Trained To Defend

Colton started to reach for it and then stopped himself.

No, he wouldn’t look inside. That was too intrusive. But his curiosity was sparked.

He glanced down at it one more time and saw a tag on the side labeling the bag as Buzz’s. This must be dog supplies.

At that thought, he unzipped it, checking to see if there were items inside that he needed to take into his house for Buzz.

Instead, he saw money.

A lot of money.

Carefully, he prodded the bag open more. His eyes widened.

Just by looking, Colton would guess there was at least fifty thousand dollars there.

Where had Sarah gotten that money? He couldn’t even begin to imagine.

Had she gotten in with the wrong crowd? Had she done something illegal?

Colton didn’t like the conclusions that his mind started to form.

But he needed to be more cautious now than ever.

FOUR

Colton climbed out of Sarah’s car, locked the doors and went back inside the house. He wandered into the kitchen and pulled out what food he had in his refrigerator. Maybe something to eat would help them sort out the situation.

He put some water on to boil for rice and found a can of gravy. This would work as dog food until he could get something else.

A few minutes later, Colton heard the water stop and the bathroom door open. The clothes disappeared from the hallway.

Colton’s pulse pounded at the thought of talking to Sarah again. It had been so long, and there was so much he wanted to say to her, to ask her. But he needed to keep himself in check. The last thing he wanted was to get hurt again.

Buzz lay at his feet, keeping a watchful eye on the house. “Long night, huh, buddy?”

The dog stared back at him, seeming to take everything in.

“Your food is almost ready,” Colton continued. “Maybe you could use something in your stomach too.”

Buzz raised his nose to the air and sniffed his approval.

Just then, Sarah emerged from the hallway, her hair wet and her skin flushed. Yet she looked adorable. She always did.

“Thank you for the clothes… I can’t believe you kept them.” She stopped at the kitchen counter, looking a touch self-conscious.

“I meant to get rid of them. I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t.”

“I guess so.”

Colton nodded toward the kitchen table. “Look, why don’t you sit down? I’ll fix some breakfast.”

Her lips twisted down in an adorable half frown that Colton often thought about. It wasn’t just that expression. He often thought about Sarah. He thought about her too much, for that matter.

He knew he needed to move on—to find someone who’d be more committed to him than a career. But there was no one else like Sarah. Despite that, she was off-limits.

“If you don’t mind, then that sounds good. Thank you.” She glanced around. “This place looks really great, by the way. It’s rustic, but it’s got a bit of style to it. Did you make this live-edge table yourself?”

He nodded and began scrambling some eggs in a bowl. “As a matter of fact, I did.”

He liked working with his hands. It was quiet work that helped him to sort out his thoughts. He had a barn out back that he used as a workshop. He’d thought on more than one occasion about how much Sarah would enjoy a space like that to paint. The view of the mountains out the back was amazing.

As he poured the eggs into a sizzling pan, the timer went off. The rice was ready. He put the food in a bowl and waited for it to cool.

Buzz scooted a little closer, and Colton smiled, tossing down a small piece of egg for the dog to eat. A few minutes later, the omelets were finished, and Colton set the plates on the table so they could eat.

“Green onions, cheese and ham,” he said. “Is that still good?”

He was rewarded with a smile.

“It’s perfect,” Sarah said. “Thank you.”

He placed a bowl of rice and gravy on the floor for Buzz and then sat down. “So, how did you meet this Loretta woman?”

Sarah forced herself to swallow a bite of her breakfast, not hungry but trying to eat anyway. “It’s kind of a strange story. I was actually participating in an art show in Spokane. It was outdoors. I saw Buzz near my booth. He’d stepped on something. I went over to help him and found a rock had gotten lodged in his paw.”

“Poor guy.”

Sarah flashed a bittersweet smile at the dog. “Yeah, he wasn’t feeling too great. I decided to wait with him until his owner came back. Loretta showed up. Apparently, Buzz had gotten away from her. She was in her wheelchair and had attempted to take him out to the show. She offered me some money for my trouble. I told her I couldn’t accept anything. She ended up coming over to my booth and purchasing a painting instead. She talked to me a little about my work, and genuinely seemed to like it.”

