by Mary Alford
Noah’s gaze flew to Rachel. “That’s close,” she said.
“We’re five minutes out, but I can’t risk putting you in danger by responding. It could be a setup...”
“Megan may be in danger, Noah. You must help her.”
With doubts crowding in, he eventually hit the radio on his shoulder. “Stephanie, this is Deputy Warren. I’m five minutes out, but I have Rachel with me. I can back Megan up until another deputy arrives on scene.”
“10-4, Noah. Ryan is en route, as well. He’ll be there soon. In the meantime, you stay safe,” Stephanie said.
“10-4.” Noah increased the truck’s speed as much as he dared. Though the county had plowed the road recently, the new accumulation made the conditions hazardous.
Noah pulled off on MT 37. The Lake Koocanusa Bridge came into view. They were near the spot where the man’s body had been discovered. As he glanced out at the lake, a niggling of doubt resurfaced. Most people around the county knew the hazards of crossing the bridge in winter conditions. If their John Doe had lived near here, he would have known of these dangers.
As he passed over the bridge, he spotted the sign for the forest road. A little way beyond the turnoff, Megan’s patrol car sat off the road, lights flashing.
Easing onto the shoulder, Megan exited the vehicle and headed his way. Noah did a quick survey of the area. He shifted in his seat.
Ryan pulled up behind them and Noah breathed a sigh of relief. “Ryan’s here. I’ll speak with them for a second before we leave.”
He climbed out and she hit the locks. Noah went over to where Megan waited with Ryan.
“Aden’s on his way, as well,” Ryan said.
“Good. As soon as he arrives, I’ll take Rachel to the station.” He turned to Megan. “What do you have?”
“There was no one in the vehicle when I arrived. The engine’s still warm, though, so they were here not too long ago. They made sure to take anything inside the vehicle that might incriminate them. I haven’t searched the woods yet.”
“Keep your radios close and your eyes open,” Noah warned before returning to the truck. When Rachel unlocked the door, he slid inside.
“Aden’s on his way to assist. As soon as he arrives, we’ll go. I hate to leave them without backup.”
“Do you think they are close?” She glanced out the side window.
Noah stared at the abandoned vehicle. Why had the men left it? Did they have engine trouble...or a plan?
“It’s possible,” he said, turning to her. “I won’t let them hurt you, Rachel.”
In the woods, he caught glimpses of Megan and Ryan as they searched. All the while, he couldn’t shake the feeling there was something off about this whole situation.
The disturbing thought had barely cleared his head when a noise broke the silence. The crack of a gun firing. The back window shattered. Noah pushed Rachel down low as a bullet whizzed past.
Shoving the cruiser in gear, Noah shot down the road, keeping as low as possible while still being able to see where he was going. More shots destroyed the driver’s-side mirror. They were aiming for him.
He hit the radio. “Shots fired, shots fired.” Noah filled them in on what had happened.
“We see them,” Megan’s strained voice came over the radio. “Freeze! Sheriff’s department!”
Noah pulled to the side of the road and listened for updates while praying for his fellow deputies.
“I just arrived on the scene,” Aden said. “I see Megan and Ryan. They’re in pursuit. I’m going after them.”
Noah punched the radio. “Be safe,” he said and glanced over at Rachel. Terror filled her eyes. He pulled her into his arms.
“It’s okay. We’re safe.”
She drew away and looked into his eyes. “It isn’t. It isn’t anything close to okay.”
In the distance, an engine fired. Noah listened to what could be a four-wheeler, the driver pushing the machine to its limit as the sound faded. These men had planned this attack out very carefully, right down to stashing an escape vehicle in the woods.
Noah brushed a strand of fire-red hair from her face without answering.
These men had gone to great lengths to get to Rachel. That spoke of someone who had nothing to lose. They’d keep coming. And it would take everyone in the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department to keep Rachel alive long enough to find out what really happened to Eva.
SEVENTEEN
Rachel glanced up from searching through the mug book in front of her when Noah entered the conference room at the station. He handed her a cup of coffee. “I thought you could use a pick-me-up.”
She smiled in spite of how hopeless she felt. “Denki.”
“Any of them look familiar?” he asked and pointed to the book she’d been studying.
She shook her head. “I’m afraid not. How about you?”
He scraped his chair back and sat. “Same, but I’m willing to bet the driver has a criminal background. He somehow slipped up by not wearing his ski mask.”
Rachel took a sip of coffee and watched him across the rim of her cup. “Did they find anything useful in the abandoned vehicle?” In her head, she ticked off the number of days since Eva had disappeared. Too many.
Noah shook his head and shifted in his chair. “No doubt he wore gloves, so we won’t be able to lift any prints. The license plate on the vehicle was reported stolen. It belongs to a car out near Rexford. Ryan’s heading there now to speak with the owners. See if they remember seeing anyone suspicious hanging around.” He held her gaze and she tried not to give in to the panic growing inside her.
“She’s been missing for too long, hasn’t she?”
Noah gathered her hand in his. “Don’t go there,” he murmured.
