Maybe she was a glutton for torturing herself or maybe subconsciously she wasnt really as interested in becoming half of a whole as she professed. Was she deluding herself? Wasnt that a sign of mental illness? Shed have to do some research. Maybe check in with her old therapist.
You okay?
Ellens soft question brought Ginas focus back to the closet. She wouldnt find the answer to her lifes questions in her destroyed dresses and pantsuits.
Yes. She stuffed her thoughts away. Taking clothes that Tim had left untouched from the hamper, she quickly changed out of her soiled outfit, then handed it to Ellen, who put the clothes into the evidence bag.
Ellens gaze raked over the sliced and diced garments barely hanging on the hangers. Whoa.
Gina waved a dismissive hand. This can all be replaced.
If you need to go shopping in Flagstaff, Im always up for a trip to the city, Ellen said with a sympathetic smile.
Carly left Gina to go stand beside her mistress.
Appreciating Ellens attempt at levity, Gina returned her smile. Thanks. Ill keep that in mind.
Gina grabbed her suitcase from beneath the bed, gathered her toiletries and dumped them in the bottom of the suitcase. Your mother must be very proud of you for having completed your training.
Ellen made a noise halfway between a laugh and a scoff. Moms never been behind me being a police officer.
Im sorry to hear that. I think youll make a great one. Gina pulled the rest of the clothes from the laundry basket, figuring shed wash everything at the condo. Her pulse skipped a beat as she thought of sharing a living space with Shane. She ruthlessly squelched her reaction.
And James, she reminded herself. She wouldnt be alone with Shane. And shed have her own suite. Thankfully.
Thanks. But its the story of my life. Ellens gaze took on a faraway look. Theres a lot that Mom and I dont see eye to eye on.
Sensing something painful behind the other womans words, Gina put a hand on Ellens arm to offer what comfort she could. But you have her and you two love each other. Gina would give anything to have her mother back. Even for just a moment.
Ellen nodded, but doubts lingered in her blue eyes. Yes. Youre right. But Im looking forward to being assigned far from Desert Valley. You know that old saying, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Im hoping that will prove to be true.
Gina hurt for the apparent rift between Ellen and Marian.
Ladies? Shane called from the bottom of the stairs. Do you need some help?
Gina rolled her eyes. Impatient much? she muttered.
Ellen smiled. Its a guy thing.
Or just a Shane thing, Gina quipped as she zipped the suitcase. Shed noticed during training that he wanted things to progress at a swifter pace. Shed had to remind him training was a process that couldnt be rushed. She supposed he was anxious to get back to the city. Apparently country life wasnt to his liking.
Gina picked up her suitcase and followed Ellen and Carly down the stairs. She retrieved her cell phone from the charger sitting on the hall table. The one she hadnt had time to grab before running for her life.
Once they were out of the house, Gina thanked Ellen for her help. She climbed into Jamess truck along with Shane. The two dogs hopped into the canopied truck bed and lay down. James latched the tailgate in place but left the windows open for airflow.
Sandwiched between the two men, Gina could hardly believe her life had taken such a drastic turn in such a short amount of time. Her brother had attacked her, her boss had been murdered, and now shed been displaced from her home and put under the protection of two handsome men. One who made her heart flutter despite how much she tried to quell her attraction.
Could her life get any more complicated?
A loud thunk echoed inside the cab of the truck, sending a jolt of fear through Gina. What was that?
FOUR
James brought the truck to an abrupt halt and jumped out, leaving the drivers-side door open.
Shanes heart hammered in his chest. He gripped Ginas hand. His gaze raked over her. Are you hurt? He had to yell over the frantic barking of the two dogs in the truck bed.
Her hazel eyes were wide and her pretty face pale, but otherwise she appeared unharmed. No. I dont think so.
Ellens vehicle pulled up behind them, her headlights shining through the window.
James jumped back in the cab of the truck. An arrow, he said as he hit the gas. The truck shot forward.
The two words sent a shiver down Shanes spine.
James drove quickly to the police station, with Ellen close behind, and parked in front of the doors. Shane jumped out and hustled Gina inside. Bucks was manning the desk.
Keep an eye on her, Shane told the officer before running back outside just as James dropped the tailgate and both dogs jumped out. Bella ran to Shanes side.
