Page 32 of Bridge to Safety

“No. I’m sure he’ll try and get back at me some way.”

Hudson clapped him on the shoulder. “We got your back.”

“Thanks.” He entered the room and retrieved Duke, then led him to where the lineup would take place.

The other four men looked as unhappy as Larson did. “This won’t take long, folks.” He moved to where the Nelsons waited. “Any of them look familiar?”

They both shook their heads.

“No one stands out from the others.” Mr. Nelson sighed. “Put a mask on any of them and they could be the one. I’m sorry.”

So was Rowan. He’d hoped that they could lock Larson away.

How would the man retaliate? Would he go after him, the Larsons, or both?

“Is there a place the two of you can go other than your house? Somewhere out of town?”

“My mother’s.” Mrs. Nelson’s eyes widened. “You think he’ll come back?”

“It’s possible.”

Mr. Nelson put his arm around his wife. “We’ll go stay at her mother’s. Once the house is cleaned, I’m putting it on the market. I’m not staying in a town where a madman walks free.”

Rowan didn’t blame them. All he could do was vow to stop Larson before anyone else suffered.

Chapter Thirteen

Shiloh spent anotherrestless night tossing and turning about whether or not she should risk breaking into Duke’s house. The man wouldn’t be stupid enough to keep evidence he’d committed the crime, right? Was she willing to take that chance?

Of course, she didn’t want to be arrested and lose her job. She’d already let the other teachers know she would be taking a day off. What if she simply walked past Duke’s house and see what happened?

Maybe he was home. Maybe he’d invite her in. Would she go? Absolutely not. No way would she be in his house with him alone. So, what then? Her mind spun so fast she got dizzy. Her breath came in gasps. It had been a long time since she’d had an anxiety attack.

Peanut whined and crawled closer, shoving her nose into Shiloh’s armpit. Her breath tickled, and Shiloh giggled. “You’re the best medicine, you silly dog.” She wrapped her arms around the dog’s neck and let her worries subside.

When the day had righted itself, she climbed from bed and put on comfortable clothes suitable for an early morning walk. Since autumn wasn’t far off, the mornings had started to carry a slight chill, and the leaves displayed a touch of red and gold. Shiloh remembered fall in Misty Hollow as being beautiful. She called for the dog. “Do you feel like a long walk across the bridge or a short one where we drive into town?”

Peanut’s ears perked up.

“Long walk it is.” The exercise would do them both good.

She clipped a leash to the dog’s collar. Poop bags and a collapsible bowl hung from the leash. Grabbing a water bottle, Shiloh set the alarm and closed the front door behind her. With a deep breath of the crisp morning air, Shiloh headed up the road, diverting her glance from the Nelson house. She didn’t need to be reminded of what had happened there. That brutal act was why she’d set out this morning.

She paused on the bridge over Misty Creek and stared down at the water rushing under them. How many times had she sat there, legs dangling over the side, wishing to be somewhere else? Now, here she was, back by choice. “Life can be funny, Peanut.”

They continued into town. Some folks waved as they drove past; others stared. She shrugged, having gotten used to the scrutiny fifteen years ago.

Did Duke live in the same house? That was a question that should have been answered before heading out on this crazy quest.

Shiloh passed the garage first, relieved to see his van in the lot, but there was no sign of Duke. She turned and headed to the neighborhood where the development people with money lived. Her stomach growled, reminding her she’d left without breakfast, so she made a detour to the diner.

Not seeing Rowan’s car, she led Peanut to a table for two under an oak tree. She ordered biscuits and gravy and settled back to watch the cars drive past, some pulling into the lot. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of Duke’s van, then she released the breath she’d been holding when he drove past without spotting her.

Rowan pulled into a spot. When he exited his car, he strode her way, a big smile on his face. “Playing hooky?”

“Sure am. I thought I’d take a day for a long walk, then maybe an afternoon nap.” She returned his smile. “Then, breakfast sounded good.”

“Breakfast always sounds good.” He ordered pancakes and sausage when the server arrived. “And lots of coffee.”

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