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J ess leaned forward and tapped her brother’s shoulder to get Chase’s attention. “We need to take Logan someplace safe.”

“Not the ranch,” Logan quickly interjected. “I don’t want to bring danger to the rest of your family.”

Chase’s grim expression revealed his internal debate about their next steps. She didn’t blame him for being concerned about his wife and young son. Putting Eli in harm’s way was not an option. She nodded. “I agree, not the ranch. Maybe a hotel in Cody?”

“I don’t like this,” Chase muttered. “What in the world is going on?”

She didn’t much like it either. Seeing the path of the bullet going through Logan’s backpack was sobering. If the shot had been a few inches in the other direction, it would have torn through Logan’s torso.

Killing him.

“I wish I knew. A hotel works.” Logan scowled. “But I think Jess is in danger too.”

She wanted to discount that possibility but couldn’t. For one thing, she’d been with Logan on the mountain when the idiot had fired at them. And she’d been on the plane, too, when they’d nearly crashed. This most recent attempt may have been aimed at Logan, but she had no doubt the killer had planned to turn his attention on her next.

Why, she wasn’t sure. Was she a target only because she’d been with Logan?

“Fine.” She tried not to sigh. “Teddy and I can stay with you at the hotel for a while. But this shooting only adds credence to our theory of Craig Benton being involved with drugs. Obviously, Benton was able to figure out where you live.”

“What about you, Jess?” Chase met her gaze in the rearview. “Do you think the shooter knows who you are?”

She shrugged and glanced at Logan. “If he’s new to the area, probably not. Teddy was wearing his SAR vest, but this guy may not realize he’s part of the Sullivan K9 crew. Good thing you used the two SUVs without our family logo embossed along the sides.”

“I never should have done that in the first place,” Chase groused. “Considering you had Teddy with you, he may know about the ranch.”

“I picked Benton up from Cheyenne to fly him to his requested destination within the Bighorns.” Logan grimaced. “He gave me the coordinates and looked around with interest as we flew. If I had to guess, he’s been to the location before. Everyone knows the Sullivans, so I think we have to assume he does too.”

Chase sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, okay. I’ll go along with using a hotel in Cody for now and then figure out our next steps.”

A phone rang. Not hers, and when she glanced at Logan, he shook his head. Then she saw Shane’s name on the dashboard media screen. Chase pressed a button on his steering wheel to answer. “Hey, Shane. New plan.”

“Ya think?” Shane’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “What happened back there?”

“Someone took a shot at Logan. Probably the same guy who tried to shoot down his plane,” Chase said. “We’re heading to Cody. If you want to peel off to return to the ranch, that’s fine.”

“Not happening,” Shane said bluntly. “If anyone should peel off, it’s you. You have a wife and son to take care of.”

“I’m aware,” Chase said dryly.

“You’ll have to leave one of these SUVs at the hotel for us,” she said. “In case we need to go on the move.”

Both Chase and Shane were silent for a long moment. “Maybe I should stay with Jess and Logan too,” Shane said.

“Not necessary,” she quickly interjected. “Three people and two dogs will attract too much attention. Logan and I can pretend to be on vacation with our family pet.”

“I agree about three adults and two dogs attracting attention,” Logan said. “It was a bit alarming how everyone stared at us at the restaurant.”

“I think it’s best to let Jessica and Logan stay at the hotel with Teddy.” Chase’s firm tone ended the discussion. “Shane, we’ll stop by to have a chat with the Cody police department before we head to the ranch. I know their department is small, and they have a rookie cop who barely looks old enough to shave, but we’ll convince them to keep an eye on things at the Elk Lodge.”

She arched a brow. “Is that where we’re staying?”

Chase nodded. “Unless you have a better idea. I’ll arrange for a suite.”

“That’s not going to look like a couple on vacation,” she pointed out.

“Get a single king bedroom suite and I’ll sleep on the sofa,” Logan said. “We’ll pretend to be on our honeymoon.”

Hearing Logan say “our honeymoon” sent a shiver of awareness down her spine. A ridiculous response to a guy who’d dated her best friend. Okay, yes, that was eight years ago, but she wasn’t interested in him on a personal level.

Only as a friend, nothing more.

“A honeymoon to the Elk Lodge?” Shane laughed. “That’s a good one.”

She sighed. There were times her family got on her nerves. “For some people, a suite at the Elk Lodge would be a luxury.”

“She’s right.” Chase once again put an end to the discussion.

“Okay, meet you there.” Shane ended the call.

She used her phone to search for a suite at the Elk Lodge. To her surprise, there was a king bedroom suite available. But she didn’t book it, knowing that would require a credit card. One that could possibly be traced. She eyed Chase in the rearview. “Are you thinking we should pay in cash for the room?”

