Page 48 of Cold Light of Day

“He’s in surgery,” she said before he could ask.

He glanced around the small waiting room, noting a woman on her cell, then gestured for Autumn to follow. “We need to talk.”

She remained sitting. “Not now.”

“I’d prefer not to talk where others can hear.”

“But what about Dad?”

“He isn’t going anywhere,” Nolan said. “Look, I’m here for a day, and then I’m back to my post.” Nolan was in C Detachment, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta that encompassed an area larger than the state of Alabama—practically the other side of the mainland, as far as you could get from Southeast Alaska. She wondered if he had taken that post on purpose.

“I’m glad you’re here, and I want to talk, but I just need to know he’s going to be okay. I need to see him.”

Nolan nodded toward the double doors. “Looks like we’re going to learn his status.”

Doors whooshed open and Dr. Combs walked toward them, drying his hands. “Your father has always been as healthy as a horse, and he came through the surgery fine.”

“Can we see him?” she asked.

“He’s in recovery now and sedated, but once we move him to a room, we’ll let you know.”

“Are you going to keep him here?” Nolan asked.

“Unless there are complications we can’t handle, yes.”

Relief filled Autumn. He’d lost so much blood, and she’d feared he wouldn’t make it. She wanted to lean against the wall and catch her breath, let her heart settle.

“Thank you, Dr. Combs,” she said. “Have someone call me when I can see him.”

“Will do.”

“Thank you, Dr. Combs,” Nolan said. “We’re glad you decided to make Shadow Gap your home.”

Georgiana approached and showed Dr. Combs a file, drawing his attention away.

Nolan grabbed Autumn’s arm and steadied her. “Ready for that talk now?”

“Sure.” She walked with Nolan and was surprised when he exited the hospital. She followed him to the vehicle he’d parked next to hers. He’d borrowed Ross’s Interceptor, probably thanks to Tanya.

An international fugitive had shot Ross. But what about Dad’s shooter? Tension corded her neck.

“Someone shot our father, Nolan. I don’t know who or why, and I’m worried he’s still in danger. Can we secure a few troopers to watch him? I can’t spare any officers.”

“Grier said Dad mentionedyou’rein danger.”

Everyone in Shadow Gap was in danger until she got a handle on things. “In the last several days—I’ve lost count already—we’ve had two dead shooters and taken one fugitive into custody. Judicial services quickly transported him from our jail,thank goodness. We’ve also recovered a body from the inlet—a man was murdered. This isn’t what we see in Shadow Gap. I need to know what’s going on. Anything the Alaska Bureau of Investigation can do to help would be appreciated. Did you and Craig find anything suspicious? Any evidence we could use to figure this out?”

“Not anything obvious. I took a lot of pictures, and you should go back and take a look and see if anything is missing at the house that could explain the attack. Craig and Angie will go back at first light to get a better look in the woods. But honestly, it doesn’t seem to be a simple burglary that took a wrong turn.”

“Agreed. A burglar would simply run off. He wouldn’t hang around for a fist- or gunfight, or circle around to take out his pursuers.”

“We’ll get to the bottom of it,” Nolan said.

“In the meantime, let’s take this seriously and put a guard on Dad’s door.”

Nolan scraped a hand over his face. “In this case, it might be easier if we transfer Dad to Anchorage. Lots of Alaska State Troopers to watch and switch out with the Anchorage PD as well. I have a feeling your job just got more complicated, so I’ll make those arrangements.”

Exhaustion weighed on her. “Thanks, Nolan. I appreciate you helping with Dad. I was surprised to see you. What brought you here?”

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