus shook his head. “They already know who you are.”
“Magnus, see if you recognize these scents,” Logan called over. “I’m going to take Melissa around to check if there’s any more evidence.”
“Fine.” Magnus strode forward. “I have Fredrick taking Mr. Grainger’s statement. Fabian and Carl are canvassing the south and east sections of the property, so you two take the north and west.”
“Yes, sir,” Melissa agreed. She winked at Magnus when he frowned at her. It wasn’t her fault she’d been trained to say sir all the time. Magnus didn’t like it, but it was a hard habit to break.
“Just get going,” Magnus griped at her.
Logan chuckled while leading the way from the stalls. Melissa followed. The property Mr. Grainger owned was very nice. Well-kept and large. The farther north they walked, the more distinct the smell of horses became.
“The horses would have been startled if it had been shifters sneaking around,” Logan said. “That would have alerted Mr. Grainger and he’d have met the trespassers with his shotgun.”
“He still might,” Melissa commented. “If whoever was here returns.”
“Good point. I’ll keep one of the men close by. Can’t have Mr. Grainger shooting anyone we might need to talk to.”
“We know Stevenson has been here. Isn’t that enough to bring him in for questioning?”
Logan shook his head. “Not yet. They don’t know we found out how they’re getting into the town. I don’t want to blow the first lead we’ve gotten.” He pointed toward a large pasture. “Head in that direction. Look for any signs someone has walked through the grass recently.”
“Where are you going?”
“I want to check out a few of the buildings. Plus the horses will spook if I go near them.”
Oh, yeah, the shifter thing. Maybe being human does have some advantages. “Sure.”
Melissa continued walking along, using her flashlight to help with her vision. She could smell the fresh grass, manure and the heavy odor of animal. She opened a latched gate before making certain it closed behind her. Two dozen horses stood grazing. She’d never been so close to such large animals. Being from the city hadn’t given her a lot of experience with any type of wildlife. Are horses considered wildlife? She didn’t know. Not that it mattered. She kept her distance, not wanting to upset the gentle creatures.
Just when Melissa though she was wasting her time, she spotted a cigarette butt lying on the ground.
It could be from Mr. Grainger or one of the workers, but it was suspicious since she hadn’t noticed any others.
Melissa crouched down where the cigarette butt was lying. There was also the tip of a boot print, probably from when the person stomped out the end. She narrowed her eyes, hoping to see if it was of the same boot as in the stall.
She couldn’t tell.
Pulling out her phone, she took a few pictures before standing. She looked up at the state park tree line several yards away. This could be the path that Stevenson and his cronies had taken. Melissa started forward, trying to remain on the same hidden trail they’d have taken.
As she walked farther from the house, the horses picked up their heads to watch her.
It was sort of eerie, the way those big dark eyes followed her movements.
A smaller brown horse, or colt, ambled over on skinny legs. Melissa stopped as the cute little guy nudged her side. She reached out, laying her hand on the magnificent beast’s side, feeling each breath the little guy took. Wow.
Movement by one of the large trees caught her attention and Melissa realized she was getting off-track. She patted the little colt’s side before trying to push him off. He pushed back harder, and Melissa almost fell over.
“Okay,” she said. “But I have to get back to work. We don’t want the lion to come look for me.”
Melissa marched toward her destination, unsure of what she’d seen from the corner of her eye. Probably some animal that didn’t want to be around the horses.
The colt stayed by her side as she hiked up the hill. This property was so large she was thinking once again that she needed to up her workout routine. She hadn’t done as much walking in the last five years as she’d done in one weekend.
But she felt good.
Melissa glanced over to the colt as he began to dance around. He kicked up his front legs while making some sort of soft sound. Since she didn’t speak horse, natural or shifter, she had no idea what was wrong with him.
Maybe he didn’t want to go so far from his herd?
She stopped walking. “Well, go back.” She motioned with her hand. “Find your mom or dad.” Damn, she hoped this was a natural horse, because if it was a shifter, he’d surely think she was nuts talking to a horse. “Go,” she said, anyway.
The colt pounded a front hoof into the ground in front of her.
Whatever. She turned her back and the colt took off in the opposite direction.
Guess he doesn’t want my company anymore.
Melissa took a step before a boom echoed around her. Fuck, she knew that sound. She looked around to see the horses scattering, making wild cries. Oh, God! Had someone shot a horse? Shit, the colt. She turned and heard a second blast.
Pain bloomed in her arm and she glanced down. Blood.
Melissa froze. She knew the sight of blood. But on her?
“Get down! Melissa! Get down!” Logan screamed.
