Mountain Hostage. Hope White

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ The people he had in mind were perfect for his goal of protecting Zoe.

      “So, he was looking for Shannon.” Detective Perry’s comment was a statement, not a question.

      “It’s possible, yes,” Zoe answered. “Which means she escaped her kidnapper. That’s a good thing, right?”

      “It could be,” Perry said.

      “But?”

      “There are too many unanswered questions.”

      “At the very least, the kidnapping and tonight’s break-in are related, right?”

      “We’d be speculating,” Perry said.

      “Then speculate,” Zoe pushed.

      Jack had considered her fragile a few minutes ago, but not right now. Right now she was challenging authorities.

      Jack’s phone vibrated with a text message. Good, his plan was coming together.

      “It would expedite the investigation if we had more detailed information about Miss Banks,” Sergeant Peterson said.

      Detective Perry shot him a look, then redirected his attention to Zoe.

      She continued to pet Romeo, who seemed to be offering comfort. Good dog.

      “How about problems at work or more specifics about her boyfriend?” Perry said.

      “She hadn’t heard from him since he went to visit family in Colorado. She didn’t talk much about work.”

      The officers shared another look.

      “What?” Zoe said.

      “We suspect she was involved in criminal activity, which is the motivation behind her kidnapping,” Detective Perry said.

      “No, that can’t be right,” Zoe said, glancing at Jack.

      He looked away, uncomfortable at seeing the pained expression on her face.

      “What...what kind of criminal activity?” she asked.

      “Drugs,” Jack guessed.

      “Why would you say that?” Perry countered.

      “It’s logical.”

      “Is it? I don’t think so. I think you know something and you’re holding back.”

      “Detective,” Sergeant Peterson intervened. “Jack’s been with Search and Rescue for four years. He’s solid.”

      “Everyone’s solid until they’re not. How’s it logical, Einstein?” Perry said.

      “Stop!” Zoe put out her hand like she was breaking up a fight between middle school kids. “Why do you think Shannon was involved in drugs?”

      “We can’t discuss an open investigation,” Perry said.

      “Fine, then we’re done.” Zoe stood and planted her hands on her hips.

      The men hesitated before standing. “Sergeant Peterson is going to move you to a different location,” Perry said.

      “No, thank you.”

      “Ma’am, not only is it not safe for you here, but we need to send a forensic team to dust for prints.”

      “Pointless,” Jack said. “He wore gloves.”

      Detective Perry glared at him.

      “You may leave now,” Zoe said, polite yet firm. “I’m capable of taking care of myself.”

      “Considering what happened tonight, I would have to disagree,” Perry said.

      “Well, Detective, the assailant is not here, and wherever he is, he’s in a world of hurt from my pepper spray. I am unharmed and have more spray in my possession.”

      “Ma’am, I must insist—”

      “Thank you for coming tonight.” She crossed the room and opened the door.

      The detective hesitated as he passed her. “I can’t protect you if you make unwise choices.”

      “I understand. Good night.”

      Detective Perry left.

      Sergeant Peterson paused by the door and handed her a business card. “My cell number. Call anytime. I can see about having an off-duty deputy watch the house, but I can’t make any promises.”

      “I’ve got tonight covered,” Jack said.

      The sergeant and Zoe both looked at him.

      “A few SAR members will spend the night until we’re called out again tomorrow morning.”

      “Wait, when did this happen?” Zoe asked.

      “You shouldn’t put civilians at risk,” Sergeant Peterson said.

      “Sally Frick and George Connelly are part of the group. They’ve been informed of the situation. Should be here shortly.”

      “Ah,” Peterson said.

      “Ah?” Zoe questioned.

      “Frick and Connelly are former military,” Peterson explained. “No one’s getting in the house if they’re here.”

      “We’ll take turns keeping watch,” Jack said. “Zoe will be safe.”

       Zoe will be safe.

      Jack’s words gave Zoe enough comfort to allow her to get some sleep. That was, until a nightmare abruptly woke her the next morning.

      She struggled to calm her breathing. Glanced around the room. The six-foot-tall armoire had been moved to block the window, probably to prevent the intruder from gaining access to the room.

      Low murmurs drifted through the wood door from the living room. She washed up and dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt. She opened the bedroom door to a four strangers with backpacks and bedrolls. She’d been so exhausted last night that she hadn’t heard the team members show up and lay out their sleeping bags on the floor.

      “Good morning,” she said, searching the room for Jack, but didn’t see him.

      A woman in her fifties greeted her. “Hi, Zoe, I’m Sally Frick.” They shook hands. “Sorry if we woke you.”

      “You didn’t. So, you’re the heroes who stayed over to protect me last night?”

      “Hero, I like that,” said a man in his thirties.

      An СКАЧАТЬ