Page 16 of Allie's Shelter

She nodded.

“While we’re in there, I’m going to have my assistant change cars. If you’ve managed to hide your stolen data in this vehicle you’re about to lose access.”

She nodded.

“Ready then?”

Again, the quick dip of her chin. He caught sight of the rental car rolling down Main Street. “Let’s go.”

He didn’t worry about his own gear, the car Rick left for them would have the same emergency kit tucked into the trunk. Putting himself between Allie and the street, he gave her shelter as she headed into the office.

It was a happy reunion—for her—when they were inside. He got the hairy eyeball from the receptionist who used to drive the school bus way back when. He met that gimlet gaze and kept his own thoughts off his face.

Cochran led them to his office and closed the door. Ross shot him a look and the man dropped the blinds on the window that overlooked Main Street.

When the sheriff sat down, Allie dropped into a chair in front of the desk, but Ross stayed on his feet behind her. The sheriff acknowledged Ross’s unspoken statement of protection with a noisy sigh.

“Trouble’s got a bead on the two of you.” The man looked at Allie like a doting father trying not to be disappointed. “What do you have to say for yourself?”

“I certainly didn’t mean to bring trouble back here. Have you identified the man from last night?”

Ross admired her cool voice and her perfect posture as she held her ground.

“Not yet.” Sheriff Cochran leaned back in his chair and rubbed his jaw. “The woman from the motel hasn’t said much beyond insisting this is a misunderstanding. She was simply trying to facilitate a meeting with you and her client.”

Ross bristled, thinking of his original meeting with what was likely the same client. Roberts hadn’t looked insane then, or he wouldn’t have taken the case. Whatever was going on, the man was going above and beyond in his efforts to get Allie and the data back. He wondered what the shooter and the fake deputy had been told, though he could fill in the blanks based on their actions.

He wanted Allie out of danger and more, after what she’d said, he wanted a look at whatever she’d managed to steal. If she didn’t trust him soon, he’d have to force the issue. Not ideal, but clearly necessary in light of the past twenty-four hours.

“So this is a courtesy call,” Cochran was saying to Allie. “You aren’t really here to tell me anything new.”

She cleared her throat, but her voice was strong. “You told me to stay in the area. Is that still absolutely necessary?”

“Yes. You’re a person of interest in the shooting last night.” He raised a hand to silence Ross’s protest. “I took your statement myself, didn’t I? I believe what you both said about events there. But there’s been a BOLO issued for you, Allie Williams. Since we know you’re here, we had to respond accordingly. You’re wanted for questioning in Virginia. They’re sending a team to pick you up.”

Ross’ stomach lurched. Crap. They’d played right into somebody’s hands by coming here. He bit back the foul words, doing his best to remember his place here. Babysitter, Allie had called him. He tried to look as neutral and unthreatening as the term implied.

“But you released me into his custody,” Allie protested, jerking a thumb at Ross. “Why isn’t that good enough anymore? I can prove I didn’t take the money. I just need time.”

Ross tried not to read too much into her newfound eagerness to stay with him while he wrestled with the various scenarios. In lockup, downstairs, she’d be safe, and he might convince Cochran to let him look through that duffel and stylish backpack. He already knew he wasn’t going to get the rest of his money on this job, might as well help an old friend instead. Money or no, the truth was he’d do whatever was necessary to protect Allie.

“Young lady, I want to help you. But it’s a capital offense—”

That phrase caught Ross’ attention. “What?”

The sheriff ignored him, intent on Allie. “Honey, I don’t want to believe you could do something of this degree, but my hands are tied.” Deputy Morris entered the office, cuffs at the ready. Ross remembered him from the high school basketball team their senior year.

“Hang on.” Ross angled himself between the deputy and Allie. “What exactly do they want to question her about?”

“The murder of Bradley Roberts.”

Allie’s perfect posture failed her, and if Cochran’s worried expression was any indication, she looked ready to faint.

The deputy took another step, stopping at Ross’s hard look. He shifted that same hard expression to the sheriff. “For old time’s sake, can you give us a minute here?”

“It’s not my case or my minute to give. I have a responsibility to hold her until the authorities who issued the ‘be on the look-out’ arrive to question her. You know that.”

This was spiraling out of control way too fast. He did a mental inventory of who had seen them where today. “You’ve known Allie all her life. Let her give you a statement or call a lawyer at least.” He could see Cochran waffling. “It’s your department, your jurisdiction.” Ross resisted the urge to push more. It was a fine line they were walking. As soon as he got her out of here, and he would get her out of here, he’d have Eva research the timing and origination of the alert and send Rick to follow up in person.

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