“How did that lead to a job?”

Sarah put her fork down. “At that point, she knew my name and even my number—I’d given her my business card. She called me two months later and offered me a job as Buzz’s caretaker, as well as part-time personal assistant. She said the job would still allow me time to work on my art. It was like an answer to prayer.”

“It sounds like it.”

“It wasn’t always easy. Not at all. Loretta wasn’t the easiest to get along with. But I really respected the work she was doing in the medical community, and it was an honor to work for her. She was a medical researcher, and she developed a drug to help people with arthritis.”

“That’s great, Sarah.”

She picked up her fork again but looked uncertain. “I know this sounds weird, but could we turn on the TV? I want to see if they’re reporting Loretta’s death yet and what they’re saying about it if they are.”

“Of course.”

Colton flipped on the morning news. Breaking news aired over the station.

All the blood drained from Colton’s face when Sarah’s picture appeared on the screen. The headline proclaimed that Sarah Peterson, twenty-seven, was wanted for the murder of famed medical researcher Loretta Blanchard. The news anchor continued, saying that there was now a manhunt to find Sarah and warning viewers that she could be dangerous.

Sarah exchanged a look with Colton.

This was much, much worse than he’d imagined it would be.

Because not only was a killer potentially looking for Sarah, but so were the police.

“The police think I killed Loretta,” Sarah murmured, her head spinning. “Why would they think that? I would never hurt anyone.”

“Someone could have seen you run from the scene,” Colton told her. “It would be a natural assumption.”

She put her fork down, her thoughts clashing inside her until her head pounded. “You’re right. Of course I look guilty. I was the last person seen with her. Her blood was on my sweater.”

Colton squeezed her arm. “Don’t panic yet. We could talk to the police, explain what happened—”

“I told you, no police. I can’t risk it.” Especially now that Sarah knew they thought she was guilty.

“The police aren’t your enemy, Sarah.” Colton’s voice was quiet and calm—but also full of conviction.

“I didn’t say they were. But Loretta had reasons for everything. There was a reason she said that. She…she was one of the smartest women I’ve ever met.”

Colton frowned, looking as if he was trying to find the right words. “Not coming forward will only make you look more guilty.”

Sarah shrugged, knowing his words were true but unable to verbally agree with him. “I just don’t know what to say or do.”

Colton opened his mouth, like he was about to say more. Before he could, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and frowned again before answering.

Sarah tried to interpret the one-sided conversation but couldn’t. She only knew something was wrong. Colton’s voice sounded stiff, and he glanced at the window.

He ended the call and stood. “You and Buzz need to go to the back bedroom. Now. Lock the doors, and don’t come out until I tell you.”

Alarm raced through her. “Why? What’s going on?”

“My neighbor saw someone coming up the lane toward the house.” Colton walked toward the window.

“And that’s strange?”

Colton looked back, locking gazes with her. “There are only two places they could be going—his house or mine, and neither of us are expecting anyone.”

Sarah’s heart rate surged. It was the killer, wasn’t it? Or the police. Either way, her future looked bleak enough that nausea rose in her so quickly that she grasped her stomach.

“You need to go. Now.” Colton pulled out the gun from his waistband, his jaw set with steely determination.

Sarah didn’t argue. She scrambled away, hardly able to breathe.

But as she locked the door, Buzz beside her, she pressed her ear there, trying to hear what was going on.

It was silent as Colton waited, seeming to prepare himself for battle.

“Buzz, what’s going on?” She reached down and wrapped her arms around the dog, relishing his soft fur.

The dog let out a whine and licked her cheek. Buzz knew something was wrong also.

Sarah waited, praying for safety and favor. But the moments felt like hours.

Flashbacks from earlier hit her, each one making her flinch. Images of seeing that man in Loretta’s room. Watching as Loretta took her last breath.

