“No, why?” He turned.
She marched over there, her legs wobbly and threatening to collapse under her.
Pinned to the door was a large red target with a picture in the bullseye of her wearing the same clothing she’d worn on her first day in town. It was taken outside the lodge. Starting at the outer circle, bullets had pierced each ring leading in to her photo.
A message said,Leave town or my next bullet is for you.
She gasped and grabbed Ryan’s shoulder for support.
Not a single shot had missed the target. It was now clear. Whoever was trying to scare her had the ability to end her life in a split second if he chose.
15
On the lodge’s front porch, Ryan glanced across the yard at Russ. He was talking to his deputies who were clearing the area, ensuring Mia’s safety from any gunfire. At least while they were on site.
She’d seemed to take the latest warning in stride and sat in a rocker cradling Bandit in her arms. She stroked his fur and cooed softly to calm him down, but Ryan could see her hands tremble.
He wanted to get in her face, tell her to forget about the dog, and talk about the danger surrounding her. He wanted to, but he didn’t have the heart to hurt her more. He would just have to double his efforts to protect her, even if it meant not letting her out of his sight.
Russ finished giving instructions to his deputies and headed their way, his steps firm and purposeful. Ryan planted his feet in preparation for any news Russ might have. Ryan didn’t much want Russ bugging Mia, but maybe he would break through her thick shell.
Russ climbed to the top step, planted a boot on the porch, and eyed Mia. “The little fella doing okay?”
Mia’s shoulders drooped. “He’s still shaking.”
“Hope it’s not something that sticks with him.”
Ryan cared about Bandit as much as his brother seemed to, but at the moment, he wanted details of the investigation more. “Any leads?”
Russ frowned. “All we know at this point is that the slugs recovered from the door are .30-06.”
“Could the shooter have used one of the stolen guns?” Mia asked.
“Could have.” Russ locked his gaze onto her face. “One of the stolen weapons is chambered for that caliber, but we won’t know for sure until we locate the rifle used. Odds aren’t in our favor in that. Hunting rifles are chambered in any one of hundreds of different calibers, but the .30-06 is very common for a hunting rifle. Don’t have to tell you how many hunters we have around here.”
“So, what happens next?” Ryan asked.
“Sierra Rice is due here any minute. We’ll have her set this scene as top priority. Maybe we’ll finally catch a break.” Russ peered at Mia. “Have you thought of anything else I need to know since we last spoke?”
Mia stroked Bandit’s back and shook her head.
Ryan took a step closer to his brother. “Did you talk to her father and David?”
“I did.” Russ crossed his arms. “But I have to say I don’t like either of them for this.”
Mia’s hand stilled on Bandit as she watched Russ. “And what are you basing that on?”
“Gut instinct.” Russ released his arms and lifted his chin. “Experience has made me an excellent judge of people, and they both seemed sincerely glad you’ve come home.”
“But your gut says I’m guilty?” Mia asked.
“I don’t have a choice but to consider you.” Russ ran a hand around the neck of his shirt. “If it helps, I’m sorry about it. Not for thinking you might be behind this. Not when facts tell me to look in your direction. As the sheriff, I have to do that.”
He made strong eye contact with her. “But I will admit I haven’t been impartial. That I might be letting our past dictate the way I’ve been talking to you. Maybe believing the worst of you. And for that I am sorry.”
Shocked, Ryan eyed his brother. “And now?”
“Now, I’ll do my best to be impartial.” He looked at Mia. “But I have to say, it’s hard to do when you failed to tell me about the emergency clause Wally included in the will.”
