Rocky Mountain Standoff by Laura Scott

Author:Laura Scott
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-10-27T18:38:23+00:00

* * *

“Our SUVs are out front,” Tanner said in a low, terse tone. “How do we get out of here with Sidney and Lilly without being shot?”

“I’m sure the local police are on their way.” Colt’s expression was equally grim. “I could go out first and drive around the back of the building.”

Tanner had been about to make the same offer. But he also wanted to stay beside Sidney and Lilly, as he’d promised. “Okay, you’ll need to grab my vehicle, though. It has Lilly’s car seat in the back.”

“I can do that.”

Tanner tossed him the key fob. “Be careful. We don’t know for sure where the shooter is located.”

“Or how he knew we’d be here,” Colt added.

Tanner had already considered that. Sidney had made the comment about Hannah’s Boutique outside the courtroom, while they’d waited for Colt to clear it. But he’d noticed the clerk knew her by name, and figured many of the staff within the courthouse would know she went there, too.

Another leak from inside the courthouse? He wouldn’t have thought so, but he didn’t have an alternative explanation, either.

Colt crab-walked to the door, then reached up to open it. Tanner found himself holding his breath. Thankfully, there was no additional gunfire.

Seconds later, Colt was in the SUV and driving away. Tanner let out a silent sigh.

Either the shooter hadn’t wanted to kill Colt, or the guy had already taken off. Considering the shrill sound of police sirens growing louder by the second, Tanner hoped and prayed for the latter.

“You okay back there?” He peered around the corner of the counter to where the women were huddled together.

The clerk was sobbing, but Sidney gave a curt nod. “We’re fine, thanks.”

He smiled reassuringly. “We’ll be out of here soon.”

“Okay.”

“Wait.” The clerk abruptly looked up in horror. “You’re not leaving me here alone, are you?”

“No, ma’am,” Tanner said. “The police are on their way.”

“But...” She sniffled loudly. “What am I going to do? It’s already freezing cold in here.”

“Ramona, call your boss. Let her know what happened,” Sidney said gently to the woman. “You’ll be okay. I’m sure they’ll replace the window very soon.”

“I don’t feel safe here,” Ramona wailed. “Maybe I should go home.”

“Do you live alone?” Tanner asked. The woman was not thinking very clearly.

“No, I meant home home. Where my parents live in Jasper.”

“Talk to your boss,” Sidney repeated. “I doubt the store will remain open after this. They’ll close down for a few days until the window can be repaired.”

The honk of a horn could be heard from the rear of the boutique. “That’s our ride.” Tanner touched Sidney’s arm. “Are you ready?”

“Don’t leave me,” Ramona begged.

“The police are out front.” Tanner knew he should stick around, but his first priority was to get Sidney and Lilly safe. He pulled out a business card and gave it to the clerk. “Give this to the detective in charge, and have him call my boss’s number listed on here, okay?”

“US Marshal?” Ramona’s eyes rounded as she looked at him.

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