“Yeah, I’ll take care of it.” Her brother frowned. “I can only hope the clerk can keep it quiet.”

She nodded. Logan was right. Everyone in Cody knew the Sullivan family. But so did the people in Greybull. In fact, she couldn’t think of a city nearby where her last name wouldn’t garner recognition.

Teddy rested his head on the center console and slept as they drove. She wouldn’t have minded another nap either, but between the coffee and the gunfire, adrenaline still buzzed through her bloodstream.

“Do you really think the local police can help keep us safe?” Logan eyed Chase. “I seem to recall one of the cops getting arrested a few months ago.”

Jess knew the story, although the family had tried to keep their name out of it. “Yeah, I heard about that too. But I think the other cops are decent, right, Chase?”

“Yes.” Chase answered without hesitation. “And I’m sure they’ll help keep an eye on the Elk Lodge while you and Jess are staying there.”

Logan fell silent, and she could understand his concern. It seemed like eons had passed since they’d felt safe.

And somehow, she didn’t anticipate feeling safe even while hiding out in the hotel suite.

“At least we’ll be warm and dry.” She managed a light smile. “And there’s the added bonus of room service.”

“That’s a step up from camping in the snow for sure,” Logan agreed.

His comment only reminded her of how she’d slept with her head resting on his chest. Averting her gaze, she reminded herself that they were fully dressed and nothing inappropriate had happened.

It was well over an hour later when Chase pulled into the parking lot of the Elk Lodge. It sported a rustic motif, but it was also the nicest hotel in the city. Perfect for their pretend honeymoon.

“I should have insisted on staying at a resort in Jackson for our honeymoon,” she teased as Chase slid out from behind the wheel. “They have some fancy ones there.”

“Very funny.” Her brother scowled. “Stay here. I’ll be back soon.”

Teddy lifted his head to look around, seemingly confused that they weren’t back at the ranch. She grabbed her pack from the floor at her feet and stuffed her phone into the front pocket. “I have a charging cord if you need one.”

“That would be great.” Logan gestured to his overstuffed pack. “My gear is for surviving outdoors. No phone cords needed.”

“Makes sense.” She wondered why things were suddenly so awkward between them. “I hope we can get the local cops to head back out to the mountain soon.”

“All in good time.” He gave a nonchalant shrug.

“Hey, open up.” Shane tapped on her window. She obliged by opening her door. “Do you want my keys?”

“Ah, sure.” She took the key fob for his SUV. “Thanks.”

A minute later, Chase returned with two room keys. She slid out of the SUV. “Come, Teddy.”

“You’re in a suite on the ground floor, room 1008,” Chase explained. “There’s a side exit down the hall, so you can take Teddy outside as needed without having to go through the lobby.”

“That’s great.” She accepted her key. Logan took the second one. “And they’re going to keep our name secret?”

“I put you down as Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Kirkpatrick, here celebrating your honeymoon.” Chase grinned when Logan scowled at his fake name. “The clerk didn’t seem to care who was staying in the room since I slipped him a little extra to keep quiet. Oh, and I paid enough to cover room service and any other amenities for the next two days.”

She rolled her eyes. “Hotel clerks are not supposed to give out the names of their guests. Whether you pay them a little extra or not.”

“Yeah, well, if they slip up, it won’t matter.” Chase’s smile faded. “Stay safe, okay? Shane and I will be in touch after we chat with the local police.”

“Thanks, Chase.” Logan glanced at her, then added, “I’m armed. Hopefully, we won’t be in a position where I need to use my gun.”

“I pray that won’t be necessary too,” Chase agreed.

“Me three.” She shouldered her pack. “Come, Teddy.” She paused, then glanced at her brother. “I assume we can access the side entrance with our keys?”

“Yep. And that’s a good thought to head in that way,” Chase agreed. “There’s extra dog food and other supplies in Shane’s SUV.”

“I know. Thanks.” She headed toward the back of the building with Teddy trotting at her side. Logan stayed back, letting her take the lead.

The suite was nicer than she’d expected. There was a small living area along with a kitchenette. Moving forward, she poked her head through the doorway leading to the bedroom.

“Are you sure about sleeping on the sofa?” She glanced at Logan over her shoulder.

“Yep.” The corner of his mouth tugged up in a grin. “I can always use the sleeping bag if needed.”

“Right.” She stripped off her winter coat, hat, and gloves. Raking her fingers through her long blond hair, she wished she had a toiletry kit so she could take a shower. The suite was much larger than the tent but felt oddly more intimate. She told herself to stop letting her imagination run amok. There was no reason to be worried.

They were safe here.

Yet she had a feeling that being cooped up with Logan for the rest of the day would be more difficult than hiking through the woods while trying to avoid being struck by a bullet.

Logan set his pack up along the side of the room, the gaping bullet hole seeming to mock him. He wasn’t sure that staying here with Jess was the right move.