Shane moved closer to see what had struck the truck. Protruding from the front of the truck bed, just below the rear window, was indeed an arrow. But not the kind found in archery. This was steel, a long bolt with yellow fetching. The kind meant for killing.
The blood drained from Shanes head. He gripped the edge of the truck bed. A couple of inches higher and the bolt would have gone through the window, right into Ginas skull.
Or the projectile could have easily hit one of the dogs. But thankfully, both were uninjured.
Was this the work of Ginas brother? Why would he change weapons from a gun to a crossbow? Hadnt Gina said hed had a knife, too? They had a well-armed fugitive in their town.
James hooked Hawk to his lead. The bloodhound lifted his nose to the air and howled. Were going hunting. The keys are in the ignition if you need to move the truck. Hawk and I will meet you at the condo.
Be careful, Shane advised.
Roger that. James and Hawk took off, trailing a scent, and disappeared from view.
Ellen approached from where shed parked her vehicle. Did you see the shooter? Shane asked.
Shooter? Her blues eyes darted to the arrow then back to him. Is Gina okay?
Yes, shes inside. Shane moved back to the cab and ran a hand over the back of the seat. Applying a little pressure on the backrest, he could feel the sharp tip of the arrow where it had gone through the metal of the truck. So close. He breathed out a prayer of thanksgiving.
Another inch and the arrow absolutely would have skewered Gina in the back.
Clearly someone wanted her dead. It seemed her story about her brother was true.
Gina came out of the police station with Bucks hot on her heels. Someone tell me whats happening.
Shane glared at Bucks.
He raised his hands. Hey, I couldnt stop her.
Gina spotted the arrow sticking out of the back of the cab and gasped. The moons glow shone on her face, creating shadows in the contours of her cheekbones. Do you think... Did Tim do this?
He wouldnt sugarcoat the truth. Unless theres someone with a vendetta against the trainers, which I doubt, I cant think of anyone else who wants you dead. Can you?
She wrapped her arms around her middle. No. And I didnt kill Veronica. Tim must have. Dont you see that?
She wrapped her arms around her middle. No. And I didnt kill Veronica. Tim must have. Dont you see that?
Come on, lets get you back inside. Shane placed his hand to the small of her back. He didnt like her standing outside, making herself an easy target if her brother had followed them to the station. Im sorry I jumped to a hasty conclusion.
Ginas glance lanced across his face like a laser. So you believe me now?
Innocent until proven guilty. The evidence to suggest she was the culprit was circumstantial at best. It was more likely that her brother had killed Veronica. Yes.
Some of her tension visibly released.
Once they were all in the lobby of the station, Ellen logged in the evidence bag filled with Ginas clothes and then said good-night before heading home. Keeping Gina close, Shane asked Bucks to dust the arrow for prints.
Hey, I dont work for you, the older officer grumbled.
The chief stepped out of his office. Whats the trouble?
Bucks shot Shane a venomous look. Hell explain. He marched off.
On our way here from Ginas house a bolt from a crossbow pierced the cab, Shane explained. I asked Officer Bucks if hed dust the arrow for prints.
Chief Joness jaw hardened. Seems your brother is determined.
Yes, sir, Gina murmured as she sank onto a bench.
Bella went to her and put her chin on Ginas knees.
Thank the Lord above none of you were hurt, Earl said. Hed seemed to age in the past few hours. The lines around his mouth and eyes were deeper, adding to his haggard look. Undoubtedly, Veronicas murder was hitting the man hard. This has been a horrific night for our town. Weve seen more crime in the past six hours than weve had in five years...since Melanie Hayess unsolved murder.
Ryder Hayess wife, Melanie, had been gunned down on a wooded path near the couples house on the eve of the big annual Canyon County Police Dance and Fundraiser. Robbery was the suspected motive, since Melanies purse had gone missing.
Shane had also heard about two other mysterious deaths. Each on the night of the annual dance and fundraiser event, and each a year apart. But both fatalities had been deemed accidents.
The chief rubbed his chin. Tonight makes retirement that much more enticing.
Back home in Flagstaff, this night would have seemed tame to Shanes dad and brothers. Did the canvass around the training center yield anything useful in determining who killed Veronica?
