Ozark Sweetheart by Helen Gray

Author:Helen Gray
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-08-23T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Trace watched Callie’s face erupt into wide-eyed fear, and then evolve into tight-lipped resolve. She would face whatever she must with courage. Good. But he wanted to spare her.

He aimed his words at Leon. “Nolan Trexlar came to town to find you. When he couldn’t, he came to my office and asked if I could get a message to you. He found a car in the woods while he was out hunting. He said it looked like the driver missed a curve, grazed a tree and rolled down a hill into some brush that nearly hid it. There’s a dead man behind the wheel.”

Leon turned to Dessie and Arlie Blake. “I’ll come back for these two when I’m done.” He sprinted toward his car.

Callie shot out the door and came toward him. “I’m going with you.”

Trace shuddered inwardly at the thought of what she might see. “You don’t need to. You identified the picture, and I saw the man at the school. We can identify him.”

She hesitated, clearly torn. “Thank you.” It came out in a whisper.

He got back in his truck and drove after Leon and Mr. Trexlar.

* * *

The next day, sorrow warred with relief as Callie woke to memories of yesterday’s events. Trace and Leon had confirmed that the dead man was the killer she had seen. It felt incredibly good to no longer have to live in fear. But her younger brother and sister had been brought to jail, and Callie’s parents were heartbroken.

She forced the memories to the back of her mind and crawled into her overalls. Duty called. After breakfast she went to work at the mill.

By the end of the day she could hardly put one foot in front of the other. When she started across the field to the house, she stumbled and almost collapsed. Riley’s arm came across her shoulders to steady her. He looked as tired as she felt.

“You’ve been good help, sis,” he said gruffly. “Go on to the house. I’ll chore with Dad.”

She studied his drawn face. “You need to get off your feet.”

He managed a grin. “I will when we’re done.”

Remorse rolled over her again. “You should never have been hurt. It’s my fault.”

The grin disappeared. “Stop that kind of thinking. You weren’t to blame for seeing a murder while doing your job. Besides,” he added, the grin returning, “I was getting stir-crazy. We don’t have to stay out of sight anymore. I’m glad you’re safe—and back home,” he added in a husky tone. With a quick squeeze to her shoulders, he headed for the barn.

Touched by his unaccustomed show of affection, Callie blinked tightly and struck out for the house. She and Mom had supper on the table by the time Dad and Riley came in. But without Delmer and Clem, the house had an emptiness to it. They each darted looks at the vacant places at the table, but no one mentioned the kids being in jail. Callie knew, though, that Mom had driven the wagon into town that morning and taken them a packet of food.

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