Page 42 of Capturing You

“Unless boxes suddenly grew arms,” he said, “that seems highly unlikely.”

“Maybe there’s a fugitive taking refuge without your permission. Seems you’d want to know.”

“Has there been a prison break? I hadn’t heard.”

Taggart smiled, though the expression held no amusement. “Stay put for your own safety, sir. I’ll have a look.”

“So there’s no misunderstanding, I amnotgiving you permission to search my vehicle.”

His smile was smug. “I’ll take that as permission.” Pocketing Forbes’s license and paperwork, Taggart moved to the bed of the pickup. He didn’t say anything, just reached over and yanked the blue tarp.

It was held down by a few heavy stacks of hardwood, though, so the action didn’t have nearly the flourish the cop was going for.

He scowled, and Forbes managed to contain a snicker.

Taggart climbed over the tailgate, jostling the whole truck, to check under the tarp.

Forbes lifted his phone from its holder to make sure the video caught the cop’s actions through the rear window.

Obviously, Taggart found no lurkers, brunette or otherwise.

He hopped off the back and returned to Forbes’s window, frowning at the phone Forbes now angled toward him. “Put that down.”

“I have the right to take video in my own vehicle, officer L. Taggart of the Shadow Cove PD. In case you’re wondering, it’s been running this whole time.”

Taggart’s stare flicked from the phone to Forbes’s face, and Forbes guessed he was trying to decide if he should smash the thing under his foot.

Tightening his grip, Forbes added, “It’s saving to the cloud.”

The man’s scowl turned murderous.

“I’ll take my license and paperwork.”

Forbes could feel the man’s rage as he handed the items back.

“I assume you tucked the tarp back around the boxes?”

“You assume too much.” He swiveled and started back to his car.

“Officer Taggart?” Forbes made his voice just loud enough.

The man didn’t turn around, but he looked over his shoulder. “What?”

“I don’t know where your friend is. I’m sorry she’s missing, but if you’re worried about her, you’re wasting your time with me.”

“We’ll see about that.”

“You’re getting a pass this time. If it happens again, I’ll have no choice but to report you to your superiors.” He let that simmer, then added, “I won’t be bullied.”

The man stalked back to his police car and drove away.

Forbes ended the video, ensured it had indeed uploaded, and then sent a link to his assistant with a brief note. Too brief, and no doubt Tim would want more details, but he didn’t have time for that now.

He shoved the edges of the plastic sheet beneath the heavy boxes, then resumed his trip to town.

The cop wouldn’t be so bold again. Forbes couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.

As he headed toward Portland, he left the brief victory over Taggart behind. The cop might be put off, but those men who’d chased Brooklynn obviously wouldn’t worry about Forbes’s cell phone camera.