Charlie smiled despite the urgency. Lila had a fascination with police procedure. Charlie had often wondered if she missed her calling to become a police officer.
“It’s me, Lila.”
“Charlie? Why are you using Ryan’s phone?”
Charlie gave her the abridged version of what happened. “Someone shot at us.”
“You think it’s the same person who killed Pete?”
Charlie didn’t see it being anything but. “It’s possible.”
“Are you two okay?”
Charlie told her they were unhurt physically. “The reason I’m calling is I’m wondering if you could stop by the station to talk about the incident between Pete and Eddie Hawthorne.”
“You heard about that? I’m not sure how much help I will be.”
“Whatever you can tell us might help figure out what’s going on.”
“Sure. I’ll be there soon.” The call ended.
Charlie stared at the phone and tried to understand what might be responsible for the rift between those two lifelong friends.
Ryan returned to the room. The look on his face confirmed what she believed. There would be no help coming from the crime scene.
“Looks like whoever shot at us was long gone by the time they arrived. There were tracks that seemed to follow ours into town. Boone said they lost them due to the numerous tracks around the city.” He sighed deeply. “There weren’t any shell casings left behind. They did find the place where the shooter stood. Doug’s going to see if he can get any evidence.”
But Ryan didn’t sound hopeful.
“I spoke to Lila. She’ll be here soon.” She told him what Lila had said about not being much help. “That doesn’t sound promising.”
Ryan ran a hand through his hair. “We sure could use a break.”
Charlie’s heart went out to him. She rose and went over to him, placing her hand on his shoulders. “We’ll figure it out.”
Ryan’s gaze held hers. “I hope so. This is becoming more dangerous than ever before, Charlie. I’m worried.”
He was fighting so hard for her. Had fought to bring justice to her parents and she’d repaid him by breaking his heart.
Those gray eyes darkened. He stepped closer and tugged her into his arms. She didn’t stop the kiss because she needed to feel his touch to reassure her there were good things still in this world.
The moment his lips touched hers the years vanished, and it was back to the time when she thought the world revolved around Ryan.
The kiss lengthened and all she wanted to do was remain here in his arms in his kiss and not face what lay ahead.
Someone cleared their throat. Charlie jerked back, her eyes holding Ryan’s. Lingering emotion between them sparked like an electrical current.
Charlie untangled herself from Ryan’s arms and turned toward the door where Lila stood with a knowing grin. Sarah stood behind her with a curious expression on her face.
Heat crept into Charlie’s cheeks.
“Thanks for coming, Lila,” Ryan said with a catch in his voice.
“No problem. I’m glad I did.”
Charlie got her emotions under control. She noticed Lila was carrying a bag with her.
“I brought some pastries.” She held up the bag. “Homemade cinnamon rolls.”