But he couldn’t come up with a decent alternative either.

First and foremost, he wanted her to be safe. And for now, this seemed the best way to accomplish that task. Even if it meant staying in a hotel room together.

He stood, looking everywhere but at Jess. As he shed his coat, hat, and gloves, he tried to think about how the police would manage to track Craig Benton. Especially if the guy used a fake name.

He had a bad feeling they wouldn’t have much success without help from the Sullivans. Specifically, Jessica and Teddy.

Jess ducked into the bedroom long enough to drop her backpack, then returned to the living room. She seemed ill at ease too. This situation was hardly normal for either of them.

She sighed. “This is going to be a long day. I’m not used to having nothing to do.”

“I hear you on that.” He turned and headed toward the kitchenette. “More coffee?”

“That would be great.” She sat on the sofa and called Teddy to her side. The dog stretched out on the floor near her feet and promptly went to sleep. Shaking her head, she stroked her hand over Teddy’s fur. “Poor Teddy. He is one tuckered pup.”

“He deserves to rest.” After making the coffee, he leaned back against the counter, facing her across the room. “I don’t think you should volunteer Teddy’s services to law enforcement. I understand he’s a good tracker, but it’s safer to let the game warden and the local police track down Benton.”

She snorted and shook her head. “You must realize they won’t find him without our help. Oh, I’m sure they’d give it a good try, but you said yourself that you didn’t see a cabin or dwelling near the location where you dropped Benton off. The landing area is a good starting point, but without Teddy’s nose, I doubt they’ll find anything.”

“I also said I wasn’t really looking for a cabin.” He didn’t like sounding defensive. “It could be there.”

“I’m sure if there had been a cabin, you’d have noticed.” She made an exasperated sound and held his gaze for a long minute. “Come on, Logan. Doesn’t the fact that Ella died of a drug overdose mean anything to you?”

He flinched as if she’d slapped him across the face. “I told you; I had no idea Ella was doing drugs. She certainly never used them around me.”

Was that a flash of regret in her blue eyes? He wasn’t sure. She shrugged and looked away. “I just think that since we both cared about Ella that we’d want to do our part in getting rid of anyone profiting from selling drugs. It feels like the least we can do.”

He stared down at his boots for a moment. “Yeah, of course I care about getting rid of drugs. And those dealing them.” He lifted his gaze to hers. “I’m the one who agreed to fly Benton to the mountain. That means I’m the reason we’re in this mess. Putting yourself and Teddy in danger isn’t going to bring Ella back.”

“I never said it would. But the truth is that Teddy is a great narcotics dog.” She stroked the dog’s fur again. “You know as well as I do that this K9 is our best chance to find Benton and whoever else he’s working with. Especially since I’m pretty sure Teddy has locked on the gunman’s scent. Between him and the drugs, Teddy should lead us straight toward him.”

He knew that was true. He didn’t much like it, but Jess was stubborn enough to do whatever she wanted.

With blatant disregard for the consequences.

He’d hoped Chase might talk her out of it. But from what he could tell, her older brother was more likely to join in the search than to hold his sister back.

The coffeemaker gurgled behind him. He turned and poured two mugs, bringing one to Jessica.

“Thanks.” She cradled the mug in her hands, her gaze turning thoughtful. “I hate to admit it, but I never saw Ella doing drugs either. And I thought we were good friends. I know I blamed you for not realizing what was going on, but that was wrong of me. I should have noticed if she was under the influence.”

He sat on the opposite end of the sofa, reassured by her comment. It was no secret Jess had blamed him for Ella’s overdose. And he’d understood her concern. As Ella’s boyfriend, it would be reasonable to think he’d have known something.

But he’d been just as horrified as everyone else when Ella’s parents found her dead the morning after their breakup. “She must have hidden it well. Everyone was surprised by her death.”

She nodded and sipped the coffee. “Her brother, Ethan, was shocked. I remember asking him about it.”

That made him frown. “Ethan? He was two years older than Ella. I’m surprised you were friends with him.”

“He’s Chase’s age.” She shrugged. “We went out on a few dates. It was nothing serious, though. And it didn’t last.”

There was no reason on earth for him to be jealous of Ethan Dover. Jessica had a right to date anyone she wanted. Or to not date anyone, like him.

He told himself to get a grip and tried to sound casual. “Ethan was already living on his own while I was dating Ella.”

He didn’t like rehashing his painful past or the mistakes he’d made when it came to going out with Ella. The night of their argument played over and over in his mind. He debated telling Jess, then decided against it. She didn’t need more ammunition to use against him. And even if they had argued, that didn’t mean he was responsible for her drug overdose.

Was he?

“You weren’t friends with Ethan?”

He shook his head. “I doubt I said more than five words to him.”

