Page 104 of Snowbound Threat

Charlie didn’t have to hear Boone’s comments to know he wouldn’t want her to go along especially if Noah was somehow involved in the disappearance of Abby and her uncle’s murder.

Ryan ended the call. Before she said a word she stopped him. “I’m going. I’m tired of hiding out waiting for what comes next.”

Pete had lost his life to bring Abby’s family justice. He hadn’t hidden out or waited for someone else to bring him answers. She wouldn’t either. She’d run away before. Gave up things she shouldn’t have to hide from her past.

She was done hiding.

Chapter Twenty

“There’s Boone.” Ryan pulled into the parking space behind the sheriff some distance from Briggs Hardware.

Boone came over and leaned into Ryan’s open window. “I confirmed he’s in there. I did a little background research on Noah. He got into trouble when he was away in college. Hacking into the university’s computer system to change grades of people who paid him money. His father was able to keep him from going to jail, but he was forced to leave college. That’s about the time he came back to Pine Haven.” Boone’s keen gaze shifted from the hardware store to the surrounding streets before locking on Charlie. “The sooner we get you inside the better.”

He stepped back.

Ryan faced her. “I’ll come around and get you.” He searched her pretty face. The thought of losing her to some unknown monster made him want to keep her protected. But he couldn’t hide her from what was coming.

Ryan got out and he and Boone went around to the passenger side while Charlie opened her door and rose.

It didn’t feel like it was enough to have her sandwiched between him and Boone. He kept one hand on her elbow and the other on his handgun.

Boone opened the hardware store’s door. Ryan whisked her inside and out of harm’s way.

A woman around his and Charlie’s age worked behind the counter. “Well, hi there. Can I help you find something?” The woman’s gaze narrowed as she glanced between Boone, Charlie and Ryan.

Boone took the lead. “We’re here to speak with Noah Briggs. Is he here?”

“Noah’s my husband.” She left the counter and moved past a decorated Christmas tree with tiny tools as ornaments. “What’s this about?”

“If we could speak to your husband, ma’am.” Boone wasn’t about to discuss the case with Noah’s wife.

She sniffed, clearly not liking his answer. “I’ll get him for you.” She stepped past them and to what looked like a storeroom beyond the main room.

“You think he’ll speak to us?” Charlie asked in a quiet voice.

Ryan had no idea. “If he doesn’t then he obviously has something to hide.”

Boone moved toward the storeroom and waited with his hand on his weapon.

The glass display windows on either side of the front entrance made Ryan nervous. “Let’s move away from the windows.” He guided Charlie over to where Boone stood. He couldn’t let his guard down for a minute. The previous attacks on their lives had proven as much.

“They’re coming.” Boone gave the heads up.

The woman returned with an older version of Noah in tow.

“Sheriff.” Noah’s nerves were on full display in the way he looked between the three of them as if he’d been caught doingsomething wrong. “My wife tells me you’d like to speak with me?”

Boone took the lead. “We would. Is there someplace where we can talk in private?”

Sweat beaded Noah’s upper lip. “Sure-sure. Right this way.” He waved his hand toward the same way he’d come while shooting his wife an anxious look. “I’ll be right back, Kate.”

Kate didn’t look at all pleased but managed a nod.

The three followed Noah down a hallway while he continued to rub his hands down his jeans. He reached for a door handle and opened it before stepping inside.

Boone followed him in, then Ryan and Charlie.

Ryan closed the door.