MONDAY, 7:59 P.M.
CIRCLE S RANCH
Harper stared out the spacious panoramic window in Lori Somerall’s home. She wanted to absorb the sheer expansive beauty of the evergreens sweeping up the mountains. Capture that in her mind, if not on a camera. The tip of a familiar peak rose off in the distance between other mountains—Grand Teton. The majestic mountain was the picture of strength and beauty and reminded Harper of that Bible verse on the wall plaque in the Airstream. When she’d been a kid growing up in Jackson Hole, the mountain had always made her think of God.
Unshakable. Unmovable.
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower . . .”
If only she could feel some of that strength right now. If only she could use this view to replace the image of Arty, surprise and shock on his face, the instant before he crumpled.
It was a repeat of what had happened to Sophie.
A pang radiated through Harper.
The deputy had been wearing a vest!
Heath had explained that the kind of body armor they’d worn couldn’t protect against rifle fire because of the high velocity. What had they been doing out there without ample protection?
His death is all my fault.
She knew the sheriff would feel the burden of that guilt as well, for believing Harper would be safe. And with this, she had to consider the strong possibility that Heath could be hurt next.
At least Heath was being proactive. After the second attempt on Harper’s life, he had agreed that moving to Circle S ranch was best. Yesterday Lori had insisted on a small Sunday service at her home, which proved to be more comforting than Harper had expected in the aftermath of Arty’s death.
An eagle swooped down as if to catch a small creature but returned to the air empty-clawed, pulling Harper’s thoughts back to her surroundings.
Lori had a big, empty house like Heath’s. Evelyn moved with them, but Pete stayed behind for now, waiting for the crime scene at the cabin to be released. Then Heath could start rebuilding the cabin. He’d said that Pete would oversee the rebuild.
“Harper?” Emily came up behind her.
She turned and hugged her sister, who’d been released from the hospital earlier that afternoon. Another EEG showed great improvement over the weekend. Plus, Emily had insisted she needed to return to Missouri, so the doctor had referred her to a neurologist at home for a follow-up. Despite the strain of the last few days, Emily looked much better.
“It’s so good to have you home.” Except this wasn’t their home. It wasn’t even Heath’s home. She squeezed her even tighter before finally releasing her.
The amazing rustic and spacious log cabin made her think of a villa in the Swiss Alps. The owner was a lovely blonde to complete the package.
Maybe Lori didn’t have her claws in Heath yet, but Harper wouldn’t be surprised if she tried. She shook off the ridiculous jealousy slithering through her.
Who cared about Lori and Heath? Emily was here with her. She was going to be okay.
Harper took a good long look at her sister, the mystery writer. Her bobbed brown hair framed a striking face defined by high cheekbones and big brown eyes. Harper’s attention drifted to the colorful display of roses and lilies on the table, a gift from Emily’s friend in the publishing world. A guy friend.
While the bouquet was appropriate under the circumstances, Harper wondered if there was something more going on. “How are you feeling?”
“Much better now that I’m out of the hospital.” Emily plopped down on the plush sofa and grabbed a pillow. Held it close. A tendril of fear emerged in her eyes, then it was gone. She reached for the Bible on the coffee table and flipped through until she found what she was looking for and focused on the page.
Though she’d been released, Emily had been advised she shouldn’t drive until the neurologist in Missouri gave her the go-ahead. Concern over seizure activity lingered.
She forced a smile to reassure Emily. “When do you start your next book?”
Emily lifted her gaze from the Bible. “As soon as possible.”
Harper waited on her to elaborate on the book, then remembered she no longer shared about her crime and mystery novels, at least while Harper was trying to recover. Instead, Emily studied her.
“I’m worried about you and this guy who is determined to hurt you,” Emily said. “I know I told you to stay, but I’m not so sure that’s a good idea now.”
Harper sighed. “That’s exactly the reason I can’t go home with you now. I want you to be safe. You already ended up in the hospital. He’s already hurt you once because of me. I won’t let that happen again.” But who would drive Emily?
Harper wrestled with indecision. What was best for her sister? Should Harper stay away or should she go home with Emily?
Her sister rubbed her eyes. “I want you to be safe. I wouldn’t think the guy would follow you to Missouri if you came home with me.”
Heath entered the room and hung back as if unsure if he was interrupting a private conversation.
Her expression shifting, Emily angled her head and tossed him a mischievous grin. “And if he did, maybe Heath McKade can come with you to guard you like he’s doing here.”
Emily was showing a bit of her old self again, which relieved Harper.
She couldn’t help but think Emily should have been a romance writer instead. “I don’t know about Missouri, but as long as I’m here, Heath is a fixture in my life for now.”
Heath said nothing in response to her comment, but he studied her. The intensity in his eyes scared her. What was he thinking?
“I want to do what’s best for you, and right now, I don’t think I should go home, but I’m worried about you—who will drive you around?”
Emily’s laugh was humorless. “I have no shortage of friends, and actually, I need to catch up with them after being gone for months.” She looked at Harper, her expression softening. “I wouldn’t trade the world for the last few months with you. I only wish things had ended differently.” She reached over and squeezed Harper’s hand. “Please take care of yourself. Don’t do anything stupid.”
Her sister’s words weighed on her. Emily was actually going. And Harper was actually staying. “I promise I won’t.”
But neither of them would be safe until this was over.
Emily rose from the sofa. “I’m tired, so I think I’ll go to bed early. I know this probably isn’t the best time to bring it up, but I’d still like to see the old house before I go. How about tomorrow? Then you can take me to the airport.”
Tomorrow? Emily really was ready to head home.
Admittedly, Harper was still shaken from what had happened. Did she even want to leave this safe haven in the mountains despite her brave words—especially to see the old house? Why was Emily insisting on that? Some part of her mystery-writer brain wanted closure? She glanced at Heath, hoping he’d agree to at least a simple drive-by.
“I think that would work,” Harper said.
Heath didn’t answer right away. “We’ll talk about it tomorrow.”
His life was wrapped up in watching over her now. She wished she knew how he truly felt about that. If he hated it and wished he’d been given another assignment altogether. Or if he liked being with Harper.