Page 25 of Hunting the Crossbow Killer

She laughed. “All of the above, I suppose.”

Fletcher rapped her knuckles on the front desk. “That’s me knocking on wood, hoping none of our mysterious stuff happens while you’re here to ruin your current impression of our town. I kind of like the idea of us being known for being nice instead of our usual rep. Are you ready to head over now? My Jeep’s parked out front. I got a prime parking space. Didn’t have to drive around back or double-park.” She frowned at Grace. “Actually, you might need a heavier jacket today if you plan on canvassing the town, interviewing people. It’s chillier this morning than it was yesterday. And it’ll be at least ten degrees colder up in the higher elevations.”

“Noted. I’ll hurry upstairs and be right back.”

“I’ll get the heater going in the Jeep. Meet you outside.”

Once Grace entered her room, she grabbed some napkins from the coffee area to wrap up her barely eaten blueberry muffin to finish at the station. The one bite she’d had was amazing and she was looking forward to finishing it.

Once she had her heavier jacket on, she couldn’t resist peeking into the restaurant one more time to see how things were going. To her surprise, Aidan was the one speaking to the group now. He was pointing at the map and she could just hear enough to realize he was warning them about specific areas on his propertythat had dangerous drop-offs or were perfect locations for an ambush.

Dawson spoke up then, telling them that he’d slipped and started to fall over one of those cliffs yesterday and that Aidan had quite literally risked his own life to save him. Grace could have hugged the chief for admitting that. He clearly knew something needed to be done to change the atmosphere of the team if the search was going to be successful. Sure enough, some of the deputies were looking at Aidan with far less suspicion now, even respect.

As Dawson answered a question from one of the men, Aidan glanced up and met Grace’s gaze. He quickly looked away. She sighed and hurried outside to meet Fletcher.

* * *

Disappointment settled overAidan as Grace left the restaurant. While he was glad that she was being more careful about how she acted around him, he’d hoped to at least have a couple of minutes to speak to her. He wanted to know where she was going and remind her to have someone with her for safety. And if he could somehowaccidentallyshow up where she was later today and check on her, he could at least reassure himself that she was okay. Instead, he’d probably be worrying about her all day not knowing her plans.

He sighed in frustration. What an idiot he was to have his thoughts so consumed with her. He needed to take his own advice and be careful. The man trying to frame him was likely on the hunt for him. And if that meant he was waiting up on Aidan’s property, there was likely an arrow with his name written on it. The only way Aidan was going to survive was to stay alert and focused. Somehow he had to stop thinking about the beautiful, smart, delightfully sassy woman who’d somehow managed tocrack the wall around his heart that he’d spent the past twelve years erecting.

“O’Brien.” Ortiz motioned to him. “Let’s get you fitted in a vest since you’re going up with us. It’s not a hundred percent protection but it could save your life if you do get hit.”

“What about Malone and your officers who aren’t participating in the search? If this guy has left the mountain and ends up somewhere they go today, they could be in danger, too.

“Good point. I’ll talk to the chief.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Grace followed Fletcher into the police station and was met by Collier wearing a Kevlar vest and holding up two more. “Chief’s orders, ladies.”

Fletcher settled her hands on her hips. “You’re making that up. I’ve been here two years and have never had to dust one of those off.”

“We’ve never had someone running around town shooting at people with a bow and arrow before, either. Until he’s caught, we’ve been ordered to wear these while on duty.”

“Even if we’re in the office?” Fletcher complained.

“Even if.” He held one out to her.

She grumbled and took it.

“Malone?” He offered her the other one. “Obviously the chief can’t force you to wear this. But he highly recommends it. There are a few more in the supply closet if this one doesn’t fit.”

“Does O’Brien have one? He’s with that search party heading up to his place. If anyone should have one it’s him since the shooter obviously has a vendetta against him. He might as well have a target on his back.”

He grinned. “Funny you should say that. He’s the one who asked the chief to make sure you have a vest. And the rest of us, of course.” He cocked his head as if considering. “Should we read anything into that?”

Grace rolled her eyes, but her face flushed with heat.

“Leave her alone,” Fletcher scolded. “You need any help with those straps, Malone?”

“I think I can manage.” She slid it on and began adjusting the Velcro. “This vest is bulkier than the one I normally wear. I may exchange it for mine the next time I’m in my car.”

Fletcher motioned toward the conference room. “Did you want to set up in there or use Ortiz’s desk? It’s not as bad as usual. No crumbs this morning.” She chuckled.

Grace smiled and glanced at the proximity of his desk to Fletcher’s and Collier’s. The angle meant they’d see everything she was doing on her computer, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. But they’d also hear her on the phone—like when she called her boss to tell him about the fiasco yesterday.

“Itwouldbe easier to spread everything out in there,” Grace said.

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