Page 90 of In Hiding

In the driveway, a police cruiser rolled into view, making a circle to park at the bottom of the stairs to the veranda. Curiosity sparked, she stood and stretched before heading to the ground floor to greet the sole occupant, Neville Wilson. At the control panel of the security system, she deactivated the alarm and opened the front door, taking the Sergeant by surprise.

“Wilson,” she said by way of greeting.

One corner of his mouth quirked. “Thought I told you to call me Neville.”

“You did. What brings you to Andersen House so late in the day? If you’re here to see Jake, he’s out at the moment.”

Tucking his thumbs into his belt, the cop shook his head. His solemn expression worried her. “Actually, it’s you I’ve come to see. Do you have a free moment?”

Sarah stepped back and let him in. He removed his rigid cap as he entered and tucked it under his arm. “Is Will home?”

“No.” She shut the door and engaged the lock.

“So, they’re both out?”

“Correct.”

He didn’t seem pleased. “You’re home alone?”

“The boys are in town, picking up supplies. They shouldn’t be too long. Can I offer you a coffee?”

“Thank you, but no. I’m not here on official business, Sarah, but I’ve come across some news that I think you need to be aware of.”

Nervous, she crossed her arms over her chest. “Oh?”

His cheeks flamed red and he glanced down at the floor briefly. “I have a confession to make. I know a little of your background. It’s my job to know about the people who live under my jurisdiction. I hope you can understand that.”

Suspicion snaked through her. “You researched me?”

He nodded.

“Is that legal?”

He gave a wry smile. “Legal, yes. Ethical?” He frowned. “Can we agree to argue about that later?”

“You know about my ex.”

He gave a single, authoritative nod. “He’s been released on parole. I assumed you were told but I couldn’t take the chance that perhaps you hadn’t been informed.”

Sarah found herself shivering. “Informed by who?”

He blinked, looking confused. “By the Victim’s Register, or at the very least by your brother.”

“My brother?”

“I thought that was why he was in town?”

Her knees gave way. Neville rushed to her side and caught her under the arms. Leading her into the living room, he set her on the couch.

His face paled. “You didn’t know.”

“Erik is here?”

He lowered to one knee in front of her and nodded. “Oh, dear. I’ve let the cat out of the bag.”

Erik is here.

Tears stung her eyes. A combination of joy and anger swirled in her head, tangling with each other for supremacy, deafening her to anything the cop said. His mouth moved but she heard nothing, just the confused cacophony in her mind. When had he come to Wills Crossing? Where was he? How was he free?

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