Mountain Hostage. Hope White

      Now she was the one to look confused.

      Someone knocked on the front door. Romeo charged across the room, and Jack ordered him back to his side.

      “It’s Detective Perry,” a voice called.

      Good timing. Jack was growing more uncomfortable by the minute. Sharing intimate details about his life, his future plans, was not something that came easily to him.

      Zoe stood and went to let the detective in, giving Jack the breathing space he needed to process their conversation. Regardless of feeling exposed to her in a way he hadn’t felt in years, Jack had an intense need to protect her, a woman who touched things in his psyche he’d thought lost or damaged or...nonexistent.

      Detective Perry entered with another officer Jack recognized as Sergeant Peterson. Jack was relieved to see the sergeant, considering Perry’s obvious dislike of Jack.

      “Jack,” Sergeant Peterson greeted.

      “You again,” Detective Perry said to Jack.

      “I was returning something to Zoe.”

      “Something that could be used as evidence in this case?” Perry pressed.

      “He brought me my dove necklace.” Zoe held it out between her forefinger and thumb. “It represents the Holy Spirit and Jack knew how important it was to me.”

      “Your timing was convenient.” Detective Perry looked at Jack.

      “Yes, wasn’t it?” Zoe said. “I don’t know what would have happened if Jack wasn’t here. And Romeo.” She reached out and stroked the dog’s head. She motioned the two officers to the kitchen table, and they sat down. Jack remained standing. “Jack and Romeo saved me, again.” She shot Jack an appreciative smile.

      He looked away. This was dangerous, something beyond his understanding. Jack didn’t like things he couldn’t make sense of or control.

      Detective Perry took their statements, including a description of the intruder.

      “Midforties, about my height wearing a leather jacket,” Jack said.

      “He spoke with a raspy voice and had a birthmark on his neck below his jawline.” Zoe pointed to her own neck.

      “Good thing you had pepper spray,” Perry said.

      “Too bad I didn’t have it with me earlier on the hike.”

      As they discussed the attack, Jack texted the SAR command chief and asked him to contact certain team members to put Jack’s plan into motion. The people he had in mind were perfect for his goal of protecting Zoe.

      “So, he was looking for Shannon.” Detective Perry’s comment was a statement, not a question.

      “It’s possible, yes,” Zoe answered. “Which means she escaped her kidnapper. That’s a good thing, right?”

      “It could be,” Perry said.

      “But?”

      “There are too many unanswered questions.”

      “At the very least, the kidnapping and tonight’s break-in are related, right?”

      “We’d be speculating,” Perry said.

      “Then speculate,” Zoe pushed.

      Jack had considered her fragile a few minutes ago, but not right now. Right now she was challenging authorities.

      Jack’s phone vibrated with a text message. Good, his plan was coming together.

      “It would expedite the investigation if we had more detailed information about Miss Banks,” Sergeant Peterson said.

      Detective Perry shot him a look, then redirected his attention to Zoe.

      She continued to pet Romeo, who seemed to be offering comfort. Good dog.

      “How about problems at work or more specifics about her boyfriend?” Perry said.

      “She hadn’t heard from him since he went to visit family in Colorado. She didn’t talk much about work.”

      The officers shared another look.

      “What?” Zoe said.

      “We suspect she was involved in criminal activity, which is the motivation behind her kidnapping,” Detective Perry said.

      “No, that can’t be right,” Zoe said, glancing at Jack.

      He looked away, uncomfortable at seeing the pained expression on her face.

      “What...what kind of criminal activity?” she asked.

      “Drugs,” Jack guessed.

      “Why would you say that?” Perry countered.

      “It’s logical.”

      “Is it? I don’t think so. I think you know something and you’re holding back.”

      “Detective,” Sergeant Peterson intervened. “Jack’s been with Search and Rescue for four years. He’s solid.”

      “Everyone’s solid until they’re not. How’s it logical, Einstein?” Perry said.

      “Stop!” Zoe put out her hand like she was breaking up a fight between middle school kids. “Why do you think Shannon was involved in drugs?”

      “We can’t discuss an open investigation,” Perry said.

      “Fine, then we’re done.” Zoe stood and planted her hands on her hips.

      The men hesitated before standing. “Sergeant Peterson is going to move you to a different location,” Perry said.

      “No, thank you.”

      “Ma’am, not only is it not safe for you here, but we need to send a forensic team to dust for prints.”

      “Pointless,” Jack said. “He wore gloves.”

      Detective Perry glared at him.

      “You may leave now,” Zoe said, polite yet firm. “I’m capable of taking care of myself.”

      “Considering what happened tonight, I would have to disagree,” Perry said.

      “Well, Detective, the assailant is not here, and wherever he is, he’s in a world of hurt from my pepper spray. I am unharmed and have more spray in my possession.”

      “Ma’am, I must insist—”

      “Thank you for coming tonight.” She crossed the room and opened the door.

      The detective hesitated as he passed her. “I can’t protect you if you make unwise choices.”

      “I understand. Good night.”

      Detective Perry left.

      Sergeant Peterson paused by the door and handed her a business card. “My cell number. Call anytime. I can see about having an off-duty deputy watch the house, but I can’t make any promises.”

      “I’ve got tonight covered,” Jack said.

      The sergeant and Zoe both looked at him.

      “A few SAR members will spend the night until we’re called out again tomorrow morning.”

      “Wait, when did this happen?” Zoe asked.

      “You shouldn’t put civilians at risk,” Sergeant Peterson said.

      “Sally Frick and George Connelly are part of the group. They’ve been informed of the situation. Should be here shortly.”

      “Ah,” Peterson said.

      “Ah?” Zoe questioned.

      “Frick and Connelly are former military,” Peterson explained. “No one’s getting in