Page 10 of Ambush

“Did either of you try to confront the shooter?”

“Like I said, I knew better. When the shots ceased, I saw them running away.”

When Greene’s questioning gaze turned her way, Paradise steeled herself. “I kept my head down when Blake checked to see what was going on. I didn’t see anything until he told me it wasokay to crawl out from behind the lean-to. Our priorities then were making sure the visitors hadn’t been injured and none of the bears were shot.”

“Seems odd the shooter aimed at the gate knowing he might strike one of the bears. That doesn’t show much concern over the animals.”

“I thought the same,” she said. “I was shocked to find the bears uninjured. It was very reckless of them.”

“How did they get a pistol into the park?”

“We don’t have a metal detector or anything like that,” Jenna said. “They easily could have brought it in with a backpack or a purse.”

Greene turned his attention back to Blake. “You’re familiar with guns. Did you recognize the type of pistol?”

Blake shook his head. “I was too far away to see it well. I only saw the barrel, though when security arrived, I searched the bus for casings. I found none. I suspect the shooter’s partner picked them up as he or she shot the weapon. A search around should turn up the ricocheting bullets though.”

“He or she? So you aren’t really sure if the man or the woman operated the weapon?”

Blake shook his head again. “As I said, I only saw the barrel sticking out the window.”

Greene clicked off his pen. “That’s it for now. I’d like you both to try to provide details for police sketches to see if we can track them down. Saturday afternoon work for you? I can arrange for a forensic artist to come here. That’s typically best since the memory is often jogged by being where the incident occurred.”

“We’re shorthanded here,” Jenna said. “The last excursion will be over at four. Blake would be free after that.”

“I’ll arrange for the artist to be here at four thirty.” Greenerose and glanced at Paradise. “I’d like a word with Ms. Alden privately. Walk me out, please.”

Paradise’s gut tightened, but she stood and followed him out of the room. He said nothing until they reached his SUV.

He opened his door and gave her a coaxing smile. “I feel like we got off on the wrong foot. Dislike is radiating off you like a furnace, and I’d like to make amends for our first meeting. I’m sorry if I was out of line.” He held out his hand. “Friends?”

Seriously? The guy clearly thought he was irresistible to women. Paradise ignored his extended hand. “It’s all forgiven, Deputy Greene.”

His smile wobbled a bit before he pinned it back in place. “That’s good. Maybe our next meeting won’t be so awkward. I’d hate for this to get back to the sergeant, you know? You sure we’re square?”

“I handle my own battles,” she said evenly. “You don’t have to worry about me running to your boss.”

Relief lit his green eyes. “Glad to hear it.” His big hand came down on her shoulder, and he gave a slight squeeze.

She moved away immediately, and his hand dropped off. “I don’t like to be touched.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

His flat tone told her he hadn’t taken the rejection any better than he’d dealt with her refusal to go out with him. She watched him get into his SUV and drive off. He was still going to be a problem.

***

Paradise shut the door to her cottage behind her and sank onto the chair in the tiny living space. Rosy, the little fennec fox, trottedover to greet her. “Hey, Rosy.” The fox settled by her feet, and she wished the small animal liked being handled. Having Rosy on her lap right now might give her a little comfort.

Her eyes burned, and she swallowed the lump in her throat. Was there some sort of sign over her head inviting men to hit on her or something? She’d had to deal with this kind of thing all her life, starting when she was in foster care. It had led to an unshakable distrust in men.

She gritted her teeth and rose to stomp to the bathroom mirror. Her eyes were luminous with moisture, and even her cheeks were pale. Where was that come-hither sign and how did she erase it? She pulled back her unmanageable mane of hair. The wind had left it even more untamed than usual, and she saw nothing that would draw anyone. Did men sense weakness in her somehow? All predators saw that in their prey, but she’d worked hard to project a strong, confident manner.

She splashed cold water on her face and wiped it with the towel before she sighed. Though she wasn’t hungry, she should eat something. Rosy should be fed too. She went into the kitchen and fed the fox before she opened the fridge, staring at the contents. Nothing appealed to her, so she turned toward the coffeepot.

Someone tapped at her door, and she tensed. Surely Greene wasn’t back. She turned that way and spotted Blake’s dark hair through the window. The stab of relief quickened her steps to the door.

Blake’s face held concern. “You okay? I saw the way you stomped off after Greene talked to you. What did he want?”

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