“Come here.” Chase offered his arm.
She didn’t hesitate to lean against him.
Jake kicked back into Dad’s recliner, placing his hands behind his head. “Ah. This is nice.” He looked at Sierra. “I’m glad you’re here with us, and safe. Chase said you had quite a scare back in Virginia.”
“
We
had a scare. I’m just glad Chase wasn’t hurt worse.” Sierra hesitated. “Seems you see your fair share of danger too. Is it true you wrestle grizzlies?”
“With my bare hands.” Jake held up his palms, crooking his fingers. “Poor animals never see me coming.”
Laughter shook Sierra’s shoulders, and her muscles relaxed beneath Chase’s arm. “Don’t let him fool you. He’s a real softie. He’d rather take a spider outside than kill it.”
Jake tossed a burgundy throw pillow at Chase. “Watch it, man. You’ll spoil my reputation.”
Chase caught the pillow and hurled it back. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Your secret’s safe with us. Right, Sierra?”
“I don’t care what you do with eight-legged creatures, or four-legged ones. It’s the two-legged variety that worries me.”
Other than the sounds of crackling flames, the room quieted.
Jake stood and stoked the fire. He added a few more logs and returned to his chair before he assured her, “You stick with us, and you’ll be just fine.”
After a long pause, Sierra nodded, snuggled deeper into Chase’s embrace and closed her eyes.
The police cruiser made another circle in the driveway, and satisfied they were indeed safe for the night, Chase allowed himself to relax for the first time since he’d followed Sierra to Shenandoah Valley. He flipped on the TV, found the game, and fell into mind numbing oblivion.
Sometime later, the broadcast cut to commercial, and Chase looked down at Sierra, sleeping soundly under his arm. He could get used to holding her like this. He trailed his fingers along her soft cheek, tucking her hair behind her ear before placing a kiss on the top of her head. Her sweet, gentle scents drew him in, and he took in her appearance. Asleep, no worry lines marred her brow, and no fear lurked beneath the surface of her eyes. If Chase had his way, after tomorrow, Sierra would never be frightened of Eason again.
Jake cleared his throat, drawing Chase’s gaze. “I hope you know what you’re doing.” He sat forward bracing his elbows on his knees, his expression serious.
“I’ve been locking away criminals for years.”
“I’m not referring to Kevin Eason.” Jake inclined his head toward Sierra. “I’m talking about her. Looks like you’ve gotten in pretty deep.”
His mouth suddenly dry, Chase wished he had thought to bring in a glass of iced tea. “I can handle it.”
“Can you?” Jake lifted his brows. “Even if things don’t turn out?”
Chase understood exactly what Jake referred to. “She’s already told me not to blame myself if something does happen to her.”
Jake’s intense look eased, and his lips curved into a grin. “I just met the woman, and I like her already.” He glanced at her. “She’s easy on the eyes, too.”
A sudden possessiveness washed through Chase, and he used his cop voice on his own brother. “Don’t get any ideas.”
Jake’s grin turned full-on smile. “I’ve been known to win over a woman or two in my day. But, I wouldn’t dream of trying with her. Besides, it wouldn’t do any good. She’s as in love with you as you are with her.”
Chase froze. He had to redirect this conversation before he did something rash like fess up and ask his brother if he’d be his best man at the wedding. “You just worry about keeping her safe, OK?”
Sierra stirred, but settled back down and slept.
Jake’s features mellowed. “She needs rest, and we need to talk. How about we go into Dad’s office?”
Chase dragged a hand over his face. He needed rest, too, but it could wait. They’d been avoiding much needed conversation, and he needed to know Sierra would be taken care of in his absence. He slipped away from Sierra, gently laying her on the cushions and covering her with Mom’s hand-crafted throw. He punched the ‘off’ button on the TV’s remote. “Let’s go.”
22
Sierra slowly woke, opening her eyes and taking in her surroundings. Disoriented, she sat still. She didn’t often wake in a fog, and the sensation unnerved her. Nothing seemed familiar; not the room she sat in, not the sofa she rested on. She blinked several times. Then, she remembered. She’d curled up in Chase’s arms, and his solid, strong and steady heartbeat had lulled her to sleep.
