Cole drove the rest of the way in silence, leaving Jo to her thoughts. He called the sheriff to let him know they were on their way and would arrive in half an hour. Sheriff Thatcher said he would be there.
So much mystery and intrigue surrounded Jo’s life.
Cole thought back to the moment last winter when he thought he was going to die. Bleeding from a gunshot wound to the shoulder, Cole hung precariously on a rocky outcropping as the king tide waves crashed against his perch during the strongest storm in decades.
At that moment, Cole had prayed. He’d asked for forgiveness. He prepared to meet his maker.
He tried to survive and push through until he was on the sand. But he was cold and completely drained. Even special forces soldiers died on mission. He couldn’t think he was so special he could face death and win.
He was ready to die.
Then he’d seen her jogging toward him. Dodging breakers and skirting rocks, climbing over outcroppings. He knew then ... he knew, she was coming forhim.
He’d seen her from a distance when he’d been surveying the place. And he’d thought her striking. Tall with long dark hair and golden-brown eyes, but he’d been on a mission and couldn’t let himself be distracted.
But now ... he would give anything to let her distract him.
That day on the beach, she’d saved him. She’d assisted him to his feet and said, “Come on. We’re getting you out of here.”
And he might have been out of his mind, but at that moment, he’d thought he was in love with a complete stranger.
Then Cole had gone and blown it.
14
When Cole said nothing more, Jo closed her eyes and listened to the windshield wipers. She dreaded talking to the sheriff. Why had she so easily trusted Pop? He was her father, for one thing. She’d wanted to learn who her biological father was and wanted toknowhim. He’d been warm and caring and had acted like a father should to his adult child. She’d been eager and ready to forge a relationship. He’d been someone who offered stability in the aftermath of her mother’s murder. She’d taken his offer.
Now she was left in a pit of grief and anger. She tried to hide her tears, but Cole might have heard the sniffles. She absolutely had to get her act together, but sometimes tears were warranted. They’d be at the county offices soon, and she needed to talk some things through with Cole before facing the sheriff.
“Something I just don’t get,” she said.
“What’s that?” Cole’s voice was gentle and caring.
“He left because he was afraid that he had brought danger to me. And apparently he did. Then he warned us aboutthe bomb. I mean, why not stay to protect me? Why run away when I’m in danger?”
“I can’t know, of course, but I suspect that he wants the danger to follow him, and in that way, he’ll protect you.”
“But can’t he see that strategy didn’t work? He was gone and yet there was a bomb at my house.”
“That’s a good point, for which I have no answers. But I’m here, Jo. I’m working with you to make sure you stay safe.”
“I know,” she said. “But it doesn’t make me feel better about how Pop left me to face the danger alone.”
“I understand. Part of me wonders if he knew that I was coming. Okay, yeah, that sounded out there.”
She gave an incredulous snort. “He didn’t like you, Cole.”
“What?”
“Sure, he liked you to begin with. But—”
“But I didn’t come back. I hurt you, Jo. I’m so sorry. I had reasons, and I want to talk about this and tell you everything.” He parked at the county offices. “I’m not sure if now is the time.”
“Yeah, it’s not great timing.”
Inside, the county offices were quiet and nearly desolate since it was almost midnight.
Sheriff Thatcher led Cole and Jo to his office instead of an interrogation room. Jo sank into a chair, and the sheriff offered them coffee, water, or soda. Jo took a Coke.
