Page 1 of Trapped with the Growly Rock Star

CHAPTER1

HALLIE

“Come on, June, it's not like I'm asking you to help me rob a bank or stave off a zombie apocalypse. I just want the smallest piece of information.” I give my best friend a pleading smile as I lean forward, resting my elbows on the dispatch desk.

She bites her lip. I know her. That means she's considering my request. “Isaac will legit kill me if he finds out I told you where Lennox Steele is staying in Frozen Heights.”

“But he won’t find out. Not if you keep your mouth shut.” I waggle my eyebrows hopefully.

“You know how hard it is for me to keepanythingfrom him,” she groans.

“Yeah, because he threatens you with a spanking, and you cave,” I say, with a laugh. “And then he spanks you anyway.”

“Hallie!” she shrieks, her cheeks turning pink.

“Hey, you think I like knowing that about my boss?” Not just my boss: Sheriff Quinn and I have known each other since I was a baby. Ugh. I shudder. TMI.

I should mention that tracking down Lennox Steele—the legendary rock star who's been off the radar for years now—isn’t important to me personally. But getting his autograph would mean the world to my little sister, his biggest fan. And Ciara's been through a lot this year with her health issues.

So if an autograph makes her smile…? It's worth every risk.

“Okay, fine,” Juniper says at last. “But only because Ciara's my favorite kid in Deepwood, aside from my own. And you better believe I want to hear that her face lit up brighter than the tree when she opens that present on Christmas morning.” She pokes a finger in my chest. “Andif my husband finds out, I'll say you blackmailed me, and there’ll be hell to pay.” She’s only half-joking. Sheriff Quinn has an overprotective streak, and he'd never let either of us out of his sight if he knew what we were up to.

“Eee! Thank you. Love you, Juney.” I tackle her and give her a big kiss on the cheek.

She giggles and extricates herself, grabbing my phone off the desk. “Just be careful,” she says, typing in Lennox’s cabin address. “The weather forecast isn't looking great, and you know how unpredictable these mountain storms can be.” Her blue eyes are serious. “And I hope you remember that Lennox Steele has a reputation for being an asshole...” She trails off, not needing to enumerate the various tales of his stints in rehab and preference for privacy.

“Yes. And I appreciate your concern, but I've got this. Lennox might be a bit of a grouch, but I bet he can't resist a redhead in a Sheriff’s Department polo and tactical pants.” I strike a sultry pose for her.

Juniper chuckles, shaking her head. “Let’s hope you're right. Please,pleasedon't do anything stupid and make me regret letting you go alone.”

“You’ve got two little ones that need their mama safe at home. I'm a big girl. I can handle myself. I promise to be extra careful.”

She crosses her arms. “Yeah. I’ve heard that before.”

“But I mean it this time,” I reply with a smirk. She rolls her eyes.

I zip up my coat, give her another hug and final wave goodbye, and set off for the remote peaks of Frozen Heights. As I travel up the mountainside, the air grows colder even inside my heated Jeep, and the wind howls, almost as if the mountains themselves are warning me of the challenges ahead.

But ultimately the ride to the base of Frozen Heights is uneventful, and I make good time.

An hour later, after navigating steep inclines and dense forests on either side of the road, I finally catch sight of my destination: a modern luxury cabin nestled among the towering snow-covered pines, smoke curling from the chimney. It looks like the most inviting place in the world right now, but I know better than to expect a warm welcome.

I park and trudge through the snow toward the front. My body warms with each step, the physical effort required nothing when I imagine Ciara's eyes sparkling with joy when she opens the signed photograph from her idol.

I ring the fancy doorbell and knock on the massive door, then wait.

No response.

I repeat it all again, this time calling out, “Hello? Mr. Steele? I’m here with the Sheriff’s Department.” It’s not remotely official business, but I figure that could help stir some urgency.

Still nothing.

“Great. He's either not home or ignoring me,” I mumble to myself, frustrated. “Guess it's time for Plan B.”

I start making my way around the house, getting as close as I can to peek in the windows. I don’t see anyone on the first floor. But it would be great to check the second floor, too. I scan the area and spot a tall, thick pine tree a few feet from the cabin.

Perfect.

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