Sierra avoided a doctor making early morning rounds and approached Chase’s room. Deep voices sounded from within and she paused, listening. “I’m taking full responsibility for Sierra Malone’s safety. With all due respect, Sheriff, I’m not answering any questions until you answer mine. Where is she?” Chase’s smooth tones carried into the hallway, and relief weakened her knees.
“May I help you?” A nurse Sierra hadn’t seen before appeared at her side. “Only the sheriff and family members are allowed in to see Mr. Price. Are you his wife?”
“Wife? No.” The nurses had changed shifts, and this one had no way of knowing she’d spent the night by Chase’s bedside. “But, I need to see him.”
The nurse’s eyes widened, and she extended a short-nailed finger. “Wait a minute. Are you that woman…the witness who saw him get shot?”
“Yes, I was there when it happened.”
“Oh, then I suppose I’ll make an exception.” The nurse perked up. “He’s been asking for you. Go on in so he can stop worrying.” She shoved open the door. “Mr. Price, you’ve got a visitor.”
The thin white curtain around the bed had been pulled aside, leaving an unobstructed view of the sheriff and Chase, who both turned to look.
“Sierra.” Chase slumped back against his pillow and let out a long breath. His skin looked pale, his eyes were bloodshot, and his forehead was bruised, but his voice sounded strong. “Are you OK? Where have you been?” His gaze raked over her as if looking for injuries.
“I’m fine.” She raised the coffee and displayed the crackers. “I was hungry.”
“We’re going to have to do something about your diet.” He held out a hand and crooked a finger. “Come here.”
Sierra did as he asked.
His gaze held hers. “I could’ve lost you.”
Chase spoke as if she was his to lose. She could hardly breathe, much less reply. It had been a long, restless night. Maybe she’d misunderstood. But something told her she hadn’t misinterpreted. It seemed as if the life threatening situation they’d survived had formed an intimate bond between them. She struggled to find her voice, but was at a loss for words.
Chase cleared his throat. “So, what happened last night?”
“Kevin took out his rage on you. I should never have allowed you to help.”
“Allowed me?” Chase slowly shook his head. “It wasn’t your choice. It was mine. And no matter what happens, I’m not leaving your side until it’s over.”
It hadn’t occurred to Sierra that Chase might leave her, but hearing him say he wouldn’t gave her a measure of reassurance. She took a sip of coffee hoping to settle her nerves before setting down the cup.
Chase pointed to the crackers. “You need something nourishing.”
“You’re in no condition to worry about what I’m eating.”
“My condition isn’t so bad.” Chase rolled his shoulder and winced. Beads of sweat popped out on his forehead and he looked paler than before. “It’s just a scrape.”
“A scrape? You were unconscious.” A shiver skirted down her body, and she stifled the urge to smooth the lump on his forehead. “I thought you were…I thought Kevin had…”
“This is all very touching.” The sheriff’s curt voice cut in as he shifted forward. “But we do have some things to discuss, Detective.”
Sierra’s face heated. She’d forgotten they weren’t alone in the room. “I could come back later.”
“Stay.” Chase grasped her hand and nodded toward the sheriff. “Sheriff Nelson was just asking about why I’m in Shenandoah Valley.”
“That’s right.” The man confirmed. His forehead formed thick, deep lines as his brows rose. “What is a homicide detective from clear across the country doing in my town?”
“I knew Eason would come after Sierra.” Chase released her hand and pushed himself higher in the bed. “I wanted to catch him when he did.”
“Sounds personal to me.” Sheriff Nelson adjusted his hat. “Why don’t you fill me in?”
Exhausted and emotionally drained, Sierra found it difficult to focus on the details the two men discussed. Last night had shaken her to her core, and then she’d had to recount the incident to Shenandoah County’s deputies countless times. With little more than a few hours of fitful sleep in an unforgiving hospital chair, fatigue threatened to overcome her.
Sierra snatched up her coffee and took a few swallows, thankful the brew was strong. As she waited for a jolt of energy, her thoughts wound through several avenues, remembering again the horror of last night and then lingering on the fact she might not have had a chance to see her family again. Her throat constricted, tears stung her eyes and the longer she stood, the worse the gash on her leg ached. She wished Sheriff Nelson would offer her the room’s only chair, but he didn’t look ready to budge any time soon.
