Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 Dana Mentink (e books free to read TXT) 📖

“Who would guide?”

He hesitated. Technically, he probably could, but it had been ten years since he’d run the river.

“It’s high water at its fiercest right now.” Nora reached over and flipped off the air vents, her lips tinged with blue. The March air was warmer than usual, but probably didn’t feel that way after a spill in the rapids. “I’ve been training all winter,” Nora continued. “All my safety certs are up to date. Besides, my kayak is still there. Hopefully. Henry, I know it’s not ideal, but if I’m Dexter’s best chance at getting help…”

“Fine. Only because it’s an emergency. You can guide us there for the sake of time, but you’ll have to stay with the boat while we investigate.” He’d let his swift-water rescue certifications fall on the back burner, and Nora knew his secret. Even though they’d met and fallen in love when they were both river guides in their college years, Henry had finished the summer by rafting right into a boulder. With his leg hanging on the outside of the raft, he’d snapped his tibia. The experience had gifted him with a newfound fear of whitewater rafting.

He’d been on the river since then but never as a guide. Most of the river management went to the forest service, except for the additional help BLM River Patrol offered in the summers, usually from an intern because they hadn’t found someone on staff willing to work long hours for three months of the year. Nora had once said she would love to do the job every summer when she transitioned to teaching. But as far as Henry knew, she’d never stopped working for her aunt.

“You can help today, but I’m not going to take your river patrol offer seriously. You are still working for your aunt?”

Nora sighed. “Yes. She’s in Alaska right now, taking care of her sick cousin and getting some time to herself.”

Henry had heard the rumors but didn’t comment. Most of the town knew about Nora’s uncle—well, ex-uncle now—and his philandering ways that had led to the divorce. Didn’t stop Frank Milner from getting re-elected as a county commissioner, though.

Henry found the creek entrance and made his way there. They kept busy pulling the boat out of the truck and outfitting it with his first-aid kit. Two deputies pulled up behind them in an SUV.

He glanced at Nora. “Are you sure you’re up for this?”

She bit her lip and nodded. “I just hope we make it in time.”

Her comment sounded more like a question and sent a chill up his spine. Their eyes met, and he saw the hope fading there. Henry’s hand went instinctively to his gun as he thought about the shooter. There was a chance the gunman was still out there, and if Nora was a witness, Henry would do whatever it took to keep her out of danger.

CHAPTER TWO

Nora grabbed the oars, impatient for the deputies to get into the raft. The adrenaline was fading, replaced with a war of conflicting emotions about being around Henry again. It’d been several years since they’d stood in the parking lot of the lodge, after yet another disagreement, and Henry had gently suggested they take a break. With those words, the engagement had ended and they’d never talked about it since. Maybe if her heart would finally get over him, it would be easier to be herself whenever he was near.

Two deputies kicked up dust as they made their way over. With low pay and too much work, law enforcement in the area didn’t last long before transferring elsewhere. Most of the deputies the sheriff did keep on staff were relatively young. Deputy Zach O’Brien was no exception. A relatively new hire, he’d only lived in the area a couple years. He wore a freshly trimmed goatee and had steely gray eyes. “We left Carl’s car at the Clair Creek take-out for when we’re done.”

“Good idea,” Henry said.

“Hi, Carl,” Nora said with a wave. Carl Alexander, the other deputy, was only a few years younger than she and had grown up in Sauvage. He’d worked in summer rafting as well, as most teens in the area were encouraged to try their hand at guiding. He’d worked for her uncle’s company, though, the only other rafting company on the Sauvage River.

Carl had always been quiet, a good listener, and seemed like the type to be slow to anger. Qualities that made him a good cop contrasted with Zach’s loud and obnoxious persona that set her teeth on edge. Carl nodded a greeting and stepped in the raft.

Henry glanced at his sport watch, likely worried about the time. The later they hit the water, the later they would get back to the take-out spot. Getting stuck on the rapids in the dark was to be avoided at all costs.

“I’m going to need everyone’s help if we’re to hit the fastest currents.” She could cut the time it’d take to get to Sandy Cape by at least half if they worked hard. She pointed to the seat right in front of her. “Henry can sit there. Deputy Alexander and Deputy O’Brien, you take either side of the bow.”

Henry flashed her an irritated glance but did as she said. The spot she’d assigned him was the least likely to dump into the water. She thought he’d appreciate the gesture, but it wasn’t a big surprise that they didn’t see eye to eye anymore.

Their strong connection had stopped the moment he’d moved back to the area as a law enforcement ranger. That’s where all their problems had started. He’d changed, just like everyone who’d warned her against long-distance relationships had said he would. She just hadn’t seen it until he’d hauled her and her sister, Maya, into the sheriff’s office like common criminals when they’d done nothing wrong.

The wind gusted, a reminder that it was time to be mindful of the work ahead. Nora would usually pull up her tube scarf to use as a face