Page 45 of Home Town Knight

Then the loud snap of a gunshot cracked through the air.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Genevieve

I movedbefore my brain had even registered what that sound meant, diving for Cece. She screamed as I knocked her stool over and she went sprawling with me on top of her.

Within seconds, a man had run over and was bending over us. His heavy hand touched my shoulder. I almost fought him off until I saw his face and realized who he was. Aiden.

“Come on,” he barked. “Right now. Everyone needs to get to the main building.”

I was trembling, still trying to shield Cece. “Are we under fire?”

“There was a shot, but it wasn’t close.” He helped us up. “This is a precaution.”

I wanted to demand more information. Where had that gunshot come from? How close was the shooter?

Was ithim? The killer, coming for me?

But there was no time. We ran toward the lodge. Cece’s mom had dashed out of her cabin, crying with relief when she’d seen her daughter. Two other couples were staying in cabins on the far end, and they’d joined our huddle. Everyone was distraught and asking questions. They werelucky not many guests were staying here at the moment, otherwise it would’ve been even more chaotic.

Jessi met us in the reception area and directed us to some overstuffed couches by the fireplace. “There was an incident on the perimeter of the property. We’re looking into it. We’ll answer your questions as soon as possible.” Jessi seemed rattled, though I could tell she was trying not to show it. Aiden came over and murmured something to her, and she nodded.

While Cece’s mom went to talk to them, the little girl sneaked away from her mom’s grasp and ran over to me. “Gen, are you okay?”

I knelt beside her and gave her a hug. “Sure, honey. I’m fine.” I said it automatically, though I wasn’t so sure. If anything, I felt numb. Lightheaded, like I was holding my breath. “What about you?”

“Cece!” her mom shouted. She hurried over and grabbed hold of her daughter, her touch gentle yet firm. “Do you have any idea how scared I was a few minutes ago to find you gone? Never do that again.” The woman looked over at me warily, and I couldn’t blame her.

“I’m Gen,” I said, not sure if she remembered from earlier. “It was my fault. I was sitting with Cece outside. I’m sorry.”

“But Gen saved me,” the girl protested. “She was protecting me just like in my princess movie. Was that a gunshot, mommy? Was it Ernest?”

My heart clenched. While the mother murmured to her daughter, I headed in Jessi’s direction. I had to get some answers. But someone else stepped in front of me, blocking my path. I recognized River from the photo Trace had shown me.

“Genevieve? You need to come with me,” River said quietly.

“What? Why?” I glanced over at Jessi, who stood with Aiden. Jessi’s eyes were wide with shock as she stared back at me, but Aiden’s were narrowed with suspicion. Accusation.

“Let’s not make a scene in front of the kid.” River nodded at Cece, who was watching.

That was enough to convince me. Whatever this was about, I didn’t want to do anything to frighten Cece more than she was already.

Giving her a smile that I hoped was reassuring, I followed River out of the sitting area and toward the restaurant side of the building.

“Where are you taking me?”

He didn’t answer. Once we were out of earshot of the others, I stopped. “I’m not going anywhere else until I know what’s going on.”

“Afraid that’s not up to you. This was the sheriff’s personal request. But we all know what you did.”

“Excuse me?”

The glint in River’s eyes said he was trying to provoke me. Probably trying to see what reaction he’d get. Well, I was happy to oblige.

I perched a hand on my hip. “Listen, I don’t care if you’re ex-military like your friends, or if you’re Owen’s chief deputy, or if you’re the mayor of this town. I’m not going anywhere until I get answers. Jessi said there was an incident on the perimeter of the property.”

River crossed his arms. “That’s right. An intruder triggered an alarm when he crossed the boundary. We think it’s tied to you.”

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