Shielded In The Shadows

She knew who it was, too, without even seeing his face.

Bill Heber must have found out she’d talked to Suzie the night before.

Emma kept herself steady on the road. Putting herself in his mind. Thinking like him. It was the only way to beat him.

And to keep her own panic from getting her killed.

She was the one person he hadn’t been able to deceive or to thre

aten into submission. If he hadn’t pled to the breaking and entering, thinking his explanation that he’d only been retrieving his own things would have gotten him off with no jail time, he’d probably have won that one, too.

He’d have to make her car going over the edge look like an accident. The best way to do that was to catch her on a curve. And she knew which one. About a quarter mile ahead. The thoughts came clearly...blocking everything else. She had only herself to rely on. Both hands on the wheel, she couldn’t pick up her phone, but pushed the button on her steering wheel and said, “Call 9-1-1.” The trembling in her voice shocked her, but she couldn’t dwell on it. Couldn’t allow the distraction.

Heard the ringing. And slowed her car. She had to get a description of the truck. It was a two-door. She couldn’t tell what color. Not white or light. The truck slowed, too, clearly out to get her, though the driver never glanced her way. Didn’t give her a chance to ID him. And with him staying right beside her, she couldn’t get a make, model or license plate.

“Hello, what’s your emergency?”

Damn it! Find an identifying something!

“I’m Prosecutor Emma Martin. I’m being run off—”

The truck lurched toward her. Before the curve. She saw it coming. Knew—

A flash of excruciating pain. And then...

Nothing.

Chapter 19

Jayden got the call as soon the ambulance left the scene. Chantel was there and wanted his location app information on Bill Heber. Officers were already on their way to Bill’s house, to bring him in for questioning, but Chantel didn’t expect them to find him there. Jayden, having already stepped into his waiting jeans and thrown on his shirt while they spoke, slipped into shoes and was grabbing his keys. He had to get to the hospital. Had to get to Emma. He couldn’t lose her like this. Yeah, she was going to move on from his life, but she’d still be around. They’d run into each other now and then. He could always pick up a phone and call her. He couldn’t consider a world without her in it. No more loss.

And not because of him.

Pray, God, he wasn’t responsible for this. He was the one who should be fighting for his life or losing his life, not her.

No one knew if Emma was going to make it. Chantel only said it looked bad.

Her parents, as next of kin, had been called in Florida.

Telling Chantel to hold on, he quickly called up the app. Bill’s phone registered at an address he recognized. “It says he’s at his group session,” he said. “He goes two evenings a week.” He gave Chantel the location as he was getting into his car. And then hung up and called Bill.

The man answered almost immediately. He wouldn’t have if he’d been in session. Was Bill working him? Was he really so off on this one that he’d fallen under a perp’s manipulation? Was Bill’s whole life a scam?

If Emma didn’t pull through...

“Where are you?” Jayden asked, focusing on his area of control.

“Just leaving group.”

“You been there all night?”

“Since seven.”

“You know I can verify that.”

“What’s going on?” The man’s tone sounded more resigned than defensive.

“The police are looking for you in connection with an accident that happened in Santa Raquel tonight. Go with them. Cooperate fully, and if your alibi checks out, you’ll be home in time for bed.” He had done his job.