Page 29 of Bridge to Safety

“Send Miss Sloan home. She doesn’t need to be here when the Nelsons are wheeled out. The woman’s seen enough.” Sheriff Westbrook stepped into the bedroom.

Rowan moved to Shiloh’s car. “You can go now. I’ll follow you home.”

“It’s right there.”

“Humor me.” He wanted to make sure her house was clear before she entered. Yes, she had cameras, but a snip of the electrical wires would make them useless.

“It was Duke, wasn’t it?” Wide eyes looked back at him from a pale face.

“We don’t know that for sure.”

“But, you think it is, don’t you?”

“My gut says so, yes. Since the Nelsons are still alive, I’m hoping to find out for sure.” He patted the car. “Go on, now. I’ll be right behind you.”

She nodded and pulled away from the curb.

At the house, he made her stay on the porch while he entered first. Some of the tension left his shoulders when he disarmed the alarm. Realizing it wasn’t likely an intruder hid anywhere, he still searched all the rooms and closets before letting the dog in. When Peanut didn’t seem disturbed, he waved Shiloh inside.

“Thank you.” She set her purse and keys on the kitchen table. “I don’t think I’ll get that sight out of my mind for a long time. So much blood.”

He didn’t tell her the reason for the blood. “Do you want me to stay for a while?”

“No, I’ll do some work, have a glass of wine, and go to sleep once I settle down.” Her gaze lifted. “I’m safe here.” She smiled. “In the past, heading across that bridge didn’t seem like it led to safety, but now it’s my sanctuary. You had a big part in that, Rowan. I’m grateful.”

He prayed her trust wasn’t misplaced. He’d done all he could to make her safe in her home. Now, it was up to him to make her safe in Misty Hollow.

Chapter Twelve

Shiloh woke Mondaymorning with eyes gritty from lack of sleep. She couldn’t get the vision of the Nelsons out of her mind. To think they’d survived was beyond her.

She grabbed her bag and set the alarm. “Watch the house, girl. I’ll be home right after school.” Maybe she could apply to have Peanut licensed as a therapy dog and take her to school with her. The students would love her.

At lunch, she sat at a table with Susan and Melinda as she did almost every school day. She jerked upright at Melinda’s words. “Can you repeat that?”

The other teacher frowned as if Shiloh was dense. “The Nelsons. Someone cut off their noses, but I have it on good authority they were sewn back on.”

Their noses were cut off? Shiloh shuddered. She’d assumed they’d been beaten bloody. What had been done to them was beyond barbaric.

“I also heard that you were the one who found them?” Melinda tilted her head. “You’re always right in the thick of things, aren’t you?”

“Are you insinuating I had something to do with their attack?” Her brows must be in her hairline.

“No, just stating…” Her words tailed off when Duke entered the room.

All three women lowered their heads, concentrating on their lunches. Maybe if they didn’t acknowledge him, he’d go away.

“Three gorgeous ladies. How did I get so lucky?”

Shiloh kept her head down. Was that a spot of blood on his shoe? The work boots definitely had a rust drop on them. She yanked her gaze to his. “Where were you yesterday afternoon?”

Surprise shone in his eyes. “Working, why? You thinking about me?” One corner of his mouth curled. “I like that.”

Not in the way he thought. Shiloh shook her head. “Don’t flatter yourself. What’s that on your shoe?”

“What? That spot? Barn paint.” He laughed. “Did you think it was blood? You’re a funny woman, Shiloh. See you ladies around. I’m here helping the maintenance worker all day.” He gave a salute and strolled from the room.

“Are you crazy?” Susan hissed. “Are you trying to antagonize him?”

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