Sarah remembered running. Fearing the man was following her. Fearing what he would do if he caught Sarah too.

Now Colton was in danger.

She stood and pressed herself into the wall, resisting the urge to look out the window and see what was going on.

She didn’t have to.

She heard tires crunching on gravel in the distance.

Someone was here.

Sarah braced herself for whatever would happen next.

Colton rushed to the window, reaching for the gun at his waistband. Who would be coming here at this time of the day?

No one—unless it was an emergency or unless it was trouble.

His breath caught when no vehicles emerged at the end of the lane.

Someone had started this way and stopped.

Colton’s instincts were finely tuned from years of law enforcement—finely tuned enough not to believe in coincidences, especially given the circumstances right now.

No. Someone had scoped out this place. Seen his cabin. And then returned.

That person was most likely the one who’d sent Sarah that threatening text.

He wanted whatever it was he thought Sarah had.

Colton couldn’t let that happen. He wouldn’t let that happen.

Without thinking about it anymore, Colton stepped outside. He glanced around, listening for any signs of trouble.

He heard nothing.

Cautiously, he walked down his road, his gun still in hand.

He was never one to cower away from trouble, and he wasn’t going to start now.

With every step, Colton listened for any clues that someone was near. Stalking. Waiting.

He anticipated hearing footsteps. Twigs cracking.

All was silent except for the occasional rustle of wind or the crackle of icy snow beneath his boots.

He still didn’t let down his guard. If this criminal was in any way trained, he would know to disguise his presence. And based on everything Sarah had told him, this man very well could be someone who hadn’t killed in the heat of the moment but in premeditated murder. The thought wasn’t comforting.

As Colton turned the corner, he spotted a dark sedan tucked away at the end of the lane.

He froze. His heart pounded in his ears as anticipation built inside him. What was the driver doing?

The car didn’t move, and the windows were too tinted to see inside. The driver could be there…or he could have slipped out.

Colton’s gaze traveled to the front of the car, but the license plate was concealed by the brush.

Quickly, he scanned the woods.

Was the driver waiting behind one of these trees, watching Colton’s every move?

Colton heard nothing around him.

Cautiously, he took another step.

He wasn’t leaving here until he knew who was inside that car or until he at least got a license plate.

With every step, he listened, keenly aware of everything around him.

Suddenly, the car’s engine revved.

A moment later, the car charged toward him.

FIVE

What was taking so long? What was Colton doing out there? Sarah wondered.

A few minutes ago, it had sounded like the front door opened. Had Colton gone outside?

What if he was hurt right now? Hurt because Sarah had brought danger into his quiet life, the life that was supposed to keep him from situations like this one.

She glanced down at Buzz. The dog stared at her, as if trying to communicate, before letting out a bark.

“Something’s wrong, isn’t it?” she murmured.

Buzz barked again.

Sarah shushed him, trying not to draw any more attention to them than necessary. Buzz’s barking could alert an intruder that they were here. Since she had no idea what was going on outside this room, she had to be cautious.

Taking a tentative step, Sarah went to the window and peered out. Just as she shoved the curtain aside, she saw a car careen toward Colton at the end of the lane.

She braced herself for whatever would happen next while frantically praying.

Please, Lord, help him. Keep him safe. Please!

Just before the car hit him, Colton dove into the woods. The black sedan did a swift U-turn. Then it sped off, leaving a trail of dust behind it.

Was Colton okay?

Sarah couldn’t stay in here any longer. She had to check on him.

If he got hurt because of her, then she’d never forgive herself.

“Come on, Buzz,” she called.

The dog remained on Sarah’s heels as she ran outside. Her bare feet crunched in the thick snow, and a painful ache began because of the cold. Her wet hair slapped her face before the strands froze together in clumps. Icy air invaded her lungs.

She didn’t care.

Colton could be in danger right now.

Moving as quickly as she could, Sarah hit the gravel road. Her feet were already numb now as they hit the rocky soil.