The television had been turned off, leaving a blank, dark screen staring back. The fire had died down, and one small lamp sent a soft glow over the area. As she sat up, her legs tangled in a soft, knitted throw and she folded it and set it aside. She scanned the empty room. Had Chase decided to go after Eason tonight? Did he leave without telling her? The thought immobilized her, and her heart pounded with dread.
Then voices sounded, distant, but within the confines of the house. Sierra recognized one deep voice. Chase. She relaxed into the cushions, sighing. He hadn’t left. With him nearby, safety and security followed. Running a hand through her hair, she yawned and checked her watch. Nine p.m. Close to two hours had passed since she’d dozed off.
Fatigue still weighed her down, and she grabbed her bag, thinking she’d go to the bathroom to prepare for bed, but detoured to tell Chase goodnight first. She followed the voices and approached what she assumed was an office.
“Eason’s out for blood.” Jake’s voice came through clear.
Sierra’s hand froze mid-way to the door.
“I know. He’s already shot me once, and he wants to do it again. Just promise me you’ll take care of Sierra if anything happens to me.”
Fear wound its way around Sierra’s spine, numbing her limbs and blurring her vision. Although she had known what Chase planned to do, the thought of him actually going out there—hunting and being hunted—terrified her. Kevin would show no mercy. He’d kill Chase if he had the slightest opportunity. Chase had even admitted the fact to his brother.
Sierra backtracked to the bathroom and splashed cold water on her face. She had to stay calm and re-think this whole idea. There had to be a better way. She dried her cheeks and looked into the mirror, remembering when Chase had stood behind her telling her how beautiful she was and making her feel wanted. He cared about her. How could she allow him to go after Kevin for
her
?
Her cell phone rang and she dug it out of her satchel. Piper’s number appeared on the caller ID and she answered. “I’m so glad it’s you. I need some advice.”
“You never listened to me before. Why start now?” Kevin’s callous voice came through clear.
Sierra’s stomach dropped and the room spun out of control. “How did you get Piper’s phone?” Her voice rose with each word. “What have you done with her?”
“Keep quiet or your sister dies,” Kevin hissed. “We’re having a little reunion at Piper’s house. If you want to see her alive again, come alone.”
Piper’s voice sounded in the background. “Sierra, don’t. Don’t!” A strangled cry came next, then a sob.
“And, if you bring that cop with you, I’ll kill him,” Kevin warned.
“He’ll never allow me to leave without him.”
“Make it happen. You have one hour.” He disconnected.
Sierra’s lungs froze. She stared at the phone. Lifeless. Just like her sister would be if she didn’t do as Kevin demanded. Her first instinct was to tell Chase, and lean on the support he offered. But she couldn’t. He would be killed.
Numb, Sierra pocketed her cell phone and grabbed her satchel before returning to the living room. The pounding in her ears kept her unbalanced, and her fingernails dug into the flesh of her palms. She paced the room. Her eye caught the photo with Chase standing with Jake and Amber—a loving family torn apart by a monster. Amber was gone. Sierra would not allow Chase to die, too.
She moistened her lips and glanced toward the hallway. Chase’s muffled voice drifted through the corridor. Hopefully he would remain in the back room while she…what? What was she going to do? Her options were limited. She had no mode of transportation. Unless…
Her gaze flew to the keys hanging beside the door. Her thoughts spun, and her adrenaline spiked. Chase’s truck keys remained where he’d first placed them. All she had to do was take them and use his truck. With any luck, she could reach the highway before he noticed her missing. Guilt stabbed at her. She’d never stolen anything in her life. But, this wasn’t stealing. It wasn’t like she was going to keep the truck. She’d only borrow it.
She reached for the keys, but hesitated as Piper’s frightened voice came back.
Sierra, don’t.
“There’s no other way,” she whispered. Kevin was a desperate man, and desperate men did not follow rules. This wasn’t going to end until Kevin got what he wanted. And, he wanted her.
Sierra glanced down the hallway once more. Chase would be livid, and she had a feeling Jake wouldn’t be too happy either when they found her missing. But, what else could she do? Every passing second screamed for her to hurry.
Praying Chase would forgive her, Sierra grabbed the keys and snuck outside. She sprinted to the truck and climbed into the driver’s seat. She cringed when she cranked the ignition and the truck rumbled to life. Not daring to look back at the house, she shifted into gear and eased around the circular driveway before switching on the headlights. Certain the bright beams would further expose her, her damp palms slipped on the wheel as her heartbeat went wild.
