Chapter 20 #2
Chase laughed. “How didn’t I know that you’re superstitious?”
“Only when it’s justified.” She motioned toward the chopper. “Good call?”
“Just a couple hikers who thought climbing down those cliffs by Oswald would save them time. Nothing fancy.” He tugged her in close. “Does this mean you’re done ear—”
A sharp blast of static cut him off, Shirley’s voice sounding over Greer’s radio. “Sheriff? You there?”
Greer shook her head. “See? Jinxed it.” She hit the button. “Go ahead, Shirley.”
“Buck just called in. Said he’s got something he wants you to take a look at. That it can’t wait.”
“Of course, he does. Tell him I’ll be there in twenty.” She punched Chase lightly in the arm. “If I’m late, you’re buying the pizza.”
“I thought I was responsible for dessert.”
“You are dessert.”
He coughed. “Pizza it is, then.” He nudged her. “You still thinking about hiring Buck as an informant?”
“Crazy, I know, but… If it makes it okay to keep tabs on him, ensure he’s got enough essentials, then, it’s worth the charade. Besides, he’s had two solid leads over the past few months. I’d say that’s worth the effort.”
“You going out there alone?”
“Bodie and Jordan are already on another call.” She sighed when he simply stood there, staring.
“Hodges is gone. Nick’s crew did a thorough sweep of all available surveillance footage.
He found where Hodges slipped into the country — captured images of him stalking us for the past several months.
And in every shot, the guy was alone. Same with the CCTV footage Bodie uncovered near the café.
Hodges was in that truck. Watching all by himself, so…
It’s over. Besides, I’m going to see Buck.
He’s the epitome of paranoia. I’ll be fine. ”
“Still…”
“Chase. I love that you’re passionate about my safety.
And as hard and painful as it’s been, I’m already talking to new applicants.
I plan on hiring more staff so the county’s properly patrolled.
I realize I can’t do it all myself, and honestly, I’m highly motivated to have more time away from the station.
But there’re times I’ll be alone. It’s the nature of the job.
I do, however, have you on speed dial in case things go sideways. ”
He nodded, allowed the subject to drop. Not that she blamed him for being apprehensive. Today wasn’t the only day she’d obsessively checked over her shoulder. Watching for anything remotely out of place.
More of those black boots looming in the darkness.
But sooner or later, she had to shake it loose.
Find some normalcy — grant herself some measure of forgiveness.
Chase followed her out to her Bronco, standing beside the door as she buckled in, scanning the surroundings, then looked back to her. “You sure you’ve got everything?”
“If I break anymore gear, I’ll have to reprimand myself.” She reached out, held his hand. “I’m sure coverage will be crap, but I’ll text you as soon as I’m back in range. Give you an ETA.”
“I’ll come looking if you’re late.”
“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.” She shoved the stick in reverse. “And for the record, thanks.”
He leaned in the open window. “For being overprotective?”
“For asking me to stay this morning. It means more than you know.”
“Gotta keep proving that more claim when you continue to outshine me.” He dropped a quick kiss on her nose. “Be safe.”
“You’re the reckless one who hangs from helicopters.”
He shook his head as she backed up, spinning her SUV before jumping onto the main road.
She checked her GPS, inputted Buck’s latest location.
He’d moved, again, not that she blamed him.
Though, discovering he’d been ex-military had put a new spin on his actions.
Explained why he was obsessed with reconnaissance. Photographed every detail.
Her vehicle bounced along the gravel road, splashing through puddles as she turned onto a long, winding spur. Clouds covered the sky, a few errant raindrops splattering against her windshield.
Buck’s motorhome appeared at the end of the road, situated in a small clearing. No camouflage netting, this time, just a few pine boughs laid across the top, more resting against the side.
She parked off to one side, shoved her Bronco into first and stepped out.
A hint of smoke wove through the air, Buck’s campfire circle positioned to her right.
A gust of cool air swirled around her, picking up a bunch of loose pine needles and tumbling them across the gravel.
She left the keys in the ignition, just in case, then headed for Buck’s door.
As she reached the steps, something about the air prickled the hairs on her neck. Too thick, or too quiet, not a hint of birdsong chattering in the trees. She knocked, took a step back, senses on high alert. “Buck. It’s Greer.”
Nothing.
Just that eerie silence stretching over the clearing.
She pounded, again. Harder. “C’mon, Buck. You called me.”
Footsteps. Softer than usual, the RV barely moving. A creak, then the door slivered open, Buck’s wild eyes peering out. He stared at her, then over to her Bronco. No words, just his intense stare followed by a quick shake of his head.
Greer moved — backed up and drew her weapon as the RV door burst open, Buck tumbling onto the ground, arms locked behind him, some asshole in fatigues looming in the doorway. She got off two shots — hit the guy square in the chest — before she caught one high in the shoulder. Reeled backward.
The guy jerked, dropped out of sight, his body armor taking the brunt of the hits as she slammed into the ground, the report echoing through the trees. She rolled with the force, staggered to her feet as Buck gained his, yelled at her to run.
She grabbed his arm, shoved him ahead as they tripped toward her Bronco, blood dotting the gravel. Ears ringing from the report. Her vehicle door yawned open, that chime sounding around them. Loud. Incessant.
It hit her then. That Eli hadn’t been mouthing you. He’d said two. Had tried to warn her with his dying breath. And she’d missed it.
Something jabbed her shoulder blade, sent an icy ribbon weaving through her muscles. She blinked, fell, everything blurring into gray.
Buck landed on the ground beside her, legs twitching, his low moan crushed beneath the sound of crunching gravel.
A figure appeared over her, head cocked off to one side before he smiled.
Bent low. “Hello, Greer. It’s been a while.
I can’t tell you how surprised I was to find you and Remington together.
Talk about serendipity. Only Colter’s missing, but I’ll pay him a visit, next.
Now, try to stay conscious because, it’s time we got the band back together. ”