I headed out the back of the barn towards the paddock where Sky grazed with a few of her pals. I pursed my lips to whistle, but no sound came out. A hand clamped over my mouth.
Shock slowed the world around me. I took in everything between heartbeats. Quick snapshots. The cloth over my face. The sickly-sweet taste in my mouth. The hulking form behind me.
“Hurry up! Before they realize she’s gone.”
That voice sent panic through me, but I was already fading, losing my grip on everything. All I could think as the sky blurred was that the voice sounded familiar…
40
RAMSEY
I steeredmy truck towards the sheriff’s station. It wasn’t lost on me, the irony of this, that I was seeking out law enforcement headquarters without being forced into it. But Shiloh had changed everything for me. When she brought the light into my world, she’d illuminated everything around me. I no longer saw things in only black and white but all the shades of gray. And, more than that, she made things technicolor.
Pulling into an empty spot in the parking lot, I shut off my engine. I sat there for a moment, staring up at the building. I’d probably lost my mind given what I was about to do, but it felt right. The idea had been circling around in my head, but certainty had settled over me after my conversation with Aidan today. I just had to hope that Shiloh would be on board.
I pushed open my door and climbed out of my truck. The sun shone as I climbed up the stairs. It was the first truly warm day of the season. I was taking that as the Universe agreeing with my path.
Opening the door, a buzzer sounded as I stepped inside. An officer I didn’t recognize looked up from the counter. “Afternoon, sir. Can I help you?”
“I’m here to see Hayes.”
“Who can I tell him is here?”
“Ramsey Bishop.”
The officer picked up his phone. As he spoke in hushed tones, I looked around the space. I didn’t feel the pull of anxiety like I had the last time I was here.
The officer hung up and nodded at me. “You can go on back.”
“Thanks.” I headed through the door that I knew led to Hayes’ office. A few officers nodded at me as I made my way through the sea of desks. Deputy Young sent me a wave, and I returned it with a chin lift. Hell, if I weren’t careful, I’d end up with friends here.
I stopped outside Hayes’ office and knocked.
“Come in.”
I stepped inside and closed the door behind me.
“Where’s Shy?”
“At the ranch with your mom and sister. They were having brunch and going for a trail ride.”
The tension in Hayes’ shoulders eased. “They haven’t been riding together in forever.”
I lowered myself into the chair opposite his desk as I studied Hayes’ face. “It’s a good thing they’re going then?”
I couched it as a question. I didn’t want Shiloh in a situation that might bring up painful memories or start a fight.
Hayes shook his head as if trying to clear away fog. “It’s really good. The three of them used to go all the time. After the kidnapping, it kind of all fell away.”
That phantom tightening in my chest came back, a pain not just for Shiloh but also for the whole Easton family. “You all went through a lot.”
Hayes leaned back in his chair. “It marked us all in different ways. I don’t think any of us handled the aftermath well.”
“It seems like you’re finding your way now.”
“We are. More and more. And it helps to see Shy doing so well.” His gaze locked with mine. “You’re a big part of that. Thank you.”
I fought the urge to squirm. Direct compliments made me twitchy. “She’s the one who’s responsible. Took the steps to find her happiness.”