Page 26 of Bridge to Safety

“Yes.” He took a cookie and settled against the back of the sofa.

“Well, it used to be that way when Duke’s grandfather ran this town. Then, Duke’s father let things slide a bit. That caused a rift between him and his father. Then, Duke came along with the same personality type as the senior Larson. The old man took Duke under his wing. Heaven help anyone who came against that boy.”

“This is the twenty-first century. Why haven’t people taken a stand? Why hasn’t the sheriff?”

“Things have been pretty calm since Shiloh left. That was before Sheriff Westbrook’s time.” She sipped her tea. “Maybe you’re the very man to change things around here.”

He pressed his lips together and shook his head. “Call me a coward, but if Duke is as bad as you say, I can’t risk Rachel.”

“I don’t think he’d harm a child, and you’re anything but a coward, Deputy. Worrying over your child proves you’re a good father.”

He tried to be. With a sigh, he finished the cookie. “I don’t understand the mindset of the people of this town. Shiloh can’t be the only woman Larson has assaulted. I need to find the others and see whether they’d come forward about the abuse.”

“Maybe Shiloh knows. She’s the only one who was brave enough to say anything.” Furrows creased her features. “I fear things will get worse for dear Shiloh.”

So did Rowan. “I’ll do my best to protect her. The sheriff has asked that I keep an eye on her as much as I can, but Larson isn’t going to back down without a fight.”

“Then you’d best be ready for that fight because you’re correct. Duke Larson won’t quit. With his father and grandfather both in hell where they belong, he’s alone. He’ll be a cornered animal.” Her expression turned grave.

Rowan’s eyes widened at her words. “I’ll find a way to make him see reason.”

“Let me say one more thing about Duke Larson. He can’t help who he is. That man has been groomed to believe he’s king his entire life. He’s been taught to take what he wants and hang the consequences. His daddy and grandfather, too. He doesn’t know any other way to behave. But you stay optimistic, Deputy Reynolds. It’s cute.” She grinned, then sobered again. “Be careful. Watch your girls very closely.”

He liked thinking of Shiloh as his girl. He pushed to his feet. Maybe he’d ask her on a real date sometime. For now, he’d invite her to join him and Rachel at the diner for supper. Feel her out on any other women Larson might have assaulted. “Thank you, June.”

“Not sure I was much help. I think you already suspected the town’s afraid of Duke. One would think with new people arriving, some of that power would’ve left him.”

“I guess those people haven’t run across him yet.”

“Againsthim, you mean.”

When she started to get up, he motioned for her to stay. “I can see myself out. Thank you for the tea and cookies.”

“Come see me anytime. Bring your little girl.”

With a nod and a promise to return, Rowan returned to his car. He sent Shiloh a text inviting her to join him and Rachel for supper. When she responded with a yes, he continued his patrols for the day. As he worked, his mind whirled at how one family could control an entire town with the threat of violence. Most of the residents didn’t know the Larson family, or Duke, as anything more than a mechanic and construction worker. But those who did, would not cross him.

That fact would make bringing him to justice all that much harder. Not one to back down from a challenge, Rowan would find a way to stop Duke while keeping Rachel and Shiloh safe.

The man couldn’t be allowed to hurt any more women.

Chapter Eleven

The petalson the path by the lake still rattled Shiloh as she pulled into the diner’s parking lot. Thankfully, Rowan and Rachel had chosen an outside table so Peanut wouldn’t have to stay in the car.

Shiloh pasted on a smile, wishing she’d stayed at home, and exited the vehicle. Being law enforcement, Rowan was sure to see something had her bothered.

He frowned as she sat across from him. “How was your afternoon at the lake?”

“Great.” She reached for the menu from the server. “Beautiful day.”

“You weren’t there long.”

She narrowed her eyes. “How would you know that?”

“I saw you coming and going.” He grinned. “This town isn’t that big. My patrol is more like driving in circles. I was on Main Street when you left and again when you returned.”

“Hmm.” She pretended to study the menu. The last thing she wanted was to bring up the subject of the rose petals. They might not have anything to do with her. She most likely overreacted. Not unthinkable considering Duke.

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