Page 133 of Stormswept Colorado

Ayla spun to face me with a wooden spoon in her hand, features morphing with concern.

“Someone broke in. Tell, he was in the house while we were asleep. I just called 911, but I need you here. Please.”

“Yeah. I’ll leave right now. Let me just—” My eyes lifted, meeting Ayla’s.

“Oh, God, I forgot about Ayla being there. I’m so sorry.” Piper sounded like she was crying, and on the verge of falling apart completely.

“No. Everything’s going to be fine. I’m on my way, okay? Let me head out to my SUV. I need to check in with the office. Then I’ll call you back and stay on the line with you. Okay? You and Ollie are safe right now?”

Another call came in, this one on my work phone. That was probably the station.

Piper sniffled. “We’re locked in my bedroom. Please hurry.”

“I’ll be there soon.” I ended the call and stuffed it in my pocket, then grabbed my work cell. Missed call fromOfficer Nichols. Susan.

“Something happened with Piper?” Ayla asked.

“Break-in while she and Ollie were asleep.”

Was it the vandal who’d targeted other women living on their own? I’d never thought he’d go after someone living in the middle of town. I’d been wrapped up in my own happiness. Ignoring my duties, thinking aboutsex, while some piece of shit broke into my sister’s house and terrorized her and my nephew.

Ayla swallowed, as if she was mastering her own fear and dismay. She grabbed a piece of toast and wrapped it in a paper towel. “Eat this on your way. You need something in your stomach.”

I had to get to my sister. But to do that, I was leaving Ayla here alone. That seemed far riskier than it had an hour ago. Should’ve brought Bryan or another bodyguard here with us from Los Angeles. And wouldn’tthathave been romantic.

Why the hell had I believed I could do this? Have everything I wanted, protect everyone I cared about, with zero repercussions?

I shook my head at the toast Ayla tried to hand me. Food was the last thing on my mind. “You’re going to Ashford’s house.”

“What? No.”

“Don’t argue with me.” I shoved my wallet into my pocket.

“But our plan was that I’d stay here while you were at work.”

“That was before. I can’t leave you alone.”

“If I go to Ashford’s, it’s more likely someone will notice I’m in Silver Ridge. I don’t need Ashford to babysit me. If I have to be cooped up, I’d rather be here.”

“I don’t have time, sweetheart. I just need you to listen.” Keys. Where were my keys?

She scowled. “You have an alarm system. I’ll be fine. I’m not a child. Just go, alright? Get to Piper’s.”

I didn’t want to argue with her. Didn’t want either of us to lose our tempers right now. I pulled her in and kissed her forehead roughly. Spotted my keys on the counter and grabbed them. “Stay inside,” I commanded as I strode out the door.

As I slammed the SUV door shut and put the engine in gear, Irealized I hadn’t said I loved her. That would just have to wait until later.

I called Susan. “On my way to Piper’s,” I said without preamble. “Talk to me. What do I need to know?”

“I’m here at her place. Got here a couple minutes ago.”

“Shouldn’t you be off shift by now?”

“Yes, Chief, but Seth Duncan didn’t show up for work today.”

I cursed. “Is he sick again?”

“I don’t know. He didn’t answer anyone’s calls. I was about to go check on him, but then Piper’s 911 call came in. Now I’m working a double, but that’s fine. Luckily I put my big-girl panties on last night before I went to work.”

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