Page 33 of Bridge to Safety

“Late night?”

He nodded. “Rachel kept me up complaining of her stomach. Then she threw up and felt better. I don’t know where she got all that red licorice she consumed, but I don’t think she’ll be a glutton for a good long while.”

Shiloh laughed. “Kids are never boring.”

“That’s for sure.” He folded his arms on the table. “You okay?”

“Not sleeping as well as I’d like, but I’ll be fine.” As soon as the visions of the Nelsons stopped plaguing her. “Taking a day off to take a long walk will help.” If nothing else, it would tire her out.

“Have you run across Duke?”

She frowned. “He worked at the school yesterday and was scheduled for today. That was another reason not to go in. There’s a rumor he started that the two of us are dating.”

“Really? He doesn’t seem your type.” His eyes twinkled.

“Very funny.” She decided not to let him know about Duke’s threats. There wasn’t anything he could do about them. She declined his offer to pay for their food. When they finished eating, she looped Peanut’s leash around her wrist and set off in the direction she’d previously been headed.

The mailbox in front of the yellow Victorian still read Larson. Since the name and house number were freshly painted, she could safely assume Duke had inherited his family home.

She gripped the iron bars of the gate that hadn’t been there when they were teenagers. This prevented her entrance better than anything. Duke’s security made up her mind for her—she wasn’t going in.

~

What in the world was Shiloh doing staring through Larson’s gate?

Rowan pulled up to the curb and rolled down the passenger window. “What are you doing?”

She gasped and spun around. “You scared me.”

“Would that be because you’re up to something you shouldn’t be?”

“Like what?” Her wide-eyed innocent look didn’t convince him.

He wiggled his fingers for her to come closer. “Why are you in front of Larson’s house? Are you inviting trouble?”

She sighed. “I’m trying to find evidence of him being behind the attack on the Nelsons. I didn’t expect a security gate.”

“Were you going to trespass and break and enter?”

“What?”

“You heard me.” He shoved open his door and joined her on the sidewalk. “You were contemplating breaking the law, am I right?”

She raised her nose in the air. “‘Contemplating’ being the magic word. I haven’t committed a crime.”

“Yet.” His blood boiled. What did she think would happen if Duke caught her? “Do you realize how dangerous it is simply by being on this street?”

“I can’t run scared all my life. I want him locked up, and I intend to find something on him that will do that.”

“Leave that to law enforcement. To me. I will find something.” Rowan rested his hands on her shoulders. “Trust me, Shiloh.”

“I do, but it’s taking so long.”

He pulled her against his chest. Her hair smelled fresh and clean with a hint of floral. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath.

“Listen, I want whatever I find to stick. I don’t want to risk him walking free when I do make an arrest. Do you understand?” His heart almost stopped when he’d spotted her so close to Larson’s property. The man wouldn’t be pleased if she trespassed. He might have even thought she was coming on to him. Duke’s moves on her would have increased, which would be dangerous.

She gave a muffled yes against his chest.

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