Page 84 of Asher's Assignment
The deputy turned his attention to Stroud. “Anyway, after I detained them, your guy showed up.” He gestured to the officer. “They gave him a quick description, and he went after the man, but he slipped our net. I don’t think we could get enough units into the area quickly enough to prevent him from leaving.”
Stroud clicked his tongue and ran a hand through his hair. “Okay. Do you have anything else to report?”
“No,” the deputy said. “Patrol is still combing the area, and a crime scene unit is processing the place where he shot at them.”
“Bloody bastard is lucky I didn’t catch up.” Audra scowled. “He didn’t miss by much.”
“Which is why you?—”
Audra held up a hand, cutting off the deputy. “I can assure you I’ve seen more action and been in more dangerous pursuits than you’ll ever experience. So, please, don’t patronize me.”
The deputy’s annoyed stare came back, but he stayed silent.
Esther saw Stroud’s mouth twitch in amusement.
“Okay, thank you. You two may go.” Stroud tipped his head toward the door.
With a final glare, the deputy traipsed outside, following the local officer.
When the door closed, Stroud turned to Audra again. “Your friends filled me in on who you are. We’ve agreed to work together to find Leah and Mr. Horn. I need to talk to your colleague.”
“Again, no, you don’t. We can relay anything you want to ask.”
“That may be so, but it’s much more efficient if I do it myself.”
Edie raised a hand, gaze fixed on Audra. “How about we just call her now and put her on speaker? Then you don’t have to give out her information, but he still gets to ask his questions.”
Audra stared at her for a beat, then nodded. “With the understanding that she’s helping in an unofficial capacity. Her name can’t appear in your records.”
Stroud folded his notebook closed and stuffed it in his pocket.
“Good. Give me a moment. I just need to grab my phone.” She left the kitchen, heading into the living room.
Finished making coffee, Esther wandered over to her sister’s side. “You okay?”
“I’m fine.” A small frown formed between Edie’s eyebrows. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Oh, I don’t know… middle of the night run, adrenaline, baby…”
“I’m fine. Tired, but fine. And don’t you dare tell Jordan the guy shot at us. He’s already not happy that we all flew up here on our own.”
Esther held up her hands. “No worries there. That’s a conversation you can have by yourself.”
Footfalls on the hardwood heralded Audra’s reappearance. She walked into the room with her cell in her hand and looked at Stroud. “Remember, you never spoke to her.”
He mimed zipping his lips.
She tapped the screen and a ringing filled the room.
“Aud, I told you I’d call if I had something. I’m at work.” Jo’s whispered voice came over the line.
“There have been some developments. You’re on speaker with all of us, plus a local detective.”
“What? What happened? Wait. Hang on. I need to find somewhere private.”
Rustling sounded, then the murmur of voices. Eventually, things quieted and Jo spoke again.
“Okay. I’m away from Dumbo ears. Fill me in.”
