Page 4 of Ultimate Freedom

Norrie watched Lexie closely, knowing her answer was important.

“I just couldn’t. I know personally how difficult life is for you and Margie, having to deal with your grandson. When I watched you dancing together, and you both looked so carefree and happy, I didn’t want to bring my nightmare into your world. I should have because Norrie caught me dithering and ended up getting involved. To keep warm, she pushed her way into my car and finally got me to tell her why I was such a mess. Then she brought me here, thinking that madman would never find this isolated cabin.”

“I wondered about that too, so I checked his phone. He’d put a tracker on your car.”

Lexie nodded. “Should have known. Philip bragged about being a tech wizard. What I can’t understand is how he ended up in Demi’s truck with her.”

“He’d run his own vehicle into the ditch. My guess is when Demi came along, he jumped out in front of her waving his gun and made her bring him along.”

“Thank God he didn’t just kill her and take her vehicle.”

“He didn’t know how far the place was you were going to. Best stick with someone from around here is my guess.”

Lexie nodded, showing her agreement. “When they drove up, we just expected Demi. He’d forced her to get out of the passenger side in front of him.” Lexie began crying then, the composure she clung to for so long finally disappeared.

Norrie sent her a supportive glance and took over the tale. “It happened so fast, Sheriff. One minute, we saw Demi with her hands up. Then my guess is she saw Nito coming and threw herself back against that creep to help the wolf. That’s when all hell broke loose. First, Philip shot Demi just as Nito appeared out of nowhere. See… when the wolf leapt to attack, it made the gun lift. No doubt that beautiful wolf saved her life and took the second bullet himself. But it gave me the opportunity I needed to shoot that sick prick and my aim was deadly.” The last few words were spoken in a harsh voice… no pity whatsoever.

Dawson grunted. “Like you were taught.”

“Exactly. You made sure I learned my lessons, didn’t ya.” Norrie’s grin was shaky but thankful.

“Yep.” Dawson patted her clenched hands. “Wasn’t easy. What was it you used to say – you loved all of God’s creatures. I believe that to be the excuse you used every time you balked at taking the fatal shot after targeting an animal. Guess paper targets and bottles worked just as well.”

“See, that’s why I ended up working Mom’s store. I’d rather buy my meat all packaged.”

Dawson laughed heartily before sobering to ask, “So where’s the gun you used?”

“Over there somewhere. I threw it away after I knew he couldn’t hurt anyone again.” Norrie stood and wearily walked over to where she’d left Harold’s rifle. “Here it is.” She stood it up against the pillar and came back to the table.

“Good, it’s evidence. How soon before I can get a few words with Demi?” He looked toward Lexie.

“She’ll be pretty groggy and in a lot of pain. I have more morphine for her, but it can wait until after you question her. She’ll be coherent long enough for you to talk with her but only for a few minutes.”

“It’s all I need. You warned me about the possibility of that man finding you here. I already contacted the RCMP in Stewart. They’ll come and investigate the scene, collect evidence, and probably ask you more questions. I’ll want you to stick around if you don’t mind.”

Norrie looked at Lexie for her agreement. When she nodded, Norrie answered. “Sure thing. Whatever you say.”

The sheriff turned to Lexie who’d stopped crying. He patted her hand clutching the tissues and spoke gently. “I wanted you to know there’s a recent arrest warrant out for that man. Seems he’s been escalating over the last few days and shot a motel owner over a disputed bill in Vancouver. Plus, his housekeeper in L.A. called the police after he left and filed charges for abuse. Guess he lost his temper and beat her badly. She’s in the hospital with cracked ribs and a broken jawbone.”

Lexie made a face. “He spiraled that badly?”

“Yep. Suppose the stress of losing his sister, then his brother, and finally locating you, broke the last strand he had to sanity.”

Whit appeared in the doorway from the bedroom, breaking up their discussion. “Demi’s awake.”

***

Whit’s shoulders heaved as he clawed back his emotions, praying to keep them under control. Seeing his Demi lying there unconscious, a bandage around her body showing from under the collar of her nightie, and her face as pale as the white pillow she lay on made his stomach grind in fear.

He wouldn’t blame her if tonight’s battle ended up as the last straw she’d take from this wild country he loved so much. Being a city girl, he had to believe she’d never undergone dangers such as those she’d experienced while in Alaska.

He wished he knew if she had a family he could call. The only people she ever talked about were friends he’d thought at first were her siblings, but she’d corrected him and then changed the subject. “Tanner and Bella couldn’t be closer if they were my real family.”

He had no idea how to get in touch with them or even if she’d want him to bring them here to be with her. He’d have to go into her phone and that didn’t sit well with him. From the start, she’d been such a private little soul, he hesitated to dig into her world without permission.

They needed to talk.

Holding her hand, hoping somehow she’d sense him there with her, he whispered. “You and me… we’re gonna come to an agreement, my love. I need you in my life forever. That means we need to trust each other with our secrets. I’ve told you mine and now it’s your turn.”

---