She blinked at him as he ran toward her. Damn, he’s fast.
“Gun!” he yelled.
Finally, the events taking place snapped together. Melissa let her body go limp and crashed gracelessly to the hard floor. Someone had shot at her. Jesus Christ, I’ve been shot. Melissa covered her head with her uninjured arm, hoping to avoid any more bullets. She was out in the open, though. There wasn’t any cover around. She couldn’t even run for the trees as that was where she suspected the shots were coming from.
There was more yelling around as Logan ran past her. “Stay there. Magnus is right behind me.”
That’s nice. But she shouldn’t be lying down on the job when her boss arrived. Melissa rolled t
o her injured side so she could pull out her weapon with her right hand. At least she’d been shot in the left.
Her arm was throbbing, but the pain wasn’t as bad as she’d expected.
Of course, she’d never been shot before. Hell, she’d never shot anyone else either. Lying back on her stomach, she rested her right arm on the ground while trying to cover the direction Logan had raced off in. She couldn’t see him any longer, though.
“Melissa!” Magnus dropped down beside her. “Are you okay? Where are you hit?”
Melissa blinked up at him. She was beginning to feel sick to her stomach. “It doesn’t even hurt that bad,” she whispered. Shouldn’t her arm hurt worse? Was she dying, or something? If she died out here, would Trent know how much she regretted what she’d done? Maybe he’d forgive her? He could start his life over and not worry about her showing back up.
“Melissa. I need you to open your eyes,” Magnus ordered.
“Okay.” She complied. Magnus was leaning over her. looking worried. “I think I’m okay.”
“I’m going to take a look. Just remain still.”
“Logan—” She tried to sit up, but Magnus held her down.
“Fabian and Carl went after him. They’ll get the shooter.”
He moved around to her other side and lifted her arm. She cried out.
“Sorry,” he said. “There’s a lot of blood.”
“It’s okay,” she slurred. Her arm was going numb, so that had to be good.
Magnus wiped at her arm, which re-woke the pain.
“Ouch!” She tried to pull away, but Magnus held her wrist.
“I think you were grazed. I need to get a better look at your injury, though,” Magnus told her. “I’m going to wrap your arm.”
He yanked at his uniform shirt, the buttons popping off, then tore off a strip. As he tightened it around her biceps, she grunted.
“Sorry. It has to be tight to stop the bleeding.”
“It’s fine,” she responded.
“Let’s get you up.” Magnus helped her.
Melissa hissed, her hip aching from her fall.
“Are you hurt somewhere else?” Magnus demanded.
“No,” she answered. “I fell.”
“On your feet,” Magnus said. Melissa didn’t even have to move. Magnus picked her up before gently placing her on her feet.
She gripped her injured arm, holding it close to her body.
Magnus ran his hands over her shoulder then down her side. “Just your hip?”
Melissa had to think about the question. Her mind was blurry and she was exhausted. “Yes.”
“Okay, do you want to walk or for me to carry you?”
She scoffed. “You are so not carrying me.”
“I can,” he told her. “I’m strong enough.”
“Colt!” She pushed Magnus out of the way while stumbling back to where the horses had gathered into a tight circle. “Colt!” she called.
“What the hell are you doing?” Magnus growled. “Did you hurt your head?”
“No!” she exclaimed. “The baby horse was with me. Did he get shot?”
“There’s Grainger.” Magnus pointed. “We’ll have him look over his herd.” He walked over and Melissa leaned against him.
“That’s probably a good idea,” she said. “I couldn’t talk to Colt.”
“I’m not sure what you mean, but I think we need to get you to the hospital.” Magnus helped her walk across the pasture. Jeez, how far is the car? Her leg started to get heavy.
“Hold on,” Magnus told her. Then he lifted her into his strong arms.
Melissa laid her head against his wide chest. Magnus’s heart was beating against her ear in a soothing rhythm. “You need to calm down,” she told her boss.
“I’ve never had one of my deputies shot before,” Magnus said. “It pisses me off.”
Melissa giggled. “Me, too.”
Magnus grunted. “Relax. We’ll get you taken care of.”
“Is she all right?” Mr. Grainger had reached them.
“You have to check on Colt,” she told the old shifter. “I think he was trying to warn me someone was in the forest. He started to act funny then ran away. I don’t know where the first shot landed. I didn’t get hit until the second. Colt might be hurt!” She felt bad the little horse might have been injured for merely walking by her.
“I’ll check him out,” Mr. Grainger said. “I can see him over with his mom, so I think he’s okay.”
“You know what she’s talking about?” Magnus demanded.
Mr. Grainger winked at her and she had to grin back. Yeah, he knew. The colt would be okay.