Chase shifted and the thin gown slid low, exposing the top of his broad chest. Most people she’d seen laid up in a hospital bed looked at least somewhat weak, but not him. He might be pale, but he still appeared as strong and virile as the day he’d snatched her from the oncoming SUV.
She nipped her lower lip, wishing she could squeeze onto the bed. She could stretch out and close her eyes. Maybe he’d even take her in his arms…
“Sierra? I think it’s the best option. What do you think?” Chase asked.
Sierra snapped to attention. Had she just been daydreaming about snuggling with Chase?
Oh Lord, what am I thinking?
Heat flushed her cheeks, and she was sure her skin had turned the color of ripe raspberries. “Sorry. What? I’m having a hard time concentrating.”
“That’s understandable ma’am.” Sheriff Nelson edged forward. “You have been through a lot in the past couple of months, not to mention last night.”
Sierra wished she’d been listening. At some point in the last few minutes, the hard look in the man’s eyes had softened and become a little more understanding.
What had Chase told him?
“The sheriff suggested we disappear for a few days,” Chase explained.
Sierra froze. “Disappear? Where?”
“It doesn’t matter as long as it’s secure. You and I are the only witnesses. No one inside the diner can identify Eason as the shooter.” The implications hung in the air. Kevin had more reason now than ever to kill them both.
Sierra clenched her teeth and fisted her hands as she fought an intense fear welling inside. She’d had her fill of being afraid. Kevin had gone too far. Not only had he killed Amber, but he’d also attempted to kill Chase. No telling who else the man had hurt. He deserved no less than to rot in a jail cell—or worse.
Sierra closed her eyes.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
She thought of God’s promises as she gathered the courage to speak the words resounding in her heart. “I don’t want to hide anymore. I want this to be over.”
Chase squeezed her hand. “I do too. Let’s get out of here. I’ll need clothes. My bags are locked in the truck back at the motel.”
Sheriff Nelson eased from the chair, and the man’s knees cracked under the pressure. “I’ll send Deputy Ramirez to pick up your things. I’ve got a great place in mind for you two.”
Sierra looked from Chase to the sheriff. “Is it far from here? Chase shouldn’t travel in his condition.”
Pocketing his notepad, Sheriff Nelson nodded. “It’s within an hour’s drive.”
“Are you sure we’ll be safe there?”
The sheriff crossed his arms and rocked back on his heels. “There’s no guarantee, but I can tell you if someone in my family was in trouble, it’s where I’d send them.” He headed out the door. “I’ll be in touch.”
15
Kevin Eason slammed the hotel room door shut and headed to the bathroom. He grabbed up the antibacterial soap he carried with him and twisted on the steaming hot water. Hospitals crawled with germs, and he wasn’t taking any chances of contracting some debilitating disease. He had to be in top shape to exact his revenge.
His gut still twisted from discovering the cop had lived. Kevin had missed his mark—Price’s heart. He’d almost had a second chance to take the man out as he lay passed out in that hospital bed. It would’ve been so easy, but the meddlesome sheriff wouldn’t leave. Kevin shuddered at how close he’d come to being caught and losing his chance for redemption.
He glanced in the mirror. The scrape on his cheek had begun to form a nasty scab that was sure to leave a scar, and his banged up knee had continued to swell. He ground his teeth as rage consumed him. Everything was Sierra’s fault. He’d tried so patiently to teach her how to be obedient and loyal, and how did she show her appreciation? With rejection.
Then, she had thrown herself into Detective Price’s arms.
Kevin’s hands began to sting and he looked down. He’d scrubbed so hard blood had begun to seep from broken pores. He shrugged. At least the germs had been annihilated.
Determined to assess the damage last night’s fiasco had caused him, he flipped on the TV and searched for the local news. His finger paused above the remote’s channel button when his picture appeared, plastered to the screen’s upper right corner. They’d used the mug shot taken when Sierra had filed assault charges against him, but they didn’t mention those charges had been dropped. The news anchorwoman spoke of him as if he were some wild animal needing to be caged.
He listened as the reporters sympathized with Detective Price and called on the good citizens of Shenandoah Valley to be on the lookout for Kevin, an armed and dangerous suspect. He shook his head. They had it all wrong. Sierra and Price should be touted as the criminals. After all, they were the guilty ones.
