Page 14 of Shrouded Past

“Two separate kidnappings. That’s unbelievable.” He popped canned biscuits into the oven and then cracked eggs.

She focused on his face. Did he think she’d made the whole thing up? “He told me he’d killed Protector.”

Bryce’s shocked eyes searched her face. “He was the devil Protector guarded you from.”

She furrowed her brows. Piper hadn’t thought about it before. Hadn’t had time to think it all through. Was Bryce right?

When the meal was ready, he grabbed a couple of plates and added food to each of them.

“Where’s the silverware?”

Bryce pointed to a drawer by the sink.

Piper went over and removed two forks, spoons, and knives. “Skeleton Man told me someone wanted me back. It was time to come home, and he made it clear if I didn’t cooperate, he’d make it as painful as he could for me.” She unrolled a couple of paper towels and set them on checkered placemats.

Bryce set the plates on the table. “None of this makes sense. We don’t know who we’re dealing with, and your life is in danger. Let me call the local police.”

“You can’t.” She immediately rejected the idea.

“Why not? Help me understand.”

Piper dropped into the closest chair. Had it all been a lie? “Because Protector told me they had people everywhere looking for me. Even people in law enforcement. And if the man who kidnapped me is any indication, then Protector was right in worrying about my safety. We can’t go to the police, Bryce. I can’t take that chance.”

“You’re going to have to trust someone,” he said quietly.

Once more the strength and kindness she saw in him assured Piper she’d been right about him.

“I trustyou.”

“Then let me help you.” Bryce paused. “Let me reach out to my neighbor. He’s former police like me, and he owns a private investigations firm. Perhaps he and his team can help.”

Hope sprang to life inside her. Could she do it? Could she tell her story to strangers in the hope of finding out the truth about her past once and for all? She’d lived three years in a shadowy world with only glimpses of things that made no sense. She had no idea how old she was—where she was from—or if she had a family missing her. Piper didn’t want to live like this any longer.

“And you’re sure you can trust him? His team?”

“I’m positive.”

“Alright,” she slowly agreed and hoped the decision wouldn’t come back to haunt her.

Bryce smiled and reached for her hand. “Thank you. I’ll give him a call as soon as we finish breakfast. Do you mind if we pray?” He held out his hands to her.

“N-no, not at all.” Piper clasped his hands. His fingers folded around hers, warm and calloused from work. Full of strength . . . and promise.

“Father, we come to You asking for help . . .”

With bowed head and eyes squeezed tight, her heart swelled with gratitude. This man she barely knew prayed for her protection and for answers.

Protector had introduced her to God. She had no idea if she believed before their daily Bible studies, but the one good thing to come from her time in captivity was she had put her trust in God.

“Amen.” Bryce pressed her hands tight before letting them go.

To cover her fragile emotional state, Piper picked up her fork and tasted the scrambled eggs. They were delicious.

“I’d like to take your bloody clothing with us. Perhaps JT can find a way to have it tested for the kidnapper’s DNA without involving the police.” He paused, looking hesitant to say his next thoughts.

Piper braced for what would come. “What is it?”

“There was a single set of footprints leading from the road up to the house when I got back. Whoever it was circled the house while I was gone. I’m pretty sure whoever took you knows you’re here.”

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