Sierra cautioned herself not to exceed the posted speed limit. Checking the speedometer, she groaned. Thirty-five miles per hour was too slow. She’d thought she’d paid attention as Chase had driven them to his parents’ house, but as she took one wrong turn, then another, anxiety grew, bringing her close to hysteria.
Several more harrowing turns later, she found the main street leading through town. “Thank you, Lord.” She only had to reach Highway 92 and she’d be able to lose herself in the mainstream traffic.
“Piper,” Sierra whispered. “Kevin better not hurt you. Or, I’ll…” Could she take a life in self-defense? She didn’t know. Right now, she had to get to her sister. Nothing else mattered.
Gripping the wheel, she made a left turn. Two more blocks to go. As she neared the turnoff, blue lights flashed in the rearview mirror. A warning siren blipped as a police cruiser approached close behind. Hoping the officer would speed past her, she slowed. When the car followed, now almost bumper to bumper, her hopes vanished.
What had she done wrong? She hadn’t been speeding, and she hadn’t made any illegal turns. There was no reason for her to be singled out, unless…
Chase had reported his truck stolen.
Had he contacted the police so quickly? Or, had he hitched a ride with the patrol car that had been assigned to drive by the house?
Either way, the delay could cost Piper her life.
Sierra stopped the truck and lowered the window as she fought back tears. She couldn’t lose it, not now. She twisted, peering back at the police cruiser.
Chase emerged from the passenger side—he had hitched a ride. The scowl on his face confirmed her suspicions; he was livid. He closed the distance between them and braced his arms across the open window. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“I don’t have time to explain. Let me go, Chase.”
“You’re not going anywhere.” His clipped tone complimented his dark scowl as he withdrew the keys dangling from the ignition. “Have you forgotten whose truck this is?”
“I’ll find another way. Let me out.” She moved to exit the vehicle, but he didn’t budge. She might as well have been pushing against a brick wall. “You can’t keep me here.”
A wry smile split his lips. “I’d say stealing my vehicle is grounds to take you into custody.”
“Custody?” Her eyes narrowed. “You wouldn’t.”
“Try me. I told you before, I have handcuffs. And I have the authority to use them.” His detached tone and set jaw told her he was not fooling around.
“I...I only borrowed it.” The excuse sounded lame to her own ears.
“Without my permission. Sounds like stealing to me.” Chase signaled toward the awaiting police car, and the officer drove away, leaving them alone. He yanked open the door. “Scoot over. I’m driving.”
Sierra had no choice but to slide to the passenger side as he claimed the driver’s seat. “You don’t even know where I’m going.”
He cranked the ignition, raised the window and turned the heat on high. “I will when you tell me.”
She crossed her arms, searching for an alternative. She could try and make a run for it. She glanced out the window. Nine thirty and the nearby businesses were closed, the owners probably already asleep in their beds. No cars passed on the two-way street, and only a few lights glowed in faraway homes. Compared to Seattle’s hustle and bustle, this place was like a ghost town.
“How far do you think you’d get?” Chase’s voice pierced her thoughts.
She snapped her attention back. Fiery resolve burned within his gaze. If she ran, he would catch up and then toss her into the Granite Falls County Jail. Locked up, she’d have no way to help Piper. She tried another approach. “I don’t want you involved in this.”
“Sierra, I’m already in it up to here.” He gestured to the top of his head. “So, you can start talking, or we can sit here all night. Your choice.”
Her heart raced. She didn’t have time for this. Kevin could be doing any number of things to Piper, and he’d probably enjoy each and every one of them. Kevin had always been jealous of how close Sierra had been to her sister. His jealousy had evolved into something more dangerous, and now Kevin had the opportunity to exact his revenge.
“I have to go. Please get out.”
Chase looked at her as if she’d lost her mind. He draped one hand across the wheel and placed his other on his thigh as if settling in for a lengthy discussion. “Just tell me where it is you’re in such a hurry to get to.”
The temptation was there. Chase was strong, virile. He could help. But Kevin had made himself clear. To cross him could prove to be a deadly mistake. “I-I can’t.”