Chapter Six
Trent stomped up the steps to Melissa’s house and banged on her front door. He leaned close so he could hear if there was any movement inside. There, a shuffling sound. He pounded again.
“Jeez, I’m coming,” he heard her muttering.
For the first time since he’d found out she’d been attacked, he started to breathe normally. He’d wanted to come to her as soon as he’d learned about what had happened out at the Grainger place, but Mac had needed him to secure the bar and some of the other houses in town. They were going into lockdown since Logan hadn’t managed to catch up to the shooter.
The front door opened and Melissa peered out at him. She frowned, which made him want to grin. Instead he went with his instinct. “Are you okay?” he demanded. Trent pushed his way inside, making her back up. Her arm was in a sling and she had dark circles under her eyes.
“Huh?”
Trent caught her free hand. He held her in place while peering down at her. Her eyes were dazed. He grinned this time. “Painkillers?”
“Yeeeaaaaah.”
Chuckling, he led her over to the couch, where it appeared she’d been camped out. There were a couple of pillows and a large flannel blanket as well as bottles of water on the coffee table.
“You need to sit back down,” he told her. She wasn’t steady on her feet. He helped her climb back on the couch and she hissed.
“What?” he asked.
“Hip. Fell. It hurts.”
He growled, unable to keep it in. She could have been killed. He was so furious. If the fucking shooter had been in front of him, he’d have torn the guy apart with his teeth. “Okay, just lie back. Is there anything you need?”
“No, I’m fine.” She looked around her living room. “I was watching a movie?”
He glanced at the screen. She’d paused the television in the middle of a familiar comedy. He picked up the remote and pressed Play.
She moaned as she settled back against the pillows.
Trent picked up the blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders. She looked so delicate bundled up there. He brushed the hair from her face. “Have you eaten?”
She squinted.
“I’ll take that as a no,” he answered himself. “Stay here.” Trent rose and strolled out of the living room.
The layout of the house was pretty simple. The living room exited into a narrow hall then led to the kitchen. Her kitchen was clean and had modern appliances. He opened up the fridge. He grabbed the bottle of orange juice and poured her a glass, which he found in a nearby cabinet. Then he opened the pantry.
She had soup and crackers. That would have to do. Trent couldn’t do much more than make soup or sandwiches. He grabbed a pan before dumping in a can of tomato soup and warming it up. Then he began making a grilled cheese sandwich.
It took less than ten minutes to get everything prepared and the kitchen cleaned up. He didn’t want to leave a mess for her to have to deal with.
He carried the plate and bowl to the living room.
Melissa was still curled into a tight ball on the couch. She looked up at him as he entered the room.
“I made you something to eat,” he said. Trent sat down next to her and handed her the plate.
She had to reach across herself to take it with her uninjured arm. “Thanks.”
&
nbsp; “Let me help you,” he said.
“Why are you here?” Her voice was soft as she spoke.
Trent froze while reaching to take the plate back. He sighed but knew she had every reason to question his motives. She didn’t know he’d read the file Carter had given him.
The woman who now sat next to him bruised and hurt had taken the mission of cleaning up the LAPD. When he’d read what she’d done to their former officers, he’d been both shocked and pleased. After he’d left the LAPD, she’d kept her head down and out of trouble for a couple of months. Then, in an almost sudden change, she’d began questioning superiors, challenging the way shifter suspects were treated and basically being a pain in the ass.
Damn, she had changed, and not just since she’d arrived in Brookside.
Which made him question himself and how he’d walked away from the LAPD.
It should have been him taking on the bigoted assholes inside the department. Instead Melissa had attempted to right the wrongs that had been responsible for Adam’s death and other horrible acts against shifters.
“Trent?” She nudged his side.
“Sorry.” He swallowed hard then sat back. “When I heard what had happened, I realized that by holding a grudge, I wasn’t doing either of us any favors.”
“When I thought I’d been shot, I wondered if you’d ever forgive me.”
“You were shot,” he snarled.
“Actually, I was grazed. It wasn’t that bad.”
“You could have been killed!” he declared.
“But I wasn’t,” she said. “I’ll be back to work in a few days.”
Trent didn’t even want to think about her returning to the investigation that had made her a target in the first place. “Let’s not talk about that now,” he said. “You need to eat and rest.”
She smiled. “So, we’re going to be friends now?”
Trent didn’t think so. With what he’d found out about Melissa, he couldn’t see himself being around her and not wanting to be with her. “Yes, we’re going to be friends.”
“Okay.” She began to eat her sandwich. She had trouble eating the soup, but he helped her.