22

Skylar sat next to Slade in the sheriff’s office, nerves stretched to their breaking point. Her gaze kept straying from Deputy Landers to the holding cells in the back. She never wanted to see the inside of a cell again, and here she sat, not twenty feet away. Would she be accused of stealing Uncle Winston’s money and end up in one of those tiny, confined spaces? The possibility made her lightheaded.

Slade squeezed her hand, breaking her from her thoughts. He’d looked weary ever since the emergency room physician had given him pain meds. They hadn’t stayed long in the hospital. Hadn’t needed to. The bullet had skimmed through his flesh, leaving a gash requiring only a few stitches. He’d be sore for a few days, the doctor had warned, but Slade had refused prescription painkillers. Now, his questioning gaze zoned in on her. They hadn’t finished their conversation about her past. But she would fill him in. Soon.

Deputy Landers finished writing inside a notepad and flipped the book closed. “With the detailed information you’ve provided, we have everything we need to for an arrest warrant for both Aston Barnes and Ike Mayhew. We’ve been suspicious of those two for some time. Never had enough evidence to bring them in.” Setting down his pencil, Deputy Landers turned compassionate eyes toward Skylar. “I appreciate your assistance in bringing these men to justice, considering what all you’ve been through.”

“I’m just glad this is almost over.” Although there weren’t many others in the small office building, every curious glance her way made her edgy. The sooner she got out of there, the better. “C-can we go now?” she asked, making no attempt to mask her trembling voice.

Deputy Landers nodded. “It’s our turn to handle these guys. Can I give you two a lift somewhere?”

“We could use a ride to my cabin,” Slade suggested. “I need to have a talk with my sister, and Sky needs a safe haven until Barnes and Mayhew are detained.”

Skylar’s stomach churned. Slade didn’t know who she’d been or what she’d done. Would he retract his offer of protection once he found out?