She struggled to keep from falling apart, dropping her gaze to their joined hands. “I want to be strong, but it’s hard.” Rachel couldn’t imagine what her mamm’s reaction would be when she returned to West Kootenai in a few days.
“Look at me,” Noah said quietly, and she did. “There’s a reason why they need you, and I don’t for a minute believe they’ll harm Eva until they have both of you. She’s alive for now. That’s all that matters because it buys us time. My team is working round the clock to bring her home safely. I need you to do your part and not give up hope.”
She’d witnessed firsthand how hard Noah worked to protect her and find Eva. Looking at his handsome face, she touched his cheek. “I will, I promise.”
He swallowed visibly and covered her hand with his. His dark eyes filled with something unknown.
She felt as if she were drowning in them.
She stumbled to her feet and turned away. She couldn’t go there with him again. It hurt too much.
“I’m sorry,” he murmured, his voice unsteady.
She drew in a breath and struggled for a calm that would not come.
The door opened. Both she and Noah turned. She was grateful for the interruption.
“Noah, can I speak with you for a moment?” the sheriff asked. Rachel could not imagine how things must appear to him.
“Sure. I’ll be right back,” Noah told her. She didn’t look at him as he left the room.
The door closed softly, and she let go of the breath she’d been holding inside. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t deny having feelings for Noah still. He was her first love, but she wasn’t that young girl anymore, and she must not let her heart get tangled up in the past again.
Instinctively, Rachel touched her stomach, the pain of what she’d lost with her always. Her child. Her precious baby, gone. All hopes of a happy future had disappeared with the babe.
After the accident, Rachel hadn’t thought she’d make it through the sorrow without falling apart. She wouldn’t have, without Eva and her mamm. The funeral had been a somber time. Watching as h
er husband’s casket was lowered into the frozen ground had been like a knife to her heart.
In the days that followed, she tried to pick up the pieces of her life, wanted to be strong for Beth and Eva because she knew they worried about her. Yet each time she saw a family together, it reminded her of all the things that would never be hers.
She’d pored through the Bible during those days, finding comfort in a favorite scripture.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Behind her, the door opened. Rachel slowly turned. Noah held something in his hand, and her attention was drawn to it as horror coursed down her limbs.
“Where did you get that?” she asked.
Noah came to her. “We found it stuffed under the back seat of the SUV. You recognize it?” He held up the evidence bag.
Her hand covered her trembling mouth. “It’s Eva’s cloak. She wore it the day she disappeared.”
Rachel took it from him and clutched the evidence bag tight. Her sister was out there somewhere, cold and all alone, and Rachel had no idea how to help Eva.
* * *
“We’re searching all the cabins around the lake area. If he has her hidden there, we’ll find her,” Noah said. Rachel didn’t respond. She hadn’t slept in days. Rest would do a world of good, but more than anything she needed answers.
“Why don’t I get you some food?” he said, but she shook her head.
“I don’t think I can eat anything.”
Noah laid the evidence bag on the table. “You need to try. I’ll have Stephanie run to the diner and get something. Why don’t you keep looking at the photos?”
“Do you mind if we go to the restaurant ourselves?” she asked instead. “I could use some fresh air. I feel as if the walls are closing in, and all I can think about is Eva.”
Even though the last thing he needed was to be taking her out in public again, he understood how she felt.
“I’ll check in with Walker, but I’m sure it’ll be okay.” He pressed her hand and let her go. He stepped out in the hall and ran a hand across his eyes. He wanted to bring Eva home for Rachel’s sake, but so far it felt like an impossible wish.
The last time he’d seen Walker, the sheriff had been about to try to get some sleep himself. Now, Noah spotted him talking on the phone. Apparently sleep hadn’t been an option.
Noah waited until he’d finished speaking. The expression on Walker’s face was disturbing.
“Anything wrong?” Noah asked, not sure he was ready for more bad news.
“That was Megan. They’ve searched all of the cabins in the area. There’s no sign of Eva.” Walker blew out a breath. “I don’t like it, Noah. Too much time has passed.”
Seeing the concern from the man who personified strength reminded Noah of how crucial it was to find Eva soon.
Walker shook off his misgiving. “Did Rachel recognize the cloak?”
“She did. It’s Eva’s. It appears Eva was in that vehicle at some point.”
“And there are lots of roads leading out of town. They could be anywhere.”
“Rachel and I will keep looking at the books. I’m praying this guy is in there somewhere.”
“Me, too,” Walker said. “Because we sure could use a break.”
Noah shared Walker’s sentiments. “I’m going to take Rachel across the street to get something to eat. She could use a break and some fresh air. I know it’s not ideal, but we won’t be long.”
Walker nodded. “Be careful. These guys are ruthless.”
With Walker’s warning still ringing in his ears, Noah returned to Rachel. “We’re good to go. Are you ready?”
She nodded and stepped from the room beside him.
Shoving his arms in his jacket, he opened the door and glanced around at the mild foot traffic around town. Noah searched the faces of the few men milling about, relieved the man in the SUV wasn’t among them.
