Page 37 of Bridge to Safety

She brushed past him without glancing up. In the hall, she whipped around. “I have nothing to say.”

“About what?” He arched a brow. “I haven’t asked you anything yet.”

“Fine. What do you want to know?”

“How’d you get the black eye?”

“Door.”

“Did Duke Larson hit you?”

“I told you I ran into a door.” Her gaze shifted to the left, a sure sign she lied.

“Has he assaulted you recently or in the past?”

“He’s my cousin.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

“Why are you asking me this?” Her gaze flicked back to his, then shifted over his shoulder.

“Ma’am, if he is ever brought to trial over allegations of abuse or molestation, you and Miss Snodgrass will be subpoenaed. Wouldn’t you like to bring an end to this?” He glanced back to see what had made her pale.

Duke Larson, a box of fluorescent light bulbs over his shoulder, strode past the end of the hall. He gave a sarcastic salute as he passed.

“Please.” Her words barely came above a whisper. “Leave me alone. You’ll only make it worse.”

“This sheriff’s department can keep you safe.”

“Like they’ll keep Shiloh safe? No thanks.”

“You’ve heard of threats against her?” His blood chilled. An icy fist clenched his heart.

“Everyone knows he won’t stop until he gets what he wants. What he wants is Shiloh.”

“Why does he care so much?”

“Because she’s the one who got away.”

“Please call me if you’re threatened again.” He handed her a business card. “Night or day. Don’t let him treat you this way.”

She took the card and slipped it into the pocket of her slacks. “What way?”

He stifled a sigh. “Thank you for your time. Have a good day.” He turned and went in search of Larson.

~

Duke slid a bulb into place. What was that no-good deputy doing at the school? Had Shiloh called him? Neither of them could take a hint, apparently. He’d been working on a plan to show them how serious he was, but it wasn’t the time to implement it. He still held onto hope that Shiloh would come around. “Sugar rather than vinegar,” his grandmother always said, but he wasn’t finished using sugar. He climbed from the ladder to see the deputy standing in the doorway of the copy room. “What do you want?”

“Did you spend some time with Melinda Larson last night?”

“No.” He lifted the box of bulbs. “Why would you think that? Did she say something?”

“The opposite in fact.”

Good. His cousin knew to keep her mouth shut if she knew what was good for her. “I was home watching TV until bedtime. I’ve been working hard the last few days.”

The deputy simply kept his stony gaze on him.

---