Page 54 of Among the Innocent

Perez nodded. “Yes. It’s been quiet most of the night.”

“That’s good to hear. Thank you. We’ll take it from here.”

The chief fired the engine. “You got it. As soon as I have anything, I’ll give you a call. If you need us to watch the house again, let me know. I’m happy to help. I want this guy caught the same as you.”

Dalton waited until the vehicle disappeared before he turned to Leah. “How are you holding up?”

The light breeze blew her hair across her face. “I just want this to be over.”

He felt the same way. “I want that too. For you. I want it for you.”

She held his gaze for a moment, then turned and unlocked the door.

The house appeared quiet. He assumed Marge was sleeping.

“I’ll make some coffee. You want some eggs?”

He smiled and tried to remember the last meal he’d eaten. Probably the burger with Leah. “That sounds wonderful.”

In the kitchen, she put on a pot of coffee. Once it was brewing, she took out a frying pan and stuck her head in the fridge. “There’s bacon.” She looked over her shoulder.

“I won’t pass on bacon ever. Let me help. I’ll fry it up. You handle the eggs.”

She grinned. “Deal.” She retrieved another frying pan. Dalton washed his hands and went to work while Leah cracked eggs.

“I sure hope we’re wrong about Justine. She’s an only childand her parents have shielded her, but the thought of her being involved with this man and knowing what he has in mind for her...” She shook her head. “It’s terrifying.”

After everything Leah had been through, she’d grown into a strong woman, one more than capable of taking care of herself. His feelings for her were growing stronger, and he realized there were so many things he wanted to know about her. “It must have been incredibly difficult moving beyond what happened. Learning to trust people again. Opening your heart up to love.” The last part slipped out.

She froze with the egg suspended over the bowl.

“Sorry, that’s none of my business.” What was wrong with him?

“No, it’s okay.”

He waited and watched her expressive face.

“I’ve never been in love—at least not the romantic kind of love. I love my parents. Ellis and Marge.” She shook her head. “But after what happened with John ...” She set the egg down and faced him. “I feel like my life is suspended in time.”

He understood all too well. Even though he’d married, his life had been permanently put on hold the day he heard the news of Harrison’s death.

“I have to work.”

She was stalling. Someone had created doubts in her head. “Call in sick. Come on, you know you want to.”

She giggled despite her reservations. He imagined her blushing. “I can’t. My job is important. You know that. I won’t be able to see you today.”

“How about tonight after your shift ends?”

She remained quiet for a long moment. “I will have to let you know. Please, don’t be mad at me.”

He slowly smiled. She was still worried about what he thought. “Only if you promise to see me after your shift.”

“Oh, I want to,” she said longingly. “I will try. I have to go. Someone’s coming.”

The call ended abruptly. He shoved his phone into his pocket. Silly girl. Always so needy. Just like the others.

He parked the car he’d stolen some distance from the farm in the trees so it wouldn’t be discovered should someone happen by. A police cruiser was parked out front of the Hostetler home. He stayed in the woods until he was past the property. He’d slip in the barn from the opposite side and away from the cruiser. He’d have to be careful, but he had to find the phone he’d given to Eva. She’d taken pictures of him. They couldn’t be allowed to surface. He moved through the woods until he spotted the back of the barn. Being as cautious as possible, he ran across the road and flattened himself against the building.

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