Page 26 of Knox

“I want to open an office out there.” I told them about my company, and Archer grinned. “You’d do well. Up in the mountains. It’s gorgeous. People are good too. It’s a great place to live.”

“But you aren’t set on going back?” I asked.

Archer ran a hand through his hair. “It’s not the town’s fault. After all these years of adrenaline and danger, I don’t know if I can do blueprints and permits for a forty-hour week.”

“I don’t even have a boring option,” Colton said. “I’ve got no job prospects, no particular skills outside of reconnaissance and tactical operations.” He laughed, but there was an edge to it. “Not exactly qualifications that translate to the civilian job market.”

“This is an awful situation, but the timing works. We could all use someplace good to put our attention for a while,” Knox said.

“Plus there’s the whole protecting Sloane thing now,” Archer added.

Knox slid his gaze to mine. “That too.”

“So what’s the plan?” Archer asked. His dark gaze returned to me. “How are we keeping you safe while investigating a potential serial predator?”

I looked at Knox, who nodded for me to explain.

“Knox will be staying at my house as a personal protection detail, keeping eyes on me until the man who attacked me is caught. In the meantime, we’re going to follow any leads we can. Interview families of the missing women. Try to find connections the police might have missed.”

“Smart,” Archer said. “Law enforcement’s often spread thin in small towns. Plus, civilians can go places, ask questions cops can’t.”

Knox nodded. “Maggie mentioned that the sheriff’s department was looking to hire. They’re especially overrun during tourist season.”

Thankfully it was off-season, and Sheriff Sullivan would have a little more time and resources available before the summer crowd returned next year.

“We think all three women visited Island Adventures before they disappeared,” Archer said. “Could be a big reason why Claire was so invested in helping locate them. This was personal to her.”

Knox nodded. “I saw that too, and I agree.”

I set my mug aside, suddenly ill. I couldn’t imagine how she must’ve felt, knowing the hikers went to her, then never came back. “She never said a word to me,” I breathed. “Do you think whoever’s doing this could have been watching the shop? Following the women after they got recommendations.”

No one answered.

“What about the attack on you?” Archer asked. “Does it fit the pattern?”

“I’m a solo hiker. I use the trails regularly. I spent a lot of time at Island Adventures with Claire this year.” I nodded. “And I’m sure, now, that I was followed on that trail the other night.”

Archer kicked back in his chair, big arms bulging as he bent them to lift his mug. He looked to Knox. “What do you want us to do while you’re gone?”

“Explore,” Knox said. “You’re two new faces to the area. This guy won’t be looking for you, or expecting you to ask around about this. Plus, you’re freely mobile. I’ll take Sloane anywhere she wants to go, but it will always be possible that he’s watching us. Sloane’s the one who got away. Twice.”

I looked at each of the men before me, overwhelmed by their level of investment. “Thank you,” I whispered, my voice nearly failing me. “I’m grateful for all of this.”

Colton frowned. “Protecting people is kind of what we do. You need help. We’re here. It’s that simple.”

“Just be careful.” Archer stood and drained his coffee. “This guy’s already proven he’s dangerous. Stay close to Knox.”

“I’ll keep her safe,” Knox said, and the certainty in his voice sent warmth flooding through my chest again.

I hadn’t known him long, but I had every belief that Knox meant exactly what he said.

Chapter 10

Sloane

I stood at the wall of windows in the solarium, watching the long driveway for any sign of Knox’s arrival. Beyond the manicured lawn, the sound stretched blue-gray and calm, dotted with sailboats that looked like toys from this distance.

Inside, the house was too big. Too quiet. Too much.