Page 77 of Raven's Curse
“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.
