Page 44 of Twilight Tactics

But the truck turned off and Sully let out a low breath.

“We’re awfully paranoid,” she said.

“It’s not paranoia if someone’s really after you.”

“True, but still...” She shrugged and leaned her head against the window. “Maybe the guy that tried to grab me wasjust a criminal. Someone using the woods to hide from the law. I came along and he saw his chance to ... be a criminal. I don’t know.”

“Exactly. We don’t know. So we’ll be careful. And by we, I mean we.”

She shot him a small smile and nodded. “Yeah. Thanks.”

Sully checked the rearview mirror one last time before turning in to the pharmacy parking lot. The black pickup was nowhere to be seen, but that didn’t mean it hadn’t been following them. The tension in his shoulders was intense by the time he had the vehicle in park. Elena climbed out and he followed her into the pharmacy. Holly Richards, mid-fifties, with her salt-and-pepper gray hair cut into an attractive short bob, looked up from behind the counter. She smiled and her eyes crinkled at the corners behind her glasses. “Elena and ... Sully?” She gasped. “Goodness, it’s good to see you. When did you get back?”

“Recently.” He smiled. “Had to come see Maya for a while.”

“Well, welcome home. What can I do for you today?”

“We need to pick up a prescription for Maya,” Sully said. “She called it in just a little bit ago.”

“Right. And I know she needs it fast, but my assistant called in sick so I’m here alone. I’m running slightly behind, but it’s almost ready, I promise. Can you give me ten minutes?”

“Of course.” He texted Maya.

Ready in ten minutes. How’s Ollie?

She’s okay. Ten minutes won’t make a difference. Be safe.

While she worked, Sully glanced outside, scanning the sidewalk and the vehicles nearby. No black truck.

Elena touched his arm. “Do you mind if we walk across the street to the post office while we’re waiting?”

“Sure.” They told Holly they’d be right back.

Sully followed her into the post office. His gaze swept the business, noting exits, cameras, and everyone in the place. “I don’t remember it being this busy.”

“Small-town growth. Christmas is coming and packages have to reach their loved ones.” They bypassed the line easily, thanks to Sully’s not-so-subtle badge displayed on his belt.

“Elena.” Much like Holly, the clerk’s eyes widened when he saw Sully. “And Sully? Good to see you back here.”

“Thank you, Frank. Good to see you too.”

“You’re not in line, so I’m going to assume you’re here on some kind of official business?”

“I need your help,” Elena said. “Last week, Tuesday afternoon, I was here and I thought I saw someone I knew. I’ve been searching for her for a while. Do you mind if I take a look at your security footage?”

Frank hesitated, glanced at the line forming behind them. Then sighed. “Is this related to a case in any way?”

“Yes, possibly,” Sully said. “I’ll admit it’s a stretch, but it’s possible she’s involved with some criminals I’m investigating. Or not involved. Truly, I don’t know. But I’d like to know if it’s who we think it might be.”

“No kidding. For real?”

“For real.”

“Okay, fine. Julia? Can you take over for a bit?”

A woman came from the back. “Sure thing.”

Frank motioned to follow him. Elena pulled in a deep breath, and Sully rested a hand on her shoulder and squeezed. He glanced at his phone. Time was ticking. They needed to get back to the pharmacy. Frank entered the door at the end of the hall. An office. He sat at the computer and tapped the keys. Two monitors blinked to life. “You’re in luck. The system hasn’t purged last week yet.”