Page 36 of Among the Innocent

“Has anyone from the neighborhood been here lately?”

Marge waved her hands in front of her. “The only people who stop by for a meal from time to time are your fellow cops. Ellis works such long hours, he’s rarely home anymore.”

Leah turned away. Fought back tears. Was it time to have someone stay with Marge during the day? Perhaps she should move in permanently.

Dalton came back into the room. Right away, Leah could tell something was wrong. “What is it?”

“Henry received a call about a vehicle parked along the highway heading out of town. It’s a black car.”

Just like the one Katie remembered. “I’m coming with you.”

He stopped her. “Stay. Sam is on his way here to take over for Ethan.” He lowered his voice. “She needs you, and you should try and get some rest. You look beat, and this thing is a long way from being over.” The warmth in his eyes reached out to a part of her locked away since that night long ago.

“If you’re sure...”

“I am.” He shifted to face Marge. “I’m sorry to have to leave.”

“I understand. Ellis was called away from many a meal. At least take some food with you.” Marge wrapped up a couple of sandwiches.

“Thank you. That’s very kind.” He headed for the front of the house.

Leah went with him to the door.

“Keep it locked, and I meant what I said, Leah. Get some rest. I need you sharp.” His words left her feeling a little breathless.

He reached for her hand. An unfamiliar sensation sped up her arm. Calmer than her experience with John. It made her wish she had it in her to explore.

“I will,” she said in an unsteady voice so unlike hers.

“Good. I’ll call you later and let you know what we’ve found.” With another searching look, he stepped outside and closed the door.

Leah slid the lock into place and leaned back against the door. She’d written off the prospect of sharing her life with someone, yet maybe she’d been wrong. Maybe it was time to start living again.

Eight

You acted foolishly.He could almost hear his stepfather’s rebuke.

Stupid, stupid, stupid. He’d forgotten to check the gas gauge, and the car had run out of fuel only a short distance from the cabin where he’d been crashing. Would the car lead them to search the cabins near the lake?

Now, police officers were crawling all over the car. He had to get out of here while he still could.

Another patrol vehicle pulled up alongside the car. From his vantage point in the trees, he saw the same man who had been with Leah before. The new police chief.

The man got out and panned the area, his gaze closing in on his hiding spot. He ducked behind the tree while his breathing quickened. If discovered, he wouldn’t go out willingly.

Seconds ticked by. His pulse slowed. With the police distracted, he crept through the trees until he reached the clearing near the quiet vacation community where he’d been crashing. He tossed his belongings into the truck and then donned the wig and a ball cap that helped him disguise his appearance to match his driver’s license photo. The only road leaving thecommunity wound past the cops. His hands grew sweaty on the steering wheel as he pulled the truck onto the main road and crawled past the first cruiser. Several officers glanced his way with varying degrees of distrust. A roadblock had been set up where a rail-thin officer motioned him to stop. He moved the gun within reach should he need to take out the threat.

The young officer leaned toward his open window. “License and registration, please.”

He’d anticipated this request and had them handy. “What’s going on, Officer?”

“We’re checking all vehicles in and out of the area. Wait here. I’ll be right back.” The officer took his identification and went to run it and the vehicle registration. The driver’s license was a fake, but a good one. Would the officer question him about the truck not being in his name?

He glanced at his car and watched them tearing it apart.

“Here you go, sir.”

His attention jerked toward the cop. “Sorry, Officer.” He forced a smile and tried to appear normal.

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