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“Okay, let’s get you out of the cold.”
Ignoring her protests, he scooped her up and headed for his vehicle. She was heavier than expected and had the kind of muscular body that took years to perfect. The fact that she had the same physique as many of the female agents he had worked beside for the last ten years sent up more red flags. He could be wrong; not everyone was in the same position as him. People wanted him dead. Although the media reported his death in a car wreck along with his wife, Annie, he would need to watch his back twenty-four-seven. His commander had organized the escape to the country right down to the demotion to deputy sheriff. Changing identities came with the job, and after spending months in recovery perfecting his cover story, he had expected to have time to mourn the loss of his wife in a lazy country town. Instead, he had marched into trouble yet again. I seem to attract crime.
Holding her close, he crunched through the snow and her enquiring gaze fixed on him as if she had read his mind. He indicated toward his vehicle with his chin. “I have a first aid kit in my car. I’ll see to your head wound before we head off.”
“Do you usually dash in and take charge of situations?”
“It’s part of the job and it’s not like you’re in any shape to take charge.” He juggled her in one arm, pulled open the passenger door, and eased her inside. “Here.” He handed her back her pistol. “Just in case I get out of hand.” He shut the door and headed around the hood of the car.
Snatching the first aid kit from the back seat, he climbed in beside her. To his surprise, she sat motionless and allowed him to clean and dress the wound. She had been correct; the cut was small but he still had concerns. “I know you’ve refused medical treatment but will you allow me to check your pupils?”
“If you must.”
He picked up the flashlight then flicked the beam across her eyes. When both pupils reacted in unison, he sighed with relief. “All good.”
“Roger that. Now can we get going?” Moving as if in pain, she leaned back in the seat and secured the belt.
He tossed the first aid kit into the back and turned to her. “You know my name. How would you like me to address you?”
“Sheriff Alton will do just fine.” The twinkle of amusement in her eyes reflected his disbelief.
He guessed by her cool-headed response to the accident that she had spent time in the field, but holding the position of Black Rock Falls’ sheriff had not entered his mind. For the first time, he took in her features. Too young to have the experience necessary for such a high-profile position, and he would likely have to take the lead in anything over a parking ticket. Her uniform was pristine apart from the blood spatters and she wore her hair in a short yet fashionable style. Dark blue eyes set off an attractive face and he wondered what division of the military had trained her. The question burned on his lips but he pushed it aside and gave her a nod. “Do you know who ran you off the road and why?” He moved the gearshift into drive and turned onto the highway.
“No, I was kind of busy trying to survive. Did you get a plate?”
He glanced at her and shook his head. “The number had mud smeared over it but I made out one digit, a nine.”
“Make?”
“Yeah, it was a Ford pickup, maybe a seventies model with a dark paint job, maybe blue or green with a torn sticker next to the taillight. It was carrying a beat-up black drum with molasses written on the side. I’m sure I would recognize the vehicle again. I assume the driver came out from behind the barn some ways back because I had nobody following me.” He cleared his throat. “Do you have any enemies?”
“Who doesn’t in Black Rock Falls?” Alton snorted. “If it’s not members of the Town Council at each other’s throats, it’s the drifters or cowboys doing the rodeo circuit. Then we have the fights between the rival hockey teams and the fans. We have a stadium on the other side of town and this weekend is a home game. Trust me, even bad weather doesn’t keep them away. The majority of hockey fans arrive early and stay for the weekend.” She shrugged. “They tend to overindulge, and if the driver was under the influence, he wouldn’t stop to help a cop and risk prosecution.”
“I guess, but the mud on the plate seems a little too convenient for me.” He considered the implications of investigating a horde of visitors in town and shrugged. “At least we have a partial and the make and model of the vehicle.”
“There are dozens of Ford pickups in Black Rock Falls without considering those from the other towns.” She gave him a long, considering stare as if assessing him. “As to personal enemies, I could give you a list of maybe five people who’d prefer to have a man in my job. It’s just as well women have the vote.”
So, not the quiet little town I had envisioned. He sucked in a breath. “So what emergency had you out at this time of night?”
“It was a prank call.” She pressed trembling fingers to the white dressing on her head. “They didn’t leave a name and said they’d seen a wreck near the Simpson place. That’s about a mile past the barn you mentioned. I crawled five miles in either direction but found nothing and was heading home at the time of the accident.”
He stared at her, confused by her calmness. “I wouldn’t class what happened as an ‘accident.’ The car came out of nowhere. I think the driver was the prank caller and waited for you to pass. At the speed the pickup was traveling, hitting you was deliberate. I’ll track down the vehicle and haul them in for questioning.”
“You’re very motivated.” Alton pulled up her collar and he noticed her fingers shaking. “Have you worked many hit-and-run cases?”
“One or two.” He flicked a glance in her direction. “Do you make a habit of going out on patrol in the middle of the night without backup?”
“I usually take Rowley or one of the other deputies.” Alton’s mouth twitched as if in amusement. “Now you’re here maybe you’ll volunteer for permanent night duty?”
“Maybe later, when I get to know the area.” The SUV’s headlights picked up groups of buildings stacked along the road. “I’ll drop you home then I’ll need directions to the O’Reilly Ranch. I’ve arranged to stay there until I can find a place of my own.”
“Hang a right at the next crossroads. The O’Reilly Ranch is about a mile away. Look out for a white arch with a bull’s skull on top.” Her lips twitched into a semblance of a smile. “You’re staying with me. I own the O’Reilly Ranch.”
Three
The last thing Kane needed was company. “I do appreciate the gesture but it won’t be for more than a night or two. I prefer to live alone.”
“You will be alone. I don’t like roommates either and I’m sure you’ll find the accommodation I’ve arranged more than adequate.” She gave him an indignant look then pointed into the distance. “The entrance is just ahead, white fence. Turn in and follow the driveway.”
