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The road.
If her pursuers had spotted her, they would likely scour the turnoffs. Her abandoned car would be a beacon in the desolate wintry landscape.
Worse, they’d see the car and know she was on foot.
She pivoted, snow crunching under her feet. In normal circumstances, she loved the noise. But right now, it only reminded her of how vulnerable she was, of how easily they could find her if she wasn’t cautious.
Behind her, the forest was a wall of intimidating blackness. This was Alaska. She could go in there and never come out again.
She glanced over her shoulder. The road, though offering a semblance of civilization, seemed equally ominous.
Grace adjusted her backpack on her shoulders, reasoning with herself. She could head into the forest. Enough to stay out of sight, but not so far I get lost…and I’m never seen again. She shook her head as if doing so would shake off the doubt and fear like water droplets, and pushed between two conifers. Whip thin branches caught her clothes and dislodged snow hit the back of her collar and melted against her nape.
Grace straightened her spine. Take your omen and stuff it, universe.Resolute, she marched into the forest with a confident stride she didn’t feel.
4
The music shifted gears; the beat pulsating through the dimly lit bar as Caleb emptied his glass. Bishop, seated across the table, eyed the water in Caleb’s glass while swigging his beer.
“I’m on call.” Caleb set the glass down.
“You’re always on call.” Bishop wiped his upper lip with the back of his hand.
Caleb shrugged. Volunteering for extra shifts was his way of avoiding the echoes of the past. It was far from perfect, but it was the best he had. “We should get Henley down before he embarrasses himself.” He gestured toward the dance floor where his teammate was showcasing his questionable dance moves.
Bishop grinned. “I’m not going to spoil his fun—hey. Trouble on the dance floor.”
Caleb turned. A determined blonde cut through the dancers. Sarah. Henley tried to intercept her with a dubious hip thrust fueled by one too many shots, but she dodged him, her gaze set on Caleb.
She stopped at their table, slender fingers resting on the worn wood. Even off-duty, Sarah exuded authority—intelligent eyes that missed nothing, her jeans emphasizing legs toned from years of horse riding.
Bishop straightened, smoothing his crumpled shirt. “Sarah. Hi.”
Caleb suppressed a smile. His big sister had that effect on most men, even though there could be no doubt the only relationship she was interested in was her career.
Sarah shot Bishop a smile, then turned her attention on Caleb. “Hey. I heard it was bouncy out on the water today.”
Bishop flashed his teeth. “All in a day’s work.”
Caleb lifted a shoulder. “You off duty?”
She nodded, but her forehead wrinkled, as if being off duty was a foreign concept. “I was looking for Ryder. I promised Ellie I’d take her to see Captain.”
“Isn’t she a little young for horse riding?”
Sarah winged an eyebrow at him. “Smart ass.”
He cranked an eyebrow. “Ryder has a hot date tonight.”
“Seriously?” Sarah surveyed the crowd as if expecting to see their brother there.
“With Ellie. His babysitter canceled.” Caleb drained the last of his drink. “Mentioned something about a spaghetti restaurant.”
Sarah grinned. “Of course. Not that she has her dad wrapped around her little finger.”
“The force is strong in that one,” Caleb agreed.
“What the heck?” Sarah’s eyes widened in disbelief as a roar from the dance floor drew her attention. “My God. What is he doing?”
