Page 73 of Cold Light of Day

“Why would she represent someone like that?”

“To make sure he got a fair trial,” Grier said. “That he wasn’t framed or set up.” Grier understood that perspective.

“Rafael was paying the firm through a shell company,” Nolan offered. “I’m not sure that she was in love with him or planned to leave our family of her own accord.”

“What are you saying?”

“I think Rafael was fascinated by her.” Nolan turned to his sister. “You have her distinctive eyes. I’m sure you’ve experienced some unwanted attention from strangers.”

Nolan worked his jaw—he’d intended the dig at Grier. But Nolan didn’t understand that his sisterwantedGrier’s attention. He could almost smile inside at that.

The chief nodded. “So you think he threatened to hurt her family if she didn’t go with him.”

“I think it’s possible,” Nolan said. “When Rafael was extradited and then incarcerated, she thought she was free. I think that’s when she agreed to try again with Dad. Mateo hadn’t been captured yet and stepped in to end her,” Nolan said. “So now you can understand why she—”

“Faked her own death. To protect us.”

Grier sat back and listened, new questions forming in his mind. “What does this Rafael’s organization traffic in?”

Nolan rubbed his forehead, then said, “I was only able to read a snippet of the file, which included the usual arms, drugs, people, but it seemed more like he majored in intellectual property and money laundering. His brother is still out there, and Dad was right, Autumn, you’re in danger.” Nolan’s sigh was gruff and painful. “I think you should stay here with me. I’ll get you twenty-four-hour protection until this is wrapped up.”

Which was as it should be, so why did Grier bristle at the thought? This could be his real chance to walk away. He should encourage her. “He’s right, Chief.”

She glanced over her shoulder at him, and he didn’t miss the hurt in her eyes before she blinked it away.

“I can’t abandon my town and the two officers I have left. In the meantime, I’m working on an investigation that keeps me moving and not so easily targeted. That said, Grier and I have an appointment we need to keep. Thanks for the information, Nolan.”

Without waiting for her brother’s reaction, the chief opened the truck door and stepped out.

Nolan twisted to look at Grier. “Will you talk to her?”

“What makes you think she’ll listen to me?”

Nolan scowled. “Then at the least, protect her.”

“In case you hadn’t noticed, your sister is an experienced police chief.”

“Are you saying she can protect herself from the likes of Mateo? In cases like this, even the most skilled law enforcement officers out there need protection. Need someone to have their backs. And right now, it looks like you’re all she’ll allow. I hope you’ve got skills.”

I hope I do too.Grier’s turn to get out. He’d already tried to talk her into staying at a safe house, but this plan of remaining on the move was as good as going off-grid.

He followed Autumn to their rental vehicle. This time, she got into the passenger seat. He glanced at her before turning on the vehicle and cranking up the heat. He still hadn’t grown accustomed to the high temperature being fifty-two degrees. He steered out of the parking lot and along Northern Lights Boulevard, hugging the perimeter fence of the airport, then followed the road south until he parked at Point Woronzof. They had time before their flight back.

He climbed out to give her space and walked around to lean against the front of the vehicle, though he hoped she would join him in looking across the waters of the Knick Arm at snowcapped Denali in the distance. Of all the areas he thought he’d end up, Alaska was the last place on earth he ever dreamed he would be, especially for the reasons he was here. And even more surprising, the woman he was with.

She got out and came around to stand next to him. “I might not know a lot about you, but I know you’re not from Alaska. How’d you know about this place?”

“I skim tourist brochures here and there, when I’m waiting on you.” He tossed her a grin. “Now we need to walk the trail to the beach. Are you up for it?”

Her features remained tight, and she hesitated.

“Come on, Chief. You could use the fresh air to clear your mind. We have a long flight home.”

She nodded. “You’re right.”

She took off down the trail, and he strolled next to her. While he’d wanted a reprieve, and for the tension to drain out of them both, he couldn’t let his guard down for even a moment. Others strolled the gray beach as well, so they weren’t alone. They found a large chunk of driftwood—an old whitewashed tree trunk—to sit on.

If only for a few minutes.

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