Page 48 of Bridge to Safety

Rowan was sitting up in bed, his face already turning several shades of yellow and purple. His left arm had been bandaged. He grinned when they stepped into his alcove. “Just in time. I’m getting released with orders of a few days of rest.”

“Rachel and I will make sure you follow the doctor’s advice.” Shiloh grinned, relieved he wasn’t worse. If he were, the doctor wouldn’t release him.

“You don’t look good, Daddy.” Rachel touched his face, then the bandage on his arm.

“After I worked so hard on my makeup?” He raised his brows. “Give me a kiss. I’ll feel better.” He tapped his cheek.

“Not funny.” She stood on tiptoe and gave him a kiss.

“Are you ready now?” Shiloh glanced at the papers in his lap.

“Yep. Waiting on a wheelchair.” He raised a hand to stop her as she opened her mouth to speak. “Just a precaution because my knees are swollen.”

“Okay.” Shiloh would make sure he stayed at her house. She could take a few days off to take care of him. Between her and Rachel, they’d make him follow the doctor’s orders. “We’ll stop by your place to grab some things, then you two will stay with me.”

“That isn’t necessary.”

“I insist. You’ve done so much for me; now let me do this for you. I’ll pull the car next to the doors.”

By the time she pulled up, the nurse had wheeled Rowan out, then helped him into the front seat. “Take care of yourself, Deputy.” She tossed him a flirtatious smile, then wheeled the chair back into the building.

“Looks like you’ve made yourself an admirer.” Despite her teasing, a trickle of jealousy ran through her.

“There’s only one person whose admiration I want.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “Let’s go home.”

She loved the sound of that coming from his lips. “I like that idea.”

“Hmm.” He closed his eyes and reclined his seat. “A catnap sounds good.”

When she pulled from the parking lot, a dark sedan pulled out behind her. As she merged into traffic heading for the exit ramp onto the Interstate, she noticed it was still there. After they passed two exits, she was sure they were being followed. She increased her speed, then shrugged off her silly notions. Why would someone follow her while a deputy was in the car?

As they drove, Rachel chattered on about all the ways she would help her father. Making him sandwiches, brushing his hair, reading him books…her list went on. Poor Rowan—her attention would wear him out.

She glanced in the rearview mirror again. The car had moved close enough that she could make out the figure of a man wearing a baseball cap. Duke? No. He didn’t have a sedan. As far as she knew, all he had was the work van. If he did own a car, it would definitely be a newer model. The Larsons had always wanted people to know how great they were, even if they did work for a living like everyone else in town.

She glanced at Rowan and wondered whether she should wake him. He would know whether there was cause for concern.

As if sensing her thinking of him, he opened his eyes. “Did the sheriff tell you that I think my car was tampered with?”

“No.” Her heart flew to her throat. “Are you sure?”

“They haven’t checked it yet, but I’m pretty sure.” He raised his seat, his voice groggy.

“Well, I think we’re being followed.”

Chapter Nineteen

Rowan moved hisseat to an upright position and glanced out the back window. “Are you sure?”

“That car has been following us since we left the hospital.”

His phone rang. It took some maneuvering to get it out of his pocket. “Reynolds.”

“Your brake lines were cut. No doubt about it.” The sheriff muttered something he didn’t hear. “Where are you?”

“Headed down the Interstate toward my place. We’re being followed, Sheriff. Mind sending some help? Mile marker 120 and headed west.” He kept his gaze on the car behind them.

“Help is on the way.” The sheriff hung up.

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