Trained To Defend. Christy Barritt

      Colton’s eyes continually scanned the road as he traveled from his cabin into the majestic countryside. Snowcapped peaks surrounded him, along with rocky terrain and what in the summer months was a rollicking river.

      These were the things he’d moved to the area for—the peace and serenity of wide-open spaces and clean air.

      But right now, he found no joy in his surroundings. Not knowing what he did. Not with everything he’d learned that was going on with Sarah.

      He hadn’t seen the dark-colored sedan since he’d left his cabin twenty minutes ago, but he still didn’t let down his guard. Someone who was determined to kill Sarah wouldn’t give up that easily.

      They’d left quickly. Sarah had packed up some of her old clothes, as well as a few extra supplies for Buzz, including a water dish. Colton had also packed a bag, as well as some snacks and water. He’d slipped Sarah’s bloody clothing into the bottom of his duffel, just in case. He didn’t want to leave them there for just anyone to discover.

      Glancing in the backseat, he also saw that Sarah had grabbed the bag from her car. She didn’t act suspicious, like she felt guilty about whatever was inside.

      But Colton couldn’t stop thinking about it. Maybe Sarah had sold a painting. Maybe she had a good explanation for having that kind of cash.

      But what if she didn’t?

      He would ask her. Soon. When the time was right.

      “Where are we going?” Sarah’s arm snaked into the backseat of his double cab, and she rubbed Buzz’s head. She’d done that often since they left, and the dog’s presence seemed to calm her.

      She wore some old jeans and a blue flannel shirt. Her hair—wet when they’d left—had been pulled back into a bun. She had no makeup on, but she didn’t need any. Her skin looked perfect just the way it was. Colton had given her an old jacket of his—a thick black one that would keep her warm outside. She’d also found some old boots in that trunk, back from when they used to go hiking together.

      Colton glanced at Buzz again. He liked having the dog with them. The canine had perceptive eyes, and he always stood on guard. Without ever witnessing it, he could tell that Buzz would do whatever it took to protect Sarah.

      “I think we should go back to Spokane,” he told Sarah.

      Sarah’s wide eyes focused on him. “Spokane? Why would we go back there? Shouldn’t we get as far away as possible?”

      “A couple of reasons. First of all, I doubt this guy would think you’d go back.”

      “That could be true, I guess.” She shrugged, still looking uncertain.

      “Second, I think we need to figure out what happened to Loretta ourselves.”

      “Why would we do that?” Sarah’s voice climbed with anxiety. “I mean, the police are looking for me. Won’t they be more likely to find me there in Spokane?”

      “I realize that, so we’ll need to be careful. But I think the only way we’re going to put this behind us is to find answers ourselves.”

      She gasped and paused before she said, “You think we should find the killer? Is that what you’re saying.”

      “Yeah, I guess that’s what I’m saying.” Colton knew it sounded crazy, but he’d worked in law enforcement for more than a decade. If he trusted his instincts, he knew this was the right plan.

      “How are we going to do that?”

      Colton stared straight ahead as the sun peeked just over the trees, the new day settling in for a while. “We need to talk. I need more information.”

      “I can do that but…what about your work? I know you have a job. You can’t just leave.” Sarah sounded halfway panicked and halfway guilt ridden.

      It was kind of her to be concerned about him. Sarah had always been sensitive and intuitive. It made her a great artist. She picked up on things that others didn’t.

      At one time, Colton had loved that about her.

      “I’m just doing some woodworking right now, Sarah. I’m on sabbatical from my work in law enforcement.”

      “But—”

      He glanced at her and shook his head, trying to nip this conversation in the bud. “No buts about it. Now, tell me more about your boss.”

      Sarah shifted, pulling her arm back into her lap and staring straight ahead at the road. “Loretta? I hardly know what to say. She was…she was esteemed in the medical community. She was a real genius.”

      “Did she have enemies?”

      “I… I don’t know. I mean, I didn’t work for her that long, so I didn’t get to meet many people who knew her. She was demanding and a perfectionist. I guess that’s why she was good at her job. But she also had ALS. She was in a wheelchair. She didn’t even have a chance to defend herself…” Sarah’s voice broke as tears streamed down her face.

      “I’m sorry, Sarah.” Colton’s heart squeezed with compassion. This situation would be a lot for anyone, but for someone as tenderhearted as Sarah it would be devastating.

      “I just keep picturing her. I keep seeing her in her room, on the floor, with the man standing over her. It was so horrible, Colton.” She sniffled again and used her sleeve to wipe beneath her eyes.

      He reached over and squeezed her knee. Colton hadn’t intended on touching Sarah, but he couldn’t stand to see her looking so alone, especially considering what she’d been through. No one should have to be so isolated in their suffering—not when they had someone right beside them.

      “Seeing that would be hard on anyone,” he murmured.

      Using her sleeve, Sarah wiped beneath her eyes again. “I’ve always known that there’s danger in the world. But seeing it firsthand… I just can’t stop thinking about it.”

      “We’re going to get through this, Sarah.” There Colton went again, promising Sarah things. Promising a future—no matter how potentially long or short. Their paths were intertwined, for now, at least.

      Just as he said the words, a black sedan came into view behind him.

      Colton pulled his hand back from Sarah’s knee and gripped the steering wheel, his law enforcement training kicking into gear.

      “What is it?” Sarah asked, glancing behind them. “Is that the car?”

      “I don’t know. But I’m not taking any chances.”

       SIX

      Sarah gripped the door handle, her lungs frozen as she waited to see what would happen next. Would the driver try to run them of the road? Would he shoot? Try to kill them?

      She had no idea. But each possibility made her head pound harder.

      How had her life turned into such a nightmare? Things had just seemed to be getting back on track. She finally found a better place to live. Another job. All her mistakes seemed to be haunting her less and less.

      And now this?

      She glanced over her shoulder again. The sedan was still back there, but it wasn’t close. No, the driver kept a decent distance behind them.

      Maybe that was a good sign, an indication they’d be safe for a while longer. But Sarah knew the interlude wouldn’t last for long. If Sarah had to guess, they were still forty-five minutes away from Spokane. The town was almost two hours from Colton’s house, which was just north of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

      Expertly,