Chapter Seventeen
Charlie’s eyes locked onto Ryan’s. Until she saw the shock on Ryan’s face, she believed she hadn’t heard the words correctly.
“Someone shot at you?” Ryan asked incredulously. “I didn’t notice a bullet hole anywhere.”
Will swallowed before he spoke. “It struck the front driver’s tire. I lost control of the vehicle. I was afraid he’d try and finish the job. I couldn’t see anything.” He pushed Charlie’s hand away. “I’m okay.” Will sat up against the headboard. “Anyway, I thought I had the vehicle under control when another shot hit the engine, and I swerved. That’s when I hit a tree and lost consciousness.”
Charlie couldn’t believe what happened. What was even more concerning was there was someone out there who didn’t want Will to reach them.
“Stay with him,” Ryan rose and headed for the door. “I’m going to lock up.”
Charlie tried to control the terror spiraling inside her. Was the shooter close? She had no doubt. He’d known all along where they were and had ambushed Will to keep him from coming to their assistance.
Ryan returned. “Doors and windows are secured. I didn’t see anyone out there but I’m radioing Boone. We need immediate help.” He disappeared again. Will swung his legs over the side of the bed. Charlie helped him up. Together they went into the living room.
“Why don’t you sit by the fire and warm up?” Charlie guided him over to one of the rockers before she returned to Ryan.
“He’s not picking up yet.” The tense set of his jaw confirmed Ryan was worried.
“You think he’ll strike again?” Charlie wrapped her arms around her body knowing the answer.
“That’s the whole reason why he shot at Will to take him out before he could assist.”
The radio came to life with Boone’s worried voice. “Can you hear me?”
“I’ve got you.” Ryan told the sheriff what had happened. “We need immediate backup. It’s only a matter of time before he attacks.”
“I’m headed your way now with Doug. I’ve radioed for backup from the neighboring county. Hang on. Help is on the way.”
Ryan didn’t respond. He rose and went over to check on Will. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I’m lucky to be alive.” Will smiled. “But I’m guessing my weapon went down with the cruiser.
Ryan confirmed it had. “I have my handgun and backup.” He looked around the room. “There’s a rifle here somewhere as I recall. Hopefully, I can find shells for it.”
Charlie helped him look for the missing weapon.
“The last time I saw it was in the hall closet.” Ryan opened the door. “It’s gone.”
Charlie had a sinking feeling. The killer knew the gun was there. Had he taken it? It didn’t add up in her head. If he took the weapon, why not destroy the radio?
“Found it.” Ryan called out from the bedroom. Charlie followed his voice there and saw him holding the rifle in one hand while searching the closet. “I don't see any shells though.”
Charlie opened drawers until she found a box of shells.
“This will help. But I don’t have unlimited clips for the handguns. I sure hope Boone gets here soon.”
The worry in Ryan’s tone scared her. One thing they had going for them was there were three of them and hopefully only one bad guy.
Ryan handed Will the rifle. “I know you’re familiar with one of these.” He went to his bag and found his backup giving it to Charlie. “You remember how I taught you to shoot?”
She did. But back then it had been for fun. This was deadly serious.
Unable to sit, she held the gun tight and waited.
In the distance over the wind a welcoming sound could be heard.
“That should be Boone.” Ryan went to the window and cracked the curtains. “I can’t see anything in this storm.” He leaned closer. “Wait. What is that?”
