The Cradle Conspiracy. Christy Barritt

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СКАЧАТЬ was on to something. She’d considered that possibility before but what if this was much more serious than she’d allowed herself to believe?

      “Maybe that is what happened,” Sienna said. “Maybe she left him, and now he’s trying to get Colby back.”

      “I’ll make sure the police look into it. But that could be a decent lead.”

      Just then, she turned and their knees brushed. Another jolt of electricity traveled through her, and she let out a gasp and quickly pulled back.

      She hadn’t expected that. Not at all.

      And she didn’t welcome it happening again, either. Whenever she did decide she was interested in dating again, it would not be with a man like Devin. No, it wouldn’t be with someone who was brooding and cranky and unfriendly. She needed someone who was relaxed. Laid-back. Kind.

      The first jolt of electricity had just been an accident. A misunderstanding between her brain and her heart. But for it to happen twice? That wasn’t good.

      She cleared her throat, embarrassed by her reaction. “Until we learn Anita’s real identity, we won’t know if the theory—that she’s running from someone—is correct, though.”

      “Don’t you have to be fingerprinted to work at the school?”

      Sienna nodded. “That’s right. They could trace her fingerprints.”

      “But only if she has a criminal record.”

      Her excitement died just as quickly as it had risen. “It’s true. It’s a good thing I’m not in law enforcement, because I’m all out of other ideas.”

      Devin squeezed her arm. “I know the police are on it right now. Let them worry about it. You should get your rest. Tomorrow could be a long day.”

      She nodded, feeling a wave of exhaustion come over her. If it was just Sienna taking care of herself, it would be different. But chasing after a twenty-four-month-old was no easy task. It required energy and focus. “You’re right. I should. I’m going to need my energy to take care of Colby.”

      “You can take the other twin bed in his room.” Devin stood.

      “That sounds great. That way I can keep an eye on him.”

      “I’ll see you in the morning, then.”

      Reluctantly, she stepped away from Devin. Strange, she thought, how she instantly felt more exposed. She hadn’t realized it until this instant, but something about Devin’s presence had made her feel safe. He had that bodyguard type of presence. It felt good to know someone was watching her back. Protecting her.

      But she had a child to care for. She didn’t have time to worry about her own feelings or fears. No, she had to keep Colby away from the man who’d broken into her house.

      And she would.

      If it was the last thing she did.

      * * *

      Devin paced the wooden floor of the cabin. He couldn’t sleep. No, he wouldn’t let himself. He needed to stay awake. To listen.

      Whoever had followed them had been clearly desperate. Desperate people wouldn’t stop just because their car was hanging off a cliff. No, as soon as that driver got his car back in order, he would keep looking. Or, even worse, maybe he was working with someone.

      Either way, Devin couldn’t rest. His adrenaline still pumped through him, and his thoughts raced.

      If someone was determined enough, he could hit each of the side streets leading up this mountain. If he did that, he would eventually find this cabin.

      Devin didn’t want to think like that, but he had to be prudent. He had to face the fact that it was a possibility.

      If worse came to worst, he could bring someone else in to help them. He hoped it didn’t come to that, though. He preferred keeping his circle small, especially in situations like this. The fewer people who knew where they were, the better.

      He chewed on the theory about Anita having an abusive ex. It could be plausible. What if Colby’s father was trying to get him back and would stop at nothing to do just that? It made sense, and it was the most plausible excuse he could think of.

      Devin called Detective Jenson and ran the theory past him.

      “That’s an interesting idea,” Jenson said. “I’ll look into it. But until we know this woman’s real identity, I’m not sure we can prove any of it.”

      “Any headway in that area?”

      “We’re running her fingerprints and photo through one of our programs. We’ve also sent a team to her house to see if we can find anything there. So far, there’s nothing.”

      “That’s unfortunate.”

      “Whoever she really is, she was careful to conceal her true identity.”

      “She’s either smart or desperate.”

      “Maybe both.”

      “Maybe both,” Devin conceded.

      After Devin ended the call, he stepped toward the window and peered outside.

      Darkness stared back. A good acre of trees stood between the cabin and the road. The lane snaking through the woods to the cabin was concealed by the forest, so unless someone was looking for the entry to the place, a person could pass it.

      Devin had a lot of great memories of coming here as a child. Memories of hiking through the mighty pine forests surrounding the mountains. Of fishing with his dad at the creek that was only a short walk away. Of taking their catches of the day and grilling out on the back deck. His mom would make her grilled corn salad. They’d play games outside and just enjoy each other’s company.

      Family time. He remembered that far more than he remembered the birthday gifts he’d received.

      He also remembered bringing Grace and Willow here. He’d wanted to share the memories with them, though Grace had been more of a city girl. He’d been hoping she’d warm up to the idea of a cabin life, but it had felt too much like camping to her.

      Still, this was the place where a person could find peace. Could he say the same when all of this was over? He didn’t know.

      Devin paused as something in the distance caught his eye.

      Was that light between the trees?

      Devin sucked in a breath.

      He squinted.

      A flashlight? Coming through the woods?

      No, Devin realized. It was the distant headlights of a car passing on the lane.

      He tensed. It could just be someone traveling through the area. Or it could be the person who was looking for them.

      He pulled the gun from his shoulder holster and waited.

      Another СКАЧАТЬ