Page 75 of Valor

As he looked over the crowd, his gaze fell on Heather and Allen couldn’t help feeling the utter hatred coming her way. Grayson had been the name on the land before. Why was it different from Oliver’s?

“Good evening, folks. I know I don’t look like a farmer, but trust me, I’ll put that land to the use it was meant for. My improvements will mean the local government can charge more in taxes on that land. Since I hope to also have a small retail store on-site, it will bring in money as well. Commerce and progress are not bad.”

Allen tried to see this man’s face in the drawing Heather had made, but this wasn’t the man unless she’d gotten it wrong. He looked over to her again, and she wasn’t staring at Aaron or even paying him any attention at all. Her stare was focused completely on the back corner.

He leaned forward, and a man in a hat slowly looked up. Even with half of his head covered, Allen could tell that was the guy in Heather’s drawing. Allen covered her hand with his other to let her know he saw.

Aaron continued his speech, trying to get the community behind his proposal. Even with all the promises, the majority seemed hesitant to agree to his terms. This would be voted on in next month’s election, but he wondered if there would be a need. If the mayor didn’t think spending the money to put it on the ballot was worthwhile, the city wouldn’t vote.

Alice Holms stood up and said Heather’s name, drawing Allen’s attention back to the meeting. “What about Heather Sundin and her father? Their business would have to end, or they’d have to move if all parts of this measure are accepted. I’ve had them do my family photos for years and if we’re talking about protecting businesses, then this doesn’t do it.” She crossed her arms and glared at Aaron, challenging him to correct her.

“I doubt a photographer brings as much business as this venture will. Even so, we’re not asking them to give up their business, just to have a storefront outside their home. I wouldn’t think that was too much to ask.” His smile looked more like a glare.

“My son just wants what’s best for this town. He always has,” Oliver yelled to the room at large.

Allen thought back to high school, which was the last time he had any actual relationship with Aaron. Back then, he’d gone by his father’s last name and been quiet and unassuming. He certainly hadn’t seemed destined for business or standing in front of people, giving power speeches. Like everything else about this case, none of the clues fit together.

“I want to leave,” Heather’s voice was so quiet Allen almost didn’t hear.

Officer Tommy pushed his way through the throng to Allen’s side. He sat down in the one remaining chair in the front. Allen squeezed Heather’s hand tightly as he leaned over to Tommy. “I need to get Heather out of here. The man who attacked her is in the back right corner. This is not the place to make an arrest. He’s the one in the black coat, next to Fred Haskins.”

Tommy stretched forward, tilting his head down subtly, all while glancing at the back of the room. “I see him. I’ll make sure he’s busy while you get away. Check in with me later?”

“Count on it.” Allen stood and helped Heather to her feet.

As he led her to the door, he watched the man in the black coat shift closer to the exit. “Change of plans,” he whispered close to the back of her head. Allen took her elbow, careful to avoid the scrape where she’d been nicked by the bullet, and headed for the offices. He’d have to go directly behind Aaron to do that, but he was less concerned with Aaron than the man following them.

As soon as the door closed, protecting them, Heather bent at the waist, her breath coming far too fast.

“I can’t breathe,” she gasped. “He was so close.”

“I’ve got you. You’re okay.” He wanted to get her out of the building, but making sure she was alright was his first priority. “Tommy is going to keep him busy for us so we can get away. I’m sorry you didn’t get the chance to defend yourself and your business.”

She looked up at him and closed her eyes. “I don’t know what to do. I wanted to say something, but my words wouldn’t come. I’m too worried about my father. What if I don’t get him back? Will I continue taking pictures? I don’t know. I can’t even think right now.”

She had been so strong through everything. He couldn’t blame her for needing a minute to process all that had happened. Seeing the man who’d taken her father had to bring all those emotions back.

“I’m sorry. I knew there was danger in coming here, but I didn’t think he would actually come. Not when this is such a hot button issue and so many people would be here.”

She shook her head and swiped the stray tears from under her eyes like they’d somehow made her weak. “I was most shocked about Oliver. He’s always been a friend to us. I know Aaron is his son, so his support makes sense. It just hurts. His son never comes to Wall. Never visits. I wonder what Aaron had to do to get Oliver, a man the town respects, to speak up?”

He drew her close and took her into his arms. She felt so right, so perfect, in this place. Here, he could protect her and listen to her. Here, he could feel her heart quaking as he held her close. “Don’t worry about him right now. Let’s get you out of here. We’ll stop at the store and get what we need, then go to the cabin. We can talk there.” He wanted to cup her cheeks and kiss her, but she wouldn’t want that. Not when her father was so against him.

She pulled away from his embrace, proving him right. “That’s a good idea. We should go while they’re still fighting. If we’re the only people on the road, it’ll be easier to see if anyone follows us.”

She was absolutely right, and he hated she had to think that way. Her life had never been touched by danger like this. If he had anything to say about it, it never would again.

CHAPTERNINE

With deliberate steps,Heather separated herself at the local store from Allen’s side. She needed a minute to think about what had happened at the meeting. Not only what the townspeople thought, but what had happened with Allen.

He’d almost kissed her. She’d felt it down to her toes. So why was she so disappointed that he hadn’t? She’d stepped back in the moment, knowing her father would dislike him, yet she wasn’t completely certain why. She was not a teen anymore. In fact, she was more than halfway through her twenties and fast approaching thirty. She was old enough to understand whatever it was her father held against him.

The real question was, who would she side with when she found out? She was all her father had left. Mom was gone. There weren’t any relatives who lived nearby. If she went against her father—and there was no doubt in her mind that he would see her as a traitor—they would both be alone.

Except she now had Allen to turn to. Dad had no one. She glanced down the aisle at the man who had invaded her thoughts completely over the last two days. No matter how furtively he tried, she could feel him watching her and protecting her, even from the other end of the aisle. His hand was near his waist, ready to pull his weapon if needed.

“How did the meeting go?” The manager of the store approached them.

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