Page 66 of Unexpected Danger
“Londyn. Are you all right?” What he wouldn’t give to hold her. Protect her. Keep her safe from Dustin Haack and whoever else might ever wish to cause her harm.
With effort, he reined his thoughts back to reality.
Brodie took Londyn aside, and she leaned into him. Hesitantly, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, inhaling the familiar scent of her shampoo, and resisted the urge to pull her closer. Vivid memories of how it felt once upon a time to hold her filled his thoughts.
Just as quickly as he allowed himself the memory, he reminded himself that this was because she was in danger, not because she had any feelings for him.
“Did you find him?”
“I did not.” Brodie proceeded to share the updates with Londyn . “Do you know anybody in Pronghorn Falls who might be helping him?”
“I don’t. We had a friend in common in Rowland, named Jasmine, but I haven’t seen her anywhere around here, and while I would no longer trust her, I don’t think she would aid and abet a criminal. Especially since she is my friend.”
But the way Londyn looked away, Brodie figured her assessment of what Jasmine would or wouldn’t do might not be all that accurate. He’d need to follow that potential lead.
A notification chimed on Londyn’s phone, and she pulled away from Brodie and checked her messages. Her face turned pallid, and he saw her lips tremble.
“Londyn? What is it?”
Her hands shaking, she handed Brodie the phone.
HEY, LONDYN. WONDER IF THE KIDS WE HAVE SOMEDAY WILL BE LIKE THOSE LITTLE BOYS PLAYING OUTSIDE IN THE BACKYARD TODAY.
Chapter 17
Brodie was at his desk eating a late lunch when the call came in.
“Sheriff Brenneman.”
“Brenneman, hello, this is Detective Rivas with the Rowland PD.”
“What can I do for you, Detective?”
“We believe we’ve spotted Dustin Haack’s truck at his apartment here in Rowland.”
“In Rowland?” That was a relief. How nice to have a reprieve from the guy they couldn’t find. Now if only the Rowland PD could nab him. Brodie detested the tedious and prolonged amount of time this case had been open and the circumstances surrounding it.
“Yes. A neighbor called in a few minutes ago on her lunch break and noticed Haack’s truck parked in front of his apartment. Patrol is en route as we speak, and I’m getting ready to head over there as well.”
Brodie attempted to digest the information. “Well, if that’s the case, that gives us a little break here from him. Will you let me know what you find?”
“You’ll be among the first to know.”
“Thanks. I appreciate all your help.” Brodie clicked off from the phone call with Rivas. What were the odds that Haack would leave Pronghorn Falls and return to Rowland? Was he there temporarily? Did he plan to move back? Why leave now? Not that Brodie wasn’t glad that Haack left. It gave him some respite from having to worry about Londyn and Haack’s next evil plan. Brodie tapped his pencil on the desk. It would be difficult to be patient waiting for the follow-up call from Rivas.
He lifted the receiver and punched in Londyn’s cell number.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Londyn, it’s Brodie.”
Hi, Brodie.” Her voice, one he would recognize anywhere and one he’d grown to love, sounded across the line.
“I have good news.”
“Dustin was caught?”
“Not quite that good of news. However, his truck has been sighted at his apartment in Rowland.”
