Page 44 of Cold Light of Day

“Drop your gun now!” The chief’s loud shout held no fear, only a lethal command.

Grier rolled as a gunshot blasted in his ears.

NINETEEN

Flashlight guiding her, Autumn rushed forward and aimed her weapon at the fallen man. She was surprised she’d hit him. In the dark, it had been risky, but she was able to make out the two silhouettes and knew Grier was about to die if she didn’t take action.

She stood over the man—was he still alive and dangerous? Her eyes darted to Grier, who remained on the ground, unmoving. Panic swelled in her chest, suffocating her.

“Grier! Grier! Are you okay?” She gasped out the question.

Had he been shot? Had she been too late? The tightening in her chest eased when he stirred. Grier scrambled to his feet and leaned against a tree for support. Now she could breathe.

“Are you hurt?” she asked but kept her focus on the man still on the ground.

Grier didn’t answer, so she radioed for help again, then knelt to confirm the man she’d shot had no pulse. She stood and turned her attention to Grier but kept her weapon ready in case someone else was lurking in the woods, waiting for the right moment to gun them down.

If only she could slow her pounding heart. Shining her flashlight, she looked Grier up and down.

“Please answer me. Are you shot? Are you hurt?”

He shook his head, then pushed off the tree. “That was a close call. I’m good.”

He didn’t sound all that good, but what did she expect? He’d almost been shot point-blank.

Grier took a couple of steps toward her. “Thank you for saving my life.”

The emotion in his voice gripped her. Yes ... he was shaken. As was she. She searched for the right response, her mind going a little numb. “Of course. It was all in a day’s work.”

That was all she could come up with?

Grier stepped closer, took the flashlight from her, and squeezed her empty hand. She felt the strength in his grip.

“Chief, have you ever killed anyone before?” he asked with compassion.

Was it that obvious? She shook her head, not wanting to risk that her voice might give away how disturbed she was. She needed to project strength and control over her emotions—and the situation. Being chief didn’t mean killing someone would have no effect on her.

Then, finally, she asked, “Is he the same guy who shot Dad? Who fled to the cave?” She hoped Grier had gotten a good look at him since he’d engaged him.

“Looks like it, yes. He obviously found a way out and came back around to ambush us.”

“Right,” she said. “We can’t know if he was the only one out there, though.”

Grier found his pistol and picked it up. He held it, preparing to face off with another assailant.

Footfalls pounded the ground, coupled with shouts—a welcome sound when she recognized Craig’s voice. “Over here! And watch your back.”

She joined Grier in eyeing the woods as two sets of light beams bounced.

“Who’s with Craig?” he asked.

“I’m guessing Angie.” Who else would it be since Ross was still recovering?

Grier blew out a shaky breath. Yeah. He was working to compose himself too.

“What happens next in Alaska?” he asked.

“What do you mean?”