Free Conard County Marine by Rachel Lee

deputy?”
    Connie smiled gently at her. “Two years ago. Micah started needing a whole lot more help at the ranch. As he’s getting older, balancing his work as a deputy with the sheep is becoming more difficult. And Ethan likes the work. I think he’s happier looking after sheep and horses than he was as a deputy.”
    “And Micah’s other kids?”
    “All grown up. The twin boys work on the ranch, too. The girls had bigger ideas. They’re in college.”
    Kylie was grateful to Connie for filling in the blanks so easily, as if she were talking to a stranger. No expression of surprise that Kylie didn’t remember, just simple acceptance. Something deep within her relaxed a bit, let go of some of the tension that never left her. Then she asked a question to which she needed an answer.
    “Connie? Are you still afraid a lot?”
    Connie tilted her head, smiling faintly. “Not like I used to be. It’s not constant, it’s not every day. Most of the time I don’t think about it anymore, but every so often... I’ve got two little ones again, Kylie. So yeah, it hits me every so often, and this incident is so similar to how it started with Sophie that I’m scared to death. I don’t want my kids to be alone at all. Ethan and I have a schedule pretty much worked out, but tomorrow...”
    “You can count on me,” Coop said. “As much as you want or need. Maybe Kylie can help me take the kids to school tomorrow.”
    He eyed her and Kylie knew he was remembering her fear when they’d walked just a little while ago. Did he really think this would help? But it would be broad daylight and she wouldn’t be alone, and she wanted to see Connie’s kids again. Three years were missing, and those children must have grown up a whole lot during that time. “I’d like to help,” she said, sounding braver than she felt.
    Connie’s smile widened. “Thanks. I’m sure none of this is easy for you. I hate the way life can teach us to be afraid.”
    Good way of putting it, Kylie thought. Lessons of life.
    *
    When Connie left, Coop excused himself to walk her to her car.
    “Okay,” Connie said as they reached the driver’s side of her official vehicle, “what’s working on you? I can feel it, Coop.”
    He kept his voice low, so it wouldn’t carry. “I took Kylie for a walk. Glenda probably told you.”
    “Yeah. I gather Kylie is pretty scared most of the time.”
    “She’s afraid to be alone, understandably.”
    “Very understandably.” Connie leaned back against her car door. “And?”
    “She felt she was being watched. Which wouldn’t worry me except that I started to feel as if we were being stalked. Not casual glances. Stalking.”
    Connie hesitated, chewing her lower lip. “You’re sure it’s not...”
    “It’s not PTSD,” he said flatly. “I self-checked. Now, you can brush it off, but someone was following us.”
    “You didn’t see anyone?”
    “Not a soul, which makes me even more uneasy.”
    “Hell.” Connie tipped her head back and stared up at the night overhead. “There’s no reason to think...” Then she shook her head. “And no reason not to think. She didn’t die. The bad guy might be unhappy about that.”
    “Exactly.” Coop folded his arms and looked down, testing everything inside himself. “It’s not much to go on. I get it. But I can’t afford to ignore it.”
    “Absolutely not. Okay, let’s make sure she’s never alone. And I’ll mention it quietly to the sheriff. I’m not sure what we can do with all this uproar about the stranger, but we’ll try to think of something.”
    Suddenly she reached out and laid her hand on his arm. “Some vacation, huh?”
    He laughed quietly and shook his head. “We do what we must.”
    She turned and opened the door of her car. “Call if anything grabs your attention. See you in the morning at seven, okay?”
    “You got it.”
    He closed the door for her and watched her drive away. A stalker? He wanted to dismiss it, to tell himself he