Page 36 of Bridge to Safety

“Okay. I want you to speak to Susan Snodgrass and Melinda Larson, the other fifth-grade teachers, about Duke abusing them.” She set her jaw.

He set the burger down. “Them too?”

She nodded.

“You’re positive?”

“We’ve made mention of it, the three of us. Melinda has a black eye today, and I think Duke gave it to her because he’s mad about me and you, and she was the closest to his fist.” Not that there really was a her and him.

The look on Rowan’s face would spear a wild boar. He exhaled heavily and stared at the Styrofoam plate in front of him. After several tense seconds, he raised his head. “I’ll speak with them.”

“What if they won’t talk to you? They’ve already told me they’d deny any abuse.” She clutched her plastic spork so hard it cracked.

“I’ll let them know that if and when he’s taken to court, they’ll be subpoenaed. They’d have to talk then.” He ate like a starving man. “I’ll look for them now. Thank you for letting me know.” When he’d finished, he dropped his plate in the garbage. “Stay safe, Shiloh. I can’t be everywhere at once. You need to help me keep you safe.”

She wasn’t sure she was up to the task. What kind of risks was she willing to take to put Duke away?

~

Rowan wanted to strangle Duke more than he’d ever wanted to hurt anyone before. The man wasn’t going to get away with his crimes this time. Women were not to be used and tossed aside. He’d cherished his late wife and intended to cherish Shiloh if she’d let him once this was all over. He wanted his daughter to know how a woman should be treated, and he believed in leading by example.

He found Susan Snodgrass leading her students to her room. “Ma’am, I’d like a moment of your time, please.”

She sighed, her expression letting him know she knew what he wanted, and told her students to go sit down and read until she came in. Once the door closed behind them, she faced Rowan. “Make it quick, Deputy. I’ve a job to do.”

“So do I, ma’am.” He kept his expression as impassive as possible, a look he’d perfected during his years as a deputy.

She crossed her arms, an unfriendly expression on her face. “Well?”

“Has Duke Larson ever assaulted you?” No sense in beating around the bush. “In the past or recently?”

At first, she didn’t appear as if she would respond. “Why are you digging, Deputy? You’re stirring a fire that doesn’t need to be stirred.”

“Is that an affirmative answer, Ms. Snodgrass?”

“I’m not affirming anything.” She crossed her arms. “I’m not replying at all. Just leave it alone.”

“Why is the town still afraid? Duke is the last of his immediate family. The Larsons don’t have the power they once had.”

“You’re fairly new to Misty Hollow, Deputy Reynolds. You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

He arched a brow. “Really? Why don’t you fill me in on how one man can hold a town hostage.”

She glanced around as if someone would hear. “Please. Leave it alone.”

“I wouldn’t be doing my job.”

Shaking her head, she reached for the door handle to her class. “You’re keeping me from my job.”

“If you reach the point where you want to talk, I’m here.” He waited for her to enter her room before heading to the class of Melinda Larson.

She gave him a death glare when he stepped into her classroom. “Can I help you?”

“I certainly hope so. Can you step into the hall?”

The class oohed. One boy said she was in trouble now.

Rowan smiled and shook his head. “I only have a question. Miss Larson is not in trouble.”

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