After a second, she nodded. But the fear didn’t go away.
Boone sat the letter on the table. “It also means he might be watching the station. We need another plan to draw the attention away from the station for you and Charlie to get away.”
Ryan claimed the seat beside Charlie and clasped her hand. “What do you have in mind?”
Boone glanced over at Charlie and then at Sarah. “Sarah could pass for Charlie from a distance and with the right coverage. The only problem will be you,” he told Ryan. “I think to make it believable you’re going to need to ride with Sarah.”
Ryan didn’t like the idea of being away from Charlie and voiced his concern. “I’m not leaving Charlie. There must be another way.”
Boone hesitated. “Will might be able to pass as you with a little maneuvering.”
Ryan waited for him to continue.
“You and Will could swap clothes. He can wear your hat and sunglasses. Same for Sarah. It’s worth a shot.”
It might work if the killer were watching from a distance and Ryan had a feeling he would be.
“I’ll speak to Will.” Ryan turned to Charlie. “Why don’t you and Sarah swap outfits?”
She nodded without speaking. As tough as Charlie was, Ryan believed she was nearing her breaking point.
Sarah came around to where she was. “Come on, hon.”
Charlie slowly rose and left the room with her. Ryan waited until she was out of sight before speaking to Boone. “I’m worried. This guy has proven he’ll stop at nothing to keep his identity secret.”
Boone confirmed he felt the same way. “I’d like to send Will up there with you two once we know the coast is clear.”
“I’d feel better with him there.” It was a small amount of relief, but he’d take it.
Once he and Will exchanged clothing, Sarah and Will got into Ryan’s cruiser. They pulled out onto Main Street and eased past the station while Ryan and Charlie waited for any sighting of the killer.
Boone’s cell rang and he answered it before placing it on speaker. “Turning onto Columbine.” Will knew better than to use the radio. “There’s no sign of anyone following.”
Had they been wrong? Ryan didn’t believe it for a second. The killer had sent the letter to the station to try and draw Charlie out.
“Wait, I see something.” Will’s end went silent for a heartbeat. “There’s a black car that might be following us. I’m going to make some evasive moves to confirm.”
Charlie leaned forward in her seat, elbows resting on the table.
“It’s still back there.”
“I’m on my way. I’ll see if I can cut him off.” Boone retrieved his weapon and started for the door. “I’ll conference you into the call once I’m rolling,” he told Ryan. “In the meantime, get to the cabin.”
“I can’t believe this. Do you think they’ll catch him?” Charlie rose as the two of them headed toward the back entrance.
The station was empty of staff. Ryan couldn’t remember another time when that happened.
He halted her at the door. “Give me a second.” He stepped outside and panned the alleyway. No sign of anyone being close. He went back for Charlie and their bags. “It’s clear.”
His cell phone rang. “Boone.” Ryan answered the call and waited for Charlie to slip into Boone’s wife’s SUV. “How close are you to reaching the car?”
Boone told him he was ten minutes out. “Will has pulled over outside of town. Is the car still back there, Will?”
“I haven't seen him yet.”
Ryan didn’t like the sound of it. “You think he realized you were onto him and turned around?”
“Let’s hope not. Where are you and Charlie?” Boone asked.
