Page 25 of Bridge to Safety

She woke to deep barking. Eyes popping open, she sat up and stared into the trees. “Peanut, come.” Silly dog. Shiloh stood and followed the barking.

Hackles raised, Peanut barked in the direction of the parking lot.

A trail of red rose petals left a trail in that direction.

Shiloh’s heart leaped into her throat.

Maybe the petals were left as a marriage proposal. She glanced around hoping to see a young woman following the trail.

“Are they still here, girl? The person who left the flowers?” She swallowed against a dry throat. Her heart thumped so hard she could see her chest move with the beat.

A cloud passed across the sun. She shuddered, the peace of the day gone.

~

Stupid dog. Duke had wanted to get closer, intending to watch Shiloh sleep. She’d looked so beautiful, so vulnerable, lying there, the sun highlighting her hair.

He’d wanted to leave the roses at her side, and he almost had, until the dog stepped from the trees and started barking. He’d had no choice but to retreat and leave his message in the form of scattered petals.

In order to convince Shiloh she belonged to him, he needed to court her properly, woo her with romantic things. The dog would pose a problem, though. Duke drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. He liked animals and didn’t want to harm her dog. Somehow, he needed to make friends with the beast. Let the dog see he meant no harm so he could get close to Shiloh.

Treats? The occasional steak bone? He’d think of something.

Catching sight of Shiloh returning with the quilt and cooler, he left the parking area and found a side road to sit and wait for her to pass. He’d be her shadow as much as time permitted. It had made his heart glad to see her at the lake alone and not with Deputy Reynolds. Maybe there wasn’t anything between the two of them after all.

If they did get close, he’d find a way to end the relationship. If he couldn’t have Shiloh, then no one could. She’d belonged to him ever since that night fifteen years ago when he’d claimed her. Nothing would change that.

Oh, she’d cried and struggled, but only because she didn’t realize what they had. Now that she was grown, a mature adult, things would be very different. She’d see. When the time was right, he’d show her how much they belonged together. One night together, and she wouldn’t want anyone else.

~

Rowan frowned to see Shiloh returning from the lake so soon. He’d expected her to be out there for several hours. A glance at his watch showed a little over an hour. He almost followed her home but decided against it. She knew to call him if she needed him. On his agenda for the day was a visit to June Mayfield. If anyone knew what the Larsons held over the town, she would. Pulling away from the curb, he drove the couple of blocks to the old woman’s house and parked out front.

She waved from the rocking chair she sat on. “Come on in. I’ve tea and cookies.”

He grinned and headed up the steps. “I have a feeling you always do just in case.”

“Absolutely. Help me out of this chair.” She held out a hand.

He took her fragile one in his and helped her to her feet. “Can I ask you some questions?”

“You sure can, although I might not answer if they’re too personal.” She entered the house ahead of him.

“The questions aren’t about you, ma’am.”

“Then I’ll answer. Have a seat on the sofa. I’ll be right in.” She bustled into the kitchen. A few minutes later, she entered with a silver tray.

Rowan took the tray from her and set it on the coffee table. “I’ll pour.”

“Thank you.” She settled onto a chair across from him. “Who do you want to know about?”

“Duke Larson.”

Her brow lowered. “You’ve already asked me about him and Shiloh.”

“This is more about his family.” He poured the tea and handed her a cup, then offered the plate of cookies. “Why is the Larson family immune to the consequences of their actions?”

She tilted her head. “Do you know the old saying, ‘snitches get stitches’?”

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