Earl held up a hand. So far no one heard any shots fired or saw anyone come or go from the center.
Has anyone turned in the missing puppy? Gina asked.
Unfortunately, no, the chief replied.
Ginas arms wrapped around her middle as if holding herself together. The tender skin beneath her eyes appeared bruised from fatigue and her face was pale.
Empathy twisted in Shanes gut, despite his need to stay emotionally detached. First being attacked in her house by her crazed brother, then stumbling upon Veronicas dead body. It was obvious she loved the animals she worked with and they loved her, if Bellas actions were any indication. No doubt the thought of the little German shepherd puppy running loose outside where wildlife could prey on it weighed heavily on Ginas slim shoulders.
Was Sophie able to determine if the other two puppies were chipped? Gina asked.
They were, Earl replied. Chipped and registered to Veronica with the training centers address just as wed expect.
Hopefully, someone will pick up the pup and take him to the vet, Gina said. If Veronica was able to get him chipped then the vet will find the chip and contact the center.
Ill give the vet a heads-up, the chief said.
Bucks returned a few moments later. I got a partial. Ill run it through IAFIS.
Shane hoped the FBIs national fingerprint database would provide a visual of Tim Perry. Or whoever had handled the arrow. Shane struggled to believe no one had known Gina had a brother to begin with, let alone one who was a criminal. Was the shooter the same person whod killed Veronica? Or was there more than one villain running around Desert Valley? That seemed too much of a stretch.
Lets finish our discussion in my office, Earl said, ushering Shane, Bella and Gina inside.
The chief had just settled into his chair behind his desk when there was a knock on the doorjamb. James and Hawk entered the office, looking grim.
Shane gave him a questioning look.
James shook his head. Hawk tracked a scent but lost it on a street two blocks away from Ginas house. The shooter must have jumped into a car and taken off.
Did you get a look at the archer? Earl asked.
No, never caught a glimpse of him, James said.
Earl looked at Shane. But youre sure it was her brother?
Hard to say without confirmation, Shane said. But without any other suspects...
The chief considered him a moment. Okay. He focused on Gina. Where will you be staying? Obviously you cant return to your home until we have your brother in custody.
Sir, Gina is going to move into the empty room at the rookies condo, Shane stated. He met Ginas gaze. She arched one delicate eyebrow. Okay, maybe he shouldnt have answered for her.
Earl nodded approval. Good. He settled his gaze on Gina once again. Well find your brother. Or whoever did this. No one can hide in Desert Valley for long.
Thank you, sir. Her voice was tight. She turned her gaze on Shane. Id like to keep the puppies with me if possible.
The anxiety in her hazel eyes tugged at him. If having the two pups close comforted her, then... Of course. Well swing by the training center and pick them up.
She gave him a grateful smile as she stifled a yawn.
You all go and get some rest, the chief said. You wont do anyone any good if youre too exhausted to be of use.
Shane escorted Gina from the station. They took Jamess truck to the training center. Sophie had crated the puppies and had locked up the center for the night. Gina used her key card to enter the building.
They gathered the puppies and their crates, along with their beds, water and food bowls, and put them in the back of Jamess truck. Gina held both pups on her lap during the ride to the condo.
James parked in the carport stall reserved for the rookies unit. He grabbed her bag from the back and led the way to the front door. Shane carried the pups accoutrements and brought up the rear with Gina and the puppies between them.
Once inside, Shane showed Gina to the room at the end of the short hall. He arranged the crates side by side along the far wall beneath the window facing the queen-size bed covered with a deep burgundy comforter.
Gina set the puppies down on their respective beds and left the crate doors open. They immediately went to sleep, obviously tuckered out from their run in the yard and the move to the condo.
Shouldnt you shut the crate doors? Shane asked.
I will when Im ready to go to sleep, but for now I want them to feel safe inside their crates and safe to leave, as well. The crate needs to become their safe haven. Locking them in too soon can be traumatic.
Her concern for the puppies was touching. Given shed just lived through a very dramatic and dangerous situation, she was holding it together really well. Assuming she was telling him the truth, which seemed more likely with every passing moment. His admiration and respect for her increased. How had he questioned whether she could be guilty of hurting Veronica?