“Yeah, well, that kinda makes sense. Ella and Ethan didn’t always get along. Ethan told me Ella was spoiled, but I was a loyal friend and defended her. But in hindsight, maybe he was right. She seemed to get whatever she wanted. Her parents were rather liberal with giving her money.” She set her mug of coffee aside. “I guess it doesn’t matter. As you said, nothing will bring Ella back. But this is about other kids that live here too. I can’t stand the thought of Benton and others making a profit off people’s weaknesses.”

“I don’t like it either.” He sighed, knowing there was no way he’d win the fight. Jess would take Teddy back to the mountainside to search for Benton or the drugs he must have been carrying, and there was nothing he could do to stop her.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” Jess abruptly stood and disappeared into the bedroom. Teddy woke up, lifted his head, but didn’t get to his feet. She returned with the phone charger, plugging it into an outlet that was built into the bottom of a lamp sitting on the end table beside her. “Hand me your phone.”

He pulled it from his pocket, intending to pass it to her, but then stopped. “It just occurred to me that Benton has my phone number. And that I have his too.”

She stared at him for a long moment. “Maybe you should try calling him.”

He hesitated, then scrolled through his recent calls to find the number. He pressed the button on the screen and shouldn’t have been surprised to hear the mechanical voice informing him the number was no longer in service. He frowned and lowered his phone. “Must have been a burner.”

“Yeah. And if he got rid of the burner, then it’s not likely he kept your number. I guess that’s one problem we don’t have to worry about.” She held out her hand. “Let me charge it up for you.”

He gave it to her and tried not to imagine Craig Benton having the resources to track his phone. If the guy was still in the mountains, he wouldn’t be concerned.

But someone had taken shots at him at his home in Greybull. And there was plenty of cell service in town.

Teddy lumbered to his feet, stretched for a long leisurely moment, then gazed up at Jessica. She nodded as if understanding the K9’s unspoken request. “Do you want to go outside?”

At the word outside , the dog trotted toward the door, then glanced back at her, his dark-brown eyes expectant. Jess laughed and reached for her coat.

“Okay, I hear you, Teddy.”

“Hang on, I’ll come with you.” He grabbed his jacket.

She arched a brow. “Pretty sure I can handle it.”

“Yeah, I know.” He patted his pocket to make sure he still had the room key. “But a wise woman once told me it was better to stick together.”

She chuckled and reached for the door handle. “Gosh, she sounds super smart.”

“More like a smart aleck.” He followed her down the hall toward the door at the end of the hall that led directly outside. Chase was the smart one to ask for a room on the ground floor. It was something he wouldn’t have considered. Then again, he hadn’t had a dog since he was a kid. His mother hadn’t been interested in having a pet, and since she worked long hours, he understood the real reason behind her refusal to consider getting a dog was because she couldn’t handle the additional stress.

Life as a single mother had been hard enough.

Jess stepped outside, the bright sunlight washing over her. He stood back, watching her with the dog. There was a park located across the street from the hotel. She headed that way with Teddy to find an area that would have grass if it wasn’t for the recent snowfall. As it was, the sun was melting the snow leaving patches of grass poking through. That was spring in Wyoming for you. The weather changed on a dime. Either from good to bad, like the unexpected snowstorm late yesterday or from bad to good, like the sunshine today.

“Get busy, Teddy.” She waved a hand. “Get busy!”

He had to smile when the dog sniffed, lifted his leg to pee, then sniffed again and made a complete circle before getting down to the task at hand. “I bet Rocky doesn’t go to the bathroom on command.”

“You’d win that bet.” She shook her head and dug in her coat pocket for a baggie. She crossed over to clean up after her dog. “It’s never dull watching Chase and Rocky battle for the upper hand.”

He scanned their surroundings, reassured that the people of Cody, Wyoming, were busy with their usual routines. He didn’t see anything suspicious, but then again, there were more people milling about than usual. The mild weather tended to bring people out in droves. Soon he’d be inundated with tourist requests.

It would be nice to have his plane repaired before then.

Teddy suddenly lifted his head and pricked his ears forward. Then he growled low in his throat.

“What is it?” Jess glanced around nervously. “What’s wrong, Teddy?”

The dog abruptly darted deeper into the park, barking furiously now. It took Logan a minute to realize Teddy must have scented the gunman.

“Teddy, heel!” Jess’s tone was frantic. And he knew she was worried the gunman would shoot and kill her dog. “Teddy!”

The dog continued to bark but abruptly stopped near some playground equipment.

As he and Jess caught up to Teddy, a crack of gunfire rang out. Not a rifle this time, he noted. A handgun.

“Jess! Down!” He threw himself toward her, hoping to cover her with his body. She had bent over her K9 to protect him too. He mentally braced himself for another round of gunfire and for the impact of a bullet.

How had the gunman found them there?