All she could think about was Colton and whether or not he was okay. That driver had tried to run him down.

The seriousness of the situation hit her again. Whoever was behind all of this wasn’t playing games. He’d rather kill again than risk being exposed.

Sarah pushed down a sliver of fear.

Just as she reached the end of the lane, Colton emerged from the woods. He rubbed his head and his eyes were narrow with irritation, but he otherwise looked okay.

Thank goodness.

She rushed toward him, stopping just short of touching him. She paused there, a bone-chilling wind sweeping around her, sending clumps of snow from the branches above down on them.

“Sarah, you shouldn’t be out here.”

“Are you okay?” she asked, still worried about him and studying his features for any sign that something was wrong. “I couldn’t leave you.”

“I’m okay. But I don’t want that man to see you if he comes back.” He took her elbow and turned her around. “Come on. Let’s get inside. Besides, you’re going to freeze out here.”

She ignored the charge of electricity she felt rush through her at his touch.

This was no time for electricity. Besides, she and Colton were finished. Done. There was no going back to fix what had happened between them.

Colton might forgive, but he didn’t forget.

Not that Sarah would ever want to get back together with him. It didn’t matter that she’d missed him and his companionship. Missed the kisses they’d shared. Missed the possibility of spending the future with someone.

But everyone she’d ever loved had disappointed her. Why should Colton be different?

Sarah had so many questions she wanted to ask about what had just happened. But she held them in.

For now.

Instead, she listened for a minute. She didn’t hear the car. Didn’t hear footsteps or yells. Buzz seemed calm.

Those were all good things, but she didn’t know how long they would last.

As soon as they stepped into his cabin, Colton locked the door and then peered out the window again. His entire body looked tense and on alert.

“Is the man still there?” Sarah demanded, a surge of anxiety rising in her. What if he came back? What if he killed all of them, just like he’d killed Loretta?

Colton’s gaze remained focused out the window. “I don’t see him. Was that the car that followed you?”

“I… I don’t know. Maybe. It was so dark that I could really only see headlights. But whoever was driving the car just now left. What does that mean? If he knew I was here, wouldn’t he have stayed?” Sarah walked toward the fire, unable to ignore just how cold she was and how badly her feet hurt.

“He may have been feeling this area out. If he lost you as you came down the road, then he may have come here looking for your car. He may be looking for confirmation.”

“My car…” Sarah’s heart skipped a beat. It had been out front, hadn’t it? She hadn’t been paying attention, but that was where she left it.

Colton looked back at her, his gaze softening. “I moved it behind the house, so he didn’t see it. I don’t think he saw you when you ran out either.”

“He could have killed you.” The words caught in Sarah’s throat. No matter what had happened between the two of them in the past, she couldn’t live with herself if something happened to Colton because of her.

“He could have. But, most likely, he doesn’t know with certainty that I know you. If he knew you were here, he would have kept on going right to the house to find you and complete his mission.”

“You think?” She shuddered. That had been close. So, so close.

“He was aggressive. He wouldn’t have let me stop him.”

“Maybe he’ll move on now…” Sarah walked over to the window and glanced out also, half expecting to see the car again.

Instead, the peaceful woods stared back, the early morning sky stretching above the frosted evergreens.

Colton’s expression remained grim, as if he didn’t want to give her false hope. “If he suspects you’re in this area, then he’ll keep on looking.”

Sarah trembled again. “So what should I do?”

His jaw tightened with resolve as he continued to stare out the window, not saying anything for a minute. “We don’t have any choice but to get out of here. We have to operate as if this is a worst-case scenario. That guy could come back—we don’t want to be here if he does.”

“We?” The words came out as a squeak, and Sarah’s hand flew to her throat.

Colton nodded. “I can’t send you out there alone, Sarah.”

“I… I don’t want to put you at risk.” She’d pulled him into danger with her. What had she been thinking? Why had she come here? She would have been better off driving until her car couldn’t make it any farther.

But when she’d thought of safety, Colton was the first person who had come to mind.

