Love Inspired Suspense April 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 by Laura Scott (christmas read aloud TXT) 📗

nodded. “Yes, Officer Kimball told me exactly what she’d witnessed both in Jackson and again out on the dirt road.” Slade shrugged. “It helped that I’d spoken to her after we decided to fake Chelsey’s death. She remembered me and Colt and was smart enough to figure out the rest.”

“If she hadn’t arrived when she did, we’d be dead,” Duncan said. “All I had to defend myself was a couple of bobby pins Chelsey used to unlock the cuffs.”

“I don’t know. I think you’d have found a way,” Slade drawled.

The backhanded compliment drew a reluctant grin. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

Slade glanced at the door. “The cops picked up Kenny Martin as he arrived at the airport hangar, and he’s already talking about cutting a deal. And I think once Stewart regains consciousness, he’ll add his two cents.”

“Good. Sounds like you’ll have everything tied up in a nice bow.”

“That’s the plan.” Slade hesitated, then added, “They’re letting you go for now, but both the federal marshals and the local police will need you to testify against Nettles, Wolfe and Strand.”

“I know.” Duncan cleared his throat. “What about Chelsey?”

Slade considered him for a moment. “Fact is, Chelsey doesn’t really have as much evidence to provide compared to you, Duncan. We have Brett’s photographs, and both you and Colt heard Wolfe, Nettles and Strand talk about killing Brett and attempting to kill Chelsey. She doesn’t have anything additional to offer, other than to corroborate what we already know.”

Duncan straightened in his seat. “What are you saying, Slade? I’m the one that needs to go into WITSEC instead of Chelsey?”

Slade spread his hands wide. “The main reason we offered WITSEC to Brett Thompson was because he was a witness to a murder and we believed the death was related to organized crime. Now it’s looking more like Wolfe is the brains behind everything. He got greedy, the boxes in the airport hanger contain drugs, which is what Kenny Martin had come to pick up, and of course we know Wolfe wanted the land. But other than that, we haven’t found any true organized crime ring. With Wolfe and the others in custody, I’m not sure WITSEC is really necessary for either of you.”

“Not necessary?” Duncan frowned. “I’d rather Chelsey be safe.”

Slade shrugged. “We can certainly provide new identities for you both, if that’s what you’d prefer.”

Once again, Duncan thought about his dad, Ian O’Hare, his sister, Shayla Callahan, his brother-in-law, Mike Callahan, and the other Callahans.

Plus his nephew, Brodie, and niece, Breena.

He would miss his family very much. But there was no way on earth he could live without Chelsey. “I want Chelsey to be safe,” he repeated. “Whatever it takes. And her staying here in Wyoming doesn’t seem reasonable.”

“Okay, we’ll put some things in motion.” Slade stood and crossed over to the door. Then he paused and glanced back over his shoulder. “I did a little research on you, Duncan. Not only are you a cop, your dad is a retired cop, and your sister married into a family full of law enforcement types. If you ask me, there isn’t a safer place for you and Chelsey than with them. After all, Milwaukee is pretty far from Jackson, Wyoming.” Slade opened the door and left.

Leaving Duncan to absorb the impact of his words.

Was Slade right? If there weren’t any true organized crime members to come after them, was it really necessary for him and Chelsey to disappear forever?

Or was this nothing more than wishful thinking on his part?

The door opened again and this time, Chelsey stepped in. He rose to meet her halfway, stunned when she launched herself into his arms.

“Oh, Duncan, that took forever. I couldn’t wait to see you.”

He nestled her close, lowering his cheek to her hair. “I’m okay, Chels. How are you?”

“Fine now,” was her muffled reply. She wound her arms around his waist and hung on as if she’d never let go.

He didn’t mind. If he had his way, he’d never let her go, either.

“I love you, Chelsey.” He’d promised himself if they got away from Goldberg alive, he’d tell her how he felt. “I know you probably don’t feel the same way, and I know you don’t want to mistake friendship for love, but it’s important to me that you know the truth.”

“Duncan.” Her voice was so low he could barely hear it. She hesitated, then lifted her face to his. Tears shimmered in her eyes. “I love you, too, and I realized my feelings for Brett weren’t the real thing because I was attracted to you from the start. I’ve fallen in love with you, but I can’t ask you to give up your family for me.”

“Really?” He searched her gaze, afraid to hope. “Slade told me that I’m the one who is more at risk as far as needing to testify against these guys, Chelsey. So if anything it would be me needing the protection of being in WITSEC, not you.”

Her brow furrowed. “Slade said that?”

The tiny flicker of hope in his heart went out. “Yes, but even so, Chelsey, I don’t think staying in Wyoming is in your best interest. I thought it might be better for you to relocate to Milwaukee, the place where you once lived with your parents. My family will look after you for me.”

“And where will you be, Duncan?”

He longed to kiss her, but forced himself to do what was best for her. “I plan to trust God’s plan for us. And if that means me disappearing, while you stay safe with my family, then I’ll gladly take that. Anything is possible as long as I know you’re safe.”

Her blue eyes softened. “And what if I want to be with you?”

His heart stuttered in his chest. “I’d like nothing more, but I need you to be sure, Chelsey. This is a big step with some level of risk involved.”

There was a series of shouts and cries from outside the interview room. Duncan reacted by spinning Chelsey away