His career, which he’d worked so hard for, was doomed. No matter how dull-witted his law partners were, even they couldn’t look past a charge of attempted murder of a police officer. All the planning, all the hours he’d manipulated McKinley and Brown were for naught.
Disgusted, Kevin blindly tossed his clothes into his backpack. “Sierra Malone, you will regret the day you betrayed me.”
Once packed, he shoved aside his bag and paced the room. His gaze landed on the motel’s cheap mattress, and a slideshow of satisfying images cycled through his mind. He flexed his fingers, imagining trapping Sierra beneath him. She’d beg and plead for her life, but it would do no good. She’d cost him his livelihood; his carefully planned future.
On second thought, death was too easy.
A tight grin formed on his lips as an idea began to take root. Because of Sierra, he’d lost everything important. Now, it was her turn.
16
Tracking down the attending physician and obtaining discharge papers from Shenandoah County Hospital tested Chase’s patience. He’d threatened to walk out twice before Sierra convinced him he needed to wait for instructions on how to care for his wound and to obtain a prescription for painkillers. Deputy Ramirez had dropped off Chase’s and Sierra’s gear, and left the rental truck in the day parking area. When Sheriff Nelson finally called with directions to Skyland Resort, Chase was ready to leave.
He finished the call and gently nudged Sierra—she’d fallen asleep in the corner chair. “Wake up…” He almost finished by calling her ‘baby’. Good thing he caught himself. She had begun to trust him, but she certainly had no idea how he felt about her. True, he’d almost kissed her, and he guessed she’d sensed it. But, she couldn’t know he’d been enamored with her since the day he’d first seen her with Eason months ago. He’d never forget the instant attraction, and the dread washing over him at what Eason might do to her.
Chase called Sierra’s name, and when she didn’t move, he knelt before her and brushed a soft strand of hair from her cheek. She looked peaceful, even scrunched up on the uncomfortable looking chair. He cleared his throat and spoke louder. “Sierra.”
She woke with a jerk and took in a breath. Blinking repeatedly, she looked around. “Did I fall asleep?”
“For a while.”
“What time is it?”
The late afternoon sun sliced through the window, bathing her skin in warm hues. In spite of his aching arm and dull headache, Chase wanted to take her in his arms. But, he backed away before leaning toward temptation. They weren’t safe yet, and he needed to focus. “It’s going on four o’clock. We need to go.”
“Where?” Sierra stretched, and her shirt drew tight against her feminine curves.
Chase jerked to his feet to put more distance between them. She’d been attacked last night. He’d been shot. Now wasn’t the time to be noticing such things. He cleared his throat. “Sheriff Nelson rented a suite for us at Skyland Resort.”
“What’s it like there?”
“I don’t know exactly, but I do know it’s in the Blue Ridge Mountains. He says to expect fantastic views of Shenandoah Valley.”
Her brows drew together and she fidgeted.
“It has two bedrooms. You’ll have privacy.”
“I’m not worried about privacy.”
She might not be, but he was. He didn’t know how he would react seeing her first thing in the morning with sleepy eyes and tussled hair. His imagination took flight just at the thought. He cleared his throat and forced his voice to remain even and controlled. “Then what is it?”
“I just want to feel safe again.”
The innocent plea tore at his heart. “You will. The sooner we get there, the better. The doctor said I shouldn’t drive for a few days. Can you handle a full-sized truck on mountain roads?”
“If it gets me away from Kevin, I’ll manage.”
Chase wasn’t surprised. She’d probably attempt to pilot a plane blindfolded to escape Eason.
Minutes later, after a humbling ride in a wheelchair—as per hospital policy—Chase thanked the nurse and climbed into the truck while Sierra stored their belongings in the extended cab. He drew in a deep breath and the truck’s cherry-scented air freshener provided welcome relief from the hospital’s medicinal smells. He’d been officially discharged less than five minutes ago, and he’d already begun to feel human again.
He shut the door, and a cool breeze swept inside. “You might want to grab a jacket. It’ll be colder on the mountaintop.”
“I left my jacket back at Allie’s apartment, but I do have this.” Sierra slid on a teal pullover before getting behind the wheel. She tugged her hair from beneath the collar and glanced over at his short sleeved T-shirt. “Will you be warm enough?”