Page 4 of Bridge to Safety

His smile faded. Why was she really back?

His hold tightened on the steering wheel. Had she returned to ruin him? It wouldn’t work. Just like it hadn’t back then. The people of Misty Hollow loved him and his family. They wouldn’t believe her lies now either.

Laughing, he exited the vehicle. She’d looked absolutely terrified at the garage and at the diner. Maybe her return was as innocent as she said. But, if not, he’d make her regret coming back.

Duke loaded the SUV onto the tow truck, then drove back to the garage. He couldn’t wait to see her again when she came to claim her vehicle.

~

After following Shiloh around the local grocery store, Rowan drove her back to the mechanic. Chaperoning a beautiful woman around town hadn’t been how he thought he’d spend his day off, but there were worse ways. He glanced at his watch. Time was running out. Only fifteen minutes remained before he had to pick up Rachel.

“I’ve taken up enough of your time.” Shiloh slid from his truck. “Thank you. I’ll transfer the groceries and head home.”

“I’ll help. We’ll get done faster. Before you drive off, I want to give you my phone number. Phone or text me at any time.” Rowan filled his arms with bags and stashed them in the back of the SUV sporting a new tire. He glanced around for Duke.

Shiloh seemed more relaxed with the man out of sight. What was the story between those two? He knew just the person to ask once he’d picked up Rachel. It wouldn’t take long for him to learn all he needed to know about Shiloh.

Once Shiloh was headed home, he drove to the elementary school where his daughter paced the sidewalk. He reached over and shoved the passenger door open. “Sorry.”

Looking as haughty as only an eight-year-old girl could, she climbed in. “You can’t use work as an excuse today, Daddy.”

“No, I was being a Good Samaritan.”

Her eyes widened. “Okay. You’re only a little late.”

He chuckled. “Do you mind if we stop by Mrs. Mayfield’s house? I’d like to ask her something.”

“I don’t mind as long as she has cookies.”

“She always has cookies.” June Mayfield, as he’d learned soon after arriving in town, knew everything there was to know about everyone.

“Of course, I have cookies,” she said when Rachel asked. “You know where they are.” She arched a brow in Rowan’s direction. “I do believe your daddy wants to talk to me about something.”

“You would be right.” He kissed the top of Rachel’s head. “Go on and get started on your homework. I won’t be long.”

“Head on into the living room, Rowan. I’ll fetch some iced tea.” Leaning on a cane, the old woman followed Rachel to the kitchen.

“Let me get it.” He started to follow.

“No, sir. My kitchen, my rules. Sit.” She waved a hand behind her. June returned without the cane and set a silver tray with a pitcher of tea, two cups, and a bowl of sugar on the coffee table. She poured them both cups, then sat in a floral-patterned chair across from him. “What brings you here today?”

“What can you tell me about the Sloan family?”

A furrow formed between her eyebrows. “The couple died, and their daughter, Shiloh, moved. Why?”

“Shiloh has returned and is as skittish as a new foal.”

“Ah. Well, there’s a story there, and it isn’t a pretty one. Are you sure you want to hear it?” She sat back.

“Absolutely. She’s returned to teach but doesn’t seem happy to be here.”

“I don’t suppose she would.” She plucked at a doily on the chair arm. “Richard Sloan was a drunk. His wife, Susan, was a mere mouse of a woman. Their only child, Shiloh, was left to run wild. She got into some trouble with drinking and running around with boys. They didn’t have much money, just the shack they lived in. I suppose the girl returned to the house?”

At his nod, she continued. “To the town’s dismay and his parents’ horror, Duke Larson started hanging around with Shiloh.”

“Why would anyone care?” He stirred sugar into his tea.

“He was the star quarterback, and she was a girl many thought was beneath him. This town had big plans for Duke.” She shrugged. “Anyway, on the night of the senior prom, Shiloh was discovered staggering home by a deputy, beer on her breath, and her prom dress hanging off her shoulder. Her lip was split open, and her fancy hairdo had come undone. She told the deputy that Duke had raped her. No one believed her, not even her own mother. Shiloh left town the morning after her graduation.”

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