Page 12 of Shrouded Past

JT frowned. “No. I went into town about an hour ago, and there was nothing. Did you notice a car there before?”

Bryce scrambled to come up with a believable answer. “Just thought I saw flashers on the road last evening around the time the storm hit.”

JT shook his head in way of response, his attention shifting from Bryce to the damaged tree. “Looks like someone may have hit the tree.” His trained eyes scanned the place where the tracks were. “I’d say you were right. Someone definitely had trouble, but it appears they were able to tow their vehicle out, so that’s a good thing.”

Not if it were the kidnapper. But Bryce kept his expression blank.

JT put the Suburban in Drive once more. “If you need anything, give me a call.” Those learned eyes latched onto Bryce’s. JT knew he wasn’t being completely truthful.

“I will. Thanks for the offer.” Bryce forced a smile.

JT lifted a finger and slowly drove away.

Not notifying the authorities when he knew a crime had been committed went against everything Bryce once stood for. He’d try again to convince Piper to report the incident.

As he crossed the road and headed down toward his drive, another thought dawned. There could be evidence on her clothing that would help law enforcement identify her kidnapper.

Something caught his attention just past the driveway in the grass. Footprints. Instead of using the drive whoever had been on his property had walked across the soggy yard leaving dozens of tracks behind.

Bryce followed the tracks. They led straight up to his house and onto the front porch then around the side and onto the back deck. These were fresh. His pulse bombarded his eardrums. What if the kidnapper had returned for Piper while he’d been gone? Bryce couldn’t get the door unlocked fast enough. He stumbled into the living room. The house appeared quiet like he’d left it.

Someone stepped from the kitchen. Bryce whipped the handgun around in front of him. He’d tucked it behind his back before heading out because the things he’d seen as a cop wouldn’t let him believe Piper had seen the last of her kidnapper.

“Oh, my gosh.” Piper dropped the cup in her hand and gripped her throat. The cup clattered to the floor, spilling coffee everywhere.

Bryce blew out a relieved breath and quickly tucked the weapon away. “I’m sorry. I thought . . .” He didn’t finish because he didn’t want to worry her.

Piper grabbed paper towels then dropped to her knees and began wiping up the mess.

“Here, let me help.” He pulled her to her feet then finished the cleanup before picking up the cup. “Are you hurt?” he asked when he straightened and looked into her frightened eyes. He wondered if some of the hot liquid had landed on her.

She slowly shook her head. “No, I’m fine.” She searched his face. “Where were you?” She’d been worried. Clearly, she hadn’t seen the note in the living room.

“I went to check on the car.” He tossed the soiled towels into the trash before facing her.

“What is it?” She stood statue still waiting for him to speak.

“It’s gone, Piper. The car’s gone.”

Color drained from her face. She clutched the kitchen island. “How is that possible? The engine was damaged.”

“Someone towed it out. I have no doubt that was the man who kidnapped you. He didn’t want to be identified, and something inside the car would make that possible.” Bryce waited for her to absorb the extent of what they faced. “We need help, Piper.Ineed help. Help me understand what’s going on, because this is more than just a kidnapping.”

She flinched, and he realized he’d struck a nerve. He’d been right. This was far more than just a random kidnapping.

???

How could she tell him what she didn’t understand herself?As she looked into his handsome face, Piper realized if she ever wanted the chance to move beyond the atrocities that had happened, she needed someone’s help. She needed Bryce.

“I can help you, Piper,” he said softly. “I used to be a police officer. I want to help.”

She believed him. Though she barely knew him, Bryce made her feel safe.

Piper pulled out one of the barstools near the island and sat, rubbing her hand across her eyes. “I’m not sure I know where to start.”

Bryce sat beside her. “Start at the beginning. How did this Protector guy take you? From where?”

If only it were that simple. “That’s just it, I don’t remember the beginning or anything. Like I said, there’s nothing before waking up in the basement and into the nightmare.” She explained about being in and out of consciousness for a while. “I’d been hurt.” She pointed to the back of her head. “I have no idea how it happened.”

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