Read Online Love Inspired Suspense May 2015 #2 by Debra Cowan, Susan Sleeman, Mary Ellen Porter - Free Book Online Page B

else? That was another matter.

EIGHT
    Y awning, Cash walked Skyler to the door and glanced at his watch on the way. Forensics had taken until 6:00 a.m. to finish processing the scene. Krista had gone to shower for work, and Otto was resting. When Cash took Krista to the preschool, they would drop Otto off at his friend Erwin’s house for safety.
    Skyler opened the door and turned to look at him. “Since you’re off today, you might as well go home and get some sleep. There’s nothing you can do here.”
    â€œI’ll hang out for a bit. Just to make sure our suspect doesn’t try to take another crack at Krista.”
    Skyler stepped onto the porch without a comment. “Call me if anything comes up.”
    He was risking a lecture on personal involvement and should keep his mouth shut, but he didn’t care. “And you’ll keep me apprised of any new developments in the investigation?”
    She eyed him as he expected but then nodded. “All I’ll say for now is watch yourself, Cash, and keep my warning in mind.” She let her gaze linger for a moment before jogging down the steps to her car.
    Her warning wasn’t necessary. Cash had thought of little else since Skyler first suggested that with limited information about Krista on the internet the only way the bomber located her was because he knew her. Cash didn’t want to consider that possibility, but it was getting harder to ignore Krista’s ongoing evasive behavior. His Special Forces and law enforcement training had taught him to read people, and he suspected she was hiding something. Maybe related to the bombing. Maybe not. Didn’t matter. He planned to find out if she was trying to conceal something.
    First, he needed to ensure her safety.
    He stepped outside to perform a threat assessment before departure. Parsons had aired another story this morning, this time flashing Krista’s picture for all to see. With the lack of internet leads on Krista, Cash doubted reporters could find Otto’s property this quickly, but Cash wouldn’t take a chance.
    He circled the home, looking behind frosty shrubbery and under the deck before walking the driveway lined with tall pines. Nearing the road, he spotted a black SUV idling on the shoulder across the road. The driver was in a perfect location to watch Krista, which it seemed as if the occupant had been doing for a while as the windows were fogged from the inside.
    Cash’s intuition warned him to take care. He slipped into the woods and inched closer for a better look. Even this close, he could only make out the shape of a large male sitting behind the wheel.
    Could be a reporter but Cash still doubted the press had found her.
    The bomber? Her attacker? Maybe, but if so, why park in plain sight?
    Cash wanted to rush the vehicle, but he’d likely scare the guy off. Instead, he moved deeper into the woods until he could make out the license plate.
    He called dispatch only to discover the SUV was a rental. Meant it probably wasn’t a reporter, but a lost tourist stopping to get his bearings. Could still be her attacker, though.
    Cash slipped back through the trees to reassess and saw the guy clear a small circle on the window. He sat there, peering out, staring down Krista’s drive, the minutes ticking by.
    Cash’s instincts fired an alert and he settled his hand on his gun.
    â€œCash.” Krista’s voice came from the porch, the area in full view of the driver. “We’re ready to go.”
    Cash’s heart dropped, and he jumped onto the driveway.
    â€œGo back inside, Krista,” he yelled. “Now!”
    Her eyes fearful, she turned and the SUV’s powerful engine revved. Cash drew his weapon and spun. The engine roared louder. Cash stood ready, waiting for the car window to open and a gun to appear, but the driver shifted into gear and squealed away, sending gravel flying.
    Cash wanted to check on Krista, but he