Wind River Wrangler (Wind River Valley #1)(82)
“It sounds like they put Shiloh’s issue at the bottom rung of a lot of other investigations that were probably considered more high priority,” Roan said.
“Exactly.” Sarah nodded. “What ELSE can you tell me about Leath? Anything you can give me will help us to find him. Even if you don’t think it’s important, tell me anyway.”
Shiloh nodded and closed her eyes, going back to the time when her mother started dating Leath, and slowly moved forward from that time until he stabbed her to death. It took another hour and by the time she was finished, Shiloh felt gutted and emotionally exhausted. It was five P.M.
“This is very helpful,” Sarah congratulated her, giving her a look of sympathy. “All of this is valuable intel, Shiloh. I’m sorry we had to put you through it again.”
“I’d rather do it because you at least believe me.”
Roan pointed to the paper that Shiloh had given him earlier. “That’s the list of people who were on the Wind River the morning that Shiloh had that threat reaction. She didn’t know any of the people, but Leath could have put down a fake name, too.”
Sarah picked it up, rapidly perusing it. “I wouldn’t put anything past him, but I’ll have one of my deputies run these names through our system, see if we get a hit. If we don’t, then I’ll assign someone to call every B and B, motel, and hotel here in our county, as well as in Teton County where Jackson Hole is located, to see if he’s around and under the assumed name. If we get anything, I’ll let you know right away, Shiloh.”
“Good . . . thank you. But knowing Leath like I do, he’s very sneaky and manipulative.”
“All passive-aggressive behavior,” Sarah agreed. She set the paper aside and gave her an understanding look. “Right now, you need to go home and rest.” She glanced over at Roan. “Are you staying at one of the employee’s house? I’d talked to Maud about a week ago and she was telling me Shiloh was there taking a writing sabbatical.”
“Yes, she’s been at the employee house with me since she arrived,” Roan said.
Shiloh compressed her lips. “Sarah? Am I safe there in that house? What should I do? Maybe I should leave the ranch? Keep everyone there safe from Leath? Go somewhere else?”
“Well,” Sarah said, “given your warning reaction you had a couple of days ago, the law officer in me says it’s possible Leath was on Wind River Ranch property looking for you.”
A terrible, icy feeling dove down Shiloh’s spine. “And if he really was?”
“Then none of us know, for sure, whether he saw you or not. Or if he realizes you’re at the employee house. He could have asked someone. We just don’t know. And as for you leaving the Wind River Ranch? No way. You have a passel of folks who are looking out for you. They are extra sets of eyes on this problem. Any one of them could spot this guy after they’ve seen his photo.”
Shiloh glanced over at Roan and then focused on Sarah. “I don’t want anyone hurt because of me.”
“Frankly? If Leath is out here? He’s picked the wrong place to be. The state of Wyoming is traditional old West, Shiloh. We carry guns out here and we aren’t afraid to use them to defend ourselves if we’re attacked. Steve will know what to do to keep you and everyone who works on his ranch safe.”
Shiloh squirmed inwardly, not convinced. She felt a horrible guilt threading through her, knowing Leath wouldn’t think twice about killing anyone who got in his way. “So? I’m not safe there at the employee house? Right?” She glanced over at Roan, looking at the hard set of his face, his gray eyes alive with a hunter-like look. Right now, she felt him in his warrior mode. It was nothing obvious. He hadn’t tensed up. His hands were relaxed on the arms of the chair. But she felt it around him.
“Is there anywhere else you can go on the property? Someplace you can’t be so easily spotted?”
“Yes,” Roan said. “She can stay at my cabin. I’m just about finished with the construction. It’s located half a mile north of Pine Grove. There’s a dirt road to it, but it’s out in the open for a half a mile in every direction so we can see someone coming. There’s no way to sneak up on my cabin.”
Sarah looked at Shiloh. “Would you be willing to move into his cabin until we can get a handle on Leath? I know the area and it’s a great hideout.”
“Yes, I can do that. But does it mean I have to stay hidden? That I couldn’t drive into town here and pick up my groceries?”
“For now,” Sarah said, lowering her voice with apology, “it would be best if you went to ground. That you remained out of the public’s sight.”
“That’s what I thought,” Shiloh whispered, agreeing with Sarah. She gave Roan a distressed look. “I guess you’re stuck with me.”
Roan grinned a little. “There’s worse things, Shiloh. We’ll manage. All right?” he asked, and he touched her cheek momentarily, as if to calm her concerns, whatever they might be.
The touch of his fingers across her cheek sent a badly needed signal to Shiloh. She hadn’t told Roan she would move in with him. He’d asked. She hadn’t answered. Now it looked like she had no choice. Roan had to be feeling confused about where they stood with each other. And as soon she could, despite feeling exhausted, Shiloh silently promised him that she’d clear it up with him.