Page 2 of Bridge to Safety

“I’ll put as much in the backseat as I can. Your suitcase looks like it can withstand the rain.” He smiled at the bright pink hard-shell suitcase.

She nodded and continued to hand him things from the back until she’d emptied the vehicle. “Done. Of all the days to move.” She climbed into the front seat of his truck before he could open the door for her.

He chuckled and got in the driver’s seat. “Where to?”

“Do you know the old Sloan place? It’s on the other side of the bridge that spans the river.”

“No, I’m new to Misty Hollow. In fact, I need to let work know I’m going to be late. I’ll make the call quick.”

“No worries. I’m sure the moving van is waiting for me, though.”

He placed the call, then headed for the bridge over Little River. “Mind telling me your name?”

“Oh. Sorry. I’m Shiloh Sloan, the new fifth-grade teacher at Misty Hollow Elementary.”

“Sloan? We must be headed to your place.”

“I grew up here. You’re taking me to my childhood home.”

“Well, welcome back.”

She shrugged and stared out the side window as the rain started again. “We’ll see.” For the rest of the drive, an uncomfortable silence prevailed. Shiloh looked as if she wanted to melt into the door. She couldn’t get any further away from Rowan and remain in the truck. He had a strong suspicion she didn’t trust men and her childhood in Misty Hollow hadn’t been a pleasant one.

“When you cross the bridge, turn right.”

Other than give directions, she didn’t speak until they turned onto a mountain road packed with cars. He pulled in front of a small white house badly in need of paint. The porch roof sagged on one corner. The steps had rotted away to where they weren’t safe to use.

The river ran about half a football field from the front of the house. Hooked to a steel pole was a rusty fourteen-foot V-hull boat. At least someone had covered the motor.

Rowan wasn’t one to pass judgment, but the house didn’t look fit to live in. The van had obviously come and gone if the boxes piled on the porch were any indication.

“Looks pretty much as I left it.” Shiloh opened her door. “I’m glad to see my things arrived.”

“Let me help you carry everything in.” He climbed out and opened the back door of his truck.

The inside of the house wasn’t much better. Old-fashioned furniture, an inch of dust on everything, outdated appliances, and faded wallpaper. He glanced at the ceiling. No evidence of leaks which was one positive.

“I know it isn’t much, but it can be fixed up. At least I have a roof over my head. I’ve two days to get it in shape before starting my job.” She set a box on the dinette set that looked as if it came straight from the 1950s. Maybe it did.

“We’ll need to make a stop at the grocery store after the mechanic’s. We can do that while they’re fixing your tire.” He rolled in her suitcase.

“Right. I’d forgotten I’d need food.” She turned the kitchen faucet on. “Good. I called a few days ago to get the water and electricity turned on.” Glancing around the room, she nodded. “I’m ready to head into town now.” Those amazing eyes of hers turned toward him. “I can’t thank you enough, Mr. Reynolds.”

“Rowan, please.” He smiled. “We’ll be seeing a lot of each other. This town isn’t that big.”

“I know. Remember, I grew up here. I know exactly how this town is. Lately, there’s been a lot of crime.”

“Happens in secluded places, I guess.” Rowan had fallen in love with the town since arriving six months ago. He couldn’t imagine what could happen to someone to make them dislike it so much. Why had she returned if she hated the place so much? He bit back the question before asking. Why she came back was none of his concern. Unless she was in trouble.

That would make her his concern.

Chapter Two

Shiloh froze asa man in dark coveralls came out of the mechanic’s garage and wiped his hands on a red rag. Her heart dropped to her knees, and she staggered back, stepping on Rowan’s toes.

“Steady.” His strong hands on her shoulders held her upright. “You okay?”

Unable to speak, she nodded. No, she wasn’t all right. The man striding her way with a big grin on his face was none other than Duke Larson—the last person she ever wanted to see again. The very person who had turned the town against her. The man who had the world on his shoulders and big plans to leave Misty Hollow. But he hadn’t left. Shiloh really hadn’t expected to see him. She thought she’d only have to overcome the prejudice of the town residents.

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