With Noah keeping Rachel tucked to the inside of the sidewalk, they reached the crosswalk. He punched the Walk button. Once the light changed, he took Rachel’s hand, and they headed across the street. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a vehicle pull out onto the road. The hairs on the back of his neck rose as he whirled toward the sound. Though the light was red, the car showed no signs of slowing. Noah had just enough time to push Rachel out of the way before the car slammed into him. His left knee hit the bumper. He bounced onto the hood, striking his shoulder on the windshield before landing on the pavement where his head hit, hard.
Pain strobed from the contact points on his leg and shoulder. Head. Two men jumped out of the vehicle. Both were armed.
“Stay down,” he yelled to Rachel and yanked his Glock from its holster.
The masked driver opened fire on Noah. Bullets whizzed past his head, and he tucked as close to the ground as possible. They were trying to keep him incapacitated while they went after Rachel.
“Noah!” Rachel screamed. He swiveled in time to see the terror on her face as a second man in a ski mask rushed toward her.
“Get the girl!” the driver shouted. With what little strength Noah could muster, he rolled onto his side and fired at the driver advancing on him, striking the man in the chest. The man dropped to the ground. Flipping to the second man, Noah shot again, and the gunman fell to the ground.
All Noah could think about was Rachel. He stumbled to his feet. The world spun and his stomach heaved. “Hurry, Rachel, there might be more.” She scrambled up next to him and put her arm around his waist for support.
“We have to get to the station.” Trying to put one foot in front of the other became an impossible struggle. His leg hurt like crazy, and he was pretty sure he’d dislocated his shoulder. From where they stood, the station might as well be on the other side of the moon. Yet he had to try. Both attackers might still be alive.
Staying lucid was a struggle, and he fought to keep from losing consciousness. Putting one foot in front of the other, he focused on the sidewalk. If they could reach it...
His vision became fuzzy and he stumbled, landing hard against Rachel, his weight took them both down onto the pavement.
“Noah!” She cradled him close. Nearby, tires screeched. Voices drifted through the fog, and his fear accelerated. Did the shooter call for backup?
“Go to the station. Get help.” He thought he said the words aloud, but he was fading fast. Hurry, Rachel. The thought raced through his mind.
“Noah! Hang on. Help is coming. Please don’t leave me.” Her words floated above him like clouds, the panic evident even in his haze. She was worried about him. And he still cared for her.
“I wish things were different,” he murmured. Wish I could be the man you need. Unsure if he’d said it aloud, he prayed he hadn’t. He’d hurt her enough. She needed his protection, not his useless wishes. You need someone who can love you and be strong for you. The words appeared in his head. Was he having the conversation with her? Not at all.
Objects crowded in, too blurred to make out. Noah closed his eyes. He hurt everywhere. Someone screamed his name. Regret brought a tear to his eye. Rachel. I’m sorry. He thought he’d said it aloud but was too tired to know. I’m just sorry I hurt you.
EIGHTEEN
“Please, somebody!” Rachel screamed. Cradling Noah’s upper body in her lap, she glanced frantically around, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Somebody help us!”
Noah mumbled something unintelligible. Someone pulled her away.
“No!” She fought her restrainer.
“I need you to come with me,” Walker urged, while holding her arms. “You could still be in danger.”
“I’m staying with Noah.” Noah had risked his life to save her. She wouldn’t leave him now.
The world
around her became a whirl of activity. An ambulance rolled up next to where Noah had now begun to waken. EMTs rushed to assist while Aden and Megan hurried to the two men who lay still on the pavement.
Noah slowly sat up even though the EMTs urged him to remain still. He glanced around. When his eyes found hers, she pulled free of Walker and hurried to his side.
“Are you okay?” he asked, clutching her hand, his voice barely audible.
“I am fine.” She held on to his hand while one of the EMTs examined his shoulder and the second cut his pants away from the injured leg. Noah winced in pain as the EMT made sure there were no broken bones.
I wish things were different. Wish I could be the man you need... Remembering the words he’d mumbled broke her heart.
“There are no broken bones, but your knee has begun swelling. You need to stay off it for a while and keep it iced,” the female EMT told him, then glanced at her partner.
“Shoulder’s dislocated,” her partner said. “You could have injured your head when you hit the ground. You already have a concussion. We need to get you to the hospital.”
Noah shook his head. “No hospital,” he told the male EMT. “Do what you have to do here.”
“It’s going to hurt like crazy,” the man warned.
“I’ll be okay. Just do it,” Noah said, his voice barely audible.
The EMT’s opinion was clear, but he did as Noah asked.
Easing Noah onto his back, with his injured arm away from his body at a ninety-degree angle, he grasped his wrist and positioned a foot against Noah’s waist.
“Ready?” he asked Noah.
Noah nodded and kept his eyes on Rachel.
The EMT pulled Noah’s arm hard. Noah clamped down on his bottom lip as the shoulder slipped back into its socket.
“You’ll need to keep it immobile for a while,” the EMT informed him while his partner returned with a sling and placed it around Noah’s neck, gently easing his arm into place.