Colton stepped closer and lowered his voice. “You’re not. I’m going with you, Sarah. Nothing you say will change my mind.”

She didn’t want to feel pleased. Didn’t want to feel the shiver that rushed down her spine. Didn’t want to find benefit in the thought that someone else was in harm’s way.

But Sarah did feel relief wash through her.

Because she knew she couldn’t do this on her own. And Sarah could do it with Colton by her side. But their history was going to be their biggest obstacle.

Colton’s eyes continually scanned the road as he traveled from his cabin into the majestic countryside. Snowcapped peaks surrounded him, along with rocky terrain and what in the summer months was a rollicking river.

These were the things he’d moved to the area for—the peace and serenity of wide-open spaces and clean air.

But right now, he found no joy in his surroundings. Not knowing what he did. Not with everything he’d learned that was going on with Sarah.

He hadn’t seen the dark-colored sedan since he’d left his cabin twenty minutes ago, but he still didn’t let down his guard. Someone who was determined to kill Sarah wouldn’t give up that easily.

They’d left quickly. Sarah had packed up some of her old clothes, as well as a few extra supplies for Buzz, including a water dish. Colton had also packed a bag, as well as some snacks and water. He’d slipped Sarah’s bloody clothing into the bottom of his duffel, just in case. He didn’t want to leave them there for just anyone to discover.

Glancing in the backseat, he also saw that Sarah had grabbed the bag from her car. She didn’t act suspicious, like she felt guilty about whatever was inside.

But Colton couldn’t stop thinking about it. Maybe Sarah had sold a painting. Maybe she had a good explanation for having that kind of cash.

But what if she didn’t?

He would ask her. Soon. When the time was right.

“Where are we going?” Sarah’s arm snaked into the backseat of his double cab, and she rubbed Buzz’s head. She’d done that often since they left, and the dog’s presence seemed to calm her.

She wore some old jeans and a blue flannel shirt. Her hair—wet when they’d left—had been pulled back into a bun. She had no makeup on, but she didn’t need any. Her skin looked perfect just the way it was. Colton had given her an old jacket of his—a thick black one that would keep her warm outside. She’d also found some old boots in that trunk, back from when they used to go hiking together.

Colton glanced at Buzz again. He liked having the dog with them. The canine had perceptive eyes, and he always stood on guard. Without ever witnessing it, he could tell that Buzz would do whatever it took to protect Sarah.

“I think we should go back to Spokane,” he told Sarah.

Sarah’s wide eyes focused on him. “Spokane? Why would we go back there? Shouldn’t we get as far away as possible?”

“A couple of reasons. First of all, I doubt this guy would think you’d go back.”

“That could be true, I guess.” She shrugged, still looking uncertain.

“Second, I think we need to figure out what happened to Loretta ourselves.”

“Why would we do that?” Sarah’s voice climbed with anxiety. “I mean, the police are looking for me. Won’t they be more likely to find me there in Spokane?”

“I realize that, so we’ll need to be careful. But I think the only way we’re going to put this behind us is to find answers ourselves.”

She gasped and paused before she said, “You think we should find the killer? Is that what you’re saying.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s what I’m saying.” Colton knew it sounded crazy, but he’d worked in law enforcement for more than a decade. If he trusted his instincts, he knew this was the right plan.

“How are we going to do that?”

Colton stared straight ahead as the sun peeked just over the trees, the new day settling in for a while. “We need to talk. I need more information.”

“I can do that but…what about your work? I know you have a job. You can’t just leave.” Sarah sounded halfway panicked and halfway guilt ridden.

It was kind of her to be concerned about him. Sarah had always been sensitive and intuitive. It made her a great artist. She picked up on things that others didn’t.

At one time, Colton had loved that about her.

“I’m just doing some woodworking right now, Sarah. I’m on sabbatical from my work in law enforcement.”

“But—”

He glanced at her and shook his head, trying to nip this conversation in the bud. “No buts about it. Now, tell me more about your boss.”