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Joe glanced at his watch. It was an hour since the gunman had fired on their SUV. Was that enough time for Colton to get back to his place? “I’m glad you have him, along with the rifle and handgun, but what’s Colton’s address?”
Brock rattled it off. Joe envisioned the area. Less than fifteen minutes from Rosie’s dinner, which made it entirely possible they had their shooter.
“Who’s going to interview him?” Joe asked.
“We thought you’d want to be involved,” Brock said. “Otherwise, Rae and I can do it.”
“I want to be there.” He caught Sami’s gaze. The hopeful glint in her eye indicated she understood what was going on. “Give us twenty minutes, okay?”
“Sure thing.” Brock disconnected from the call.
Joe hoped Sami and Quinn brought a spare vehicle for them to use. Despite the way he’d wanted to keep Elly sheltered in a safe place, that hadn’t been working too well. Maybe the danger was over, but he wasn’t letting Elly out of his sight.
Not until he knew without a shadow of doubt that they had the Christmas parade shooter safely behind bars.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
Having Peter Colton in custody was a relief. Even though Elly hadn’t been convinced he was the shooter, the fact that Brock and Raelyn had found a rifle and a handgun was encouraging. Not illegal, though, unless one of the weapons had been used while committing a crime.
She desperately wanted this nightmare to be over. Yes, she would miss spending time with Joe, but the longer this evil man was out there stalking her, the more likely innocent victims would be hurt.
Or killed.
“We need to get over to the precinct to interview Peter Colton,” Joe said. “We also need a vehicle.”
“You can use ours,” Quinn quickly offered. “We can call one of the sibs for a ride home.”
“Thanks, Quinn.” Elly knew her family would come through for them. “We appreciate your support.”
“Have you spoken to Rhy lately?” Quinn asked.
She winced. “No, but we will.”
Her brother held her gaze. “Do that soon, El. You know he worries about you.”
It wasn’t easy being the youngest of nine. She loved her family, but they tended to hover. And maybe that was partially her own fault, she silently admitted. After all, she could have moved out of the homestead. She’d actually made plans to do that but then decided to stay longer to help Devon with the baby.
“I promise to call Rhy.” She managed a smile. “I’m sure it’s frustrating for him to be left out of the action.”
“Big time, not that he would willingly leave Devon and Colleen behind,” Quinn agreed.
Sensing Joe’s impatience, she glanced at him. His grim expression made her wish she could lighten his burden. None of this was his fault. Maybe if she hadn’t bumped into the shooter, making eye contact with him, they wouldn’t be in danger now.
But she couldn’t go back and change the past no matter how much she wanted to.
“I’m almost finished.” Steele looked pointedly at Joe’s tapping fingers. “I’ll ride with you back to the precinct.”
“Thanks.” Joe looked relieved.
True to his word, Steele finished his breakfast in record time. Joe pulled cash from his pocket, but Quinn waved it off.
“I’ll take care of it,” her brother assured him. “We have to hang around for a while until one of the sibs can pick us up.”
“Or use a rideshare,” Steele suggested.
“That too,” Quinn agreed. He tossed Joe the key fob, then added, “Keep Elly safe.”
“That’s the plan.” Joe stood and held her coat for her. She slipped her arms into the winter jacket, feeling self-conscious as Quinn watched.
