I laughed. “You might be right there.”
I just hoped it had a happy ending.
Climbing back into my car, I headed for The Brew. There were more cars parked out front than usual, and I cursed. Zeke would not be happy dealing with all the customers alone.
There must be a tour group in town. They came through occasionally, led by outdoor guides who put the groups up at the B&B or Caden’s family’s resort, The Peaks, if the trip was fancier.
I hurried out of my car and toward the front door. The bell rang as I stepped inside.
The moment the door closed behind me, people were on their feet. Flashes went off, and microphones were shoved in my face.
“Tara, do you still claim that John is guilty?”
“Do you regret your testimony?”
“Where is Lucy?”
My breaths came in quick pants as the crowd surrounded me, black spots dancing in my vision.
I’d been found.
27
ROAN
I drummed my fingers against the steering wheel as I sat parked just out of view at the trailhead. We were all spending time at various spots we thought might be likely stomping grounds for the unsub. But my thoughts were a million miles away.
I glanced at my phone for the millionth time. Still nothing from Aspen. It wasn’t like her to say she’d do something and not follow through. She’d had plenty of time to drop Cady off and get to work by now.
Worry gnawed at my gut. I reached for my phone to call her, but the device rang before I could even unlock it. Lawson’s name flashed across the screen, and I hit accept.
“Hey,” I greeted.
“We’ve got a problem.”
That worry in my gut turned to panic. “What?” I growled.
“Those assholes released the podcast. Aspen got to work, and a dozen reporters were waiting for her. Apparently, they sent it to the press yesterday afternoon, hoping to get more coverage.”
I spat out a stream of curses as I started my truck. “Where is she?”
“In my office. She’s okay but shaken up. I sent Grae to get Cady, just in case. She’s going to give her and Charlie a fun skipping school day.”
That grinding sensation was back along my sternum. Grae would take care of Cady, I knew it, but God, I wanted to string those podcasters up by their entrails. “I’m on my way.”
I hung up without another word, needing to focus on the road. On getting to Aspen.
Gravel spit as I took a tight turn and pressed the accelerator. I made the ten-minute drive in five, tires squealing as I pulled into a parking spot in front of the station.
I yanked my keys out of the ignition and charged toward the front door. It slammed against the wall, and the officer behind the desk jumped.
“M-Mr. Hartley.”
I didn’t even glance his way, just strode toward the bullpen. Cops read my murderous expression and moved out of my path as I stormed toward Lawson’s office.
My brother’s door was closed, but I didn’t bother knocking. I swung it open to find Aspen on Lawson’s couch, her arms wrapped around herself, staring at her lap. She looked so damned small. Vulnerable.
Law moved to my side. “Take a breath. You don’t want to freak her out any more than she already is.”
I struggled to keep my breathing under control as I crossed the small room. Aspen didn’t look up when I approached or when I took a seat next to her.
“Tender Heart,” I whispered, slipping a hand under her red hair.
At the touch, she twisted, sliding onto my lap and burying her face in my neck.
I froze. Didn’t move. Didn’t breathe.
Then my arms closed around her, and I held on tightly. As if my arms could protect her from the nightmare waiting outside these walls.
Aspen didn’t cry, didn’t speak, she didn’t make a damned sound. She just held on.
Lawson studied us with curiosity.
“How bad?” I asked.
He winced, and I had my answer. “Story’s been picked up by national news outlets.”
“My face will be everywhere,” Aspen whispered. “We’ll never be safe.”
My arms tightened around her. “You’re safe. We’re gonna keep you that way.”
“You can’t. You never know who’ll turn against you.”
Everything in me churned and twisted. I knew what that felt like. Too much. Looking over your shoulder, not trusting anyone.
I stroked a hand down her back. “The attention will fade. Media will move on.”
“They never move on,” Aspen mumbled.
Her speech was slightly slurred, and I knew the adrenaline crash was kicking in. I glanced at Lawson. “I need to get her home.”