Read Online Identity Unknown by Terri Reed - Free Book Online

wasn’t married and had no kids but hadn’t mentioned if she was involved with someone. Though why John was upset didn’t make sense. He could very well be married or engaged or involved with someone he couldn’t remember. Until he knew his past, he couldn’t contemplate a present or future that included anyone else.
    Needing to act and not let his mind play games with him, he said, “We should hustle before the perps decide to storm in.”
    â€œThis way.” Audrey grabbed the sleeve of his shirt and tugged him closer. “Stay behind me.”
    Though he appreciated her protectiveness, it felt wrong. He should be the one going first, blazing a trail for her to follow. His empty hand flexed with the need to feel the weight of steel pressed against his palm. He tucked the thought away to examine later as he did as the very determined female deputy directed. Sean, Ophelia and the other deputy fell in line behind them, with the deputy taking up the rear position.
    Inside the break room, Audrey released her hold on his sleeve and went to work on prying out the window screen. He helped her and took it from her hands to set aside.
    â€œI’ll go first to make sure it’s clear,” Audrey said. “John, you follow me. Then the rest of you.”
    â€œI’ll go first,” the other deputy blurted before John could.
    â€œHarrison, I need you to protect our flank. You’re a much better shot than I am.” Audrey’s voice had lowered to a measured beat.
    John arched an eyebrow at her placating tone, meant to both defuse a potential issue and bolster the deputy’s confidence at the same time.
    Deputy Harrison ate up her words and totally missed the subtle undertone. “You’re right. I’ll make sure you all get to safety.”
    Audrey didn’t waste any more words but slipped quickly and soundlessly out the window. John had to give her major credit for getting her way without causing a rift. He wondered if it were true that Harrison was a better shot or if she was downplaying herself for the deputy’s benefit.
    He leaned into the open window. Moonlight from the full winter moon revealed that there indeed was a wide strip of grass separating the sheriff’s station from the side of the church. The white-painted wood building gleamed in the moon’s glow. He could smell the acrid smoke of the burning generator.
    He spotted Audrey right away—her darker form outlined against bushes growing along the church’s side yard as she motioned for him to follow her out the window. He climbed over and dropped to the ground. The grass beneath his boots was crusted in ice and crunched beneath his weight.
    He turned to help the dispatcher, Ophelia, out of the window. She hopped out of his hands as soon as her feet touched down. When Sean swung one leg over the side of the windowsill, his pant leg rode up, revealing a metal prosthetic above the tennis shoe.
    John’s heart twisted with empathy. He reached out a hand to help the man. After a moment of hesitation, Sean grasped John’s hand and slipped out the window. John steadied the guy then let go.
    â€œThanks, dude,” Sean whispered.
    Deputy Harrison came through the window less gracefully. He grunted when he hit the ground. John grabbed him by the arm to keep him from going down on his rear.
    â€œHurry.” Audrey’s voice carried on the slight breeze coming off the ocean.
    John ushered Ophelia and Sean to her side. She led them to a wood door in the side of the church.
    Harrison reached past her to try the handle. “It’s locked.”
    â€œGive me a second,” Audrey shot back. She shuffled through the keys on her key ring. “Pastor Wilson gave me a key.”
    â€œWhy?” Harrison demanded to know. “I didn’t get a key.”
    Seeing that Harrison wasn’t watching their six, John took a position with his back facing the church so he could see