Holiday Havoc by Terri Reed Page B

asking Sean to kiss her again?
    A moment of insanity, for sure, because as soon as it was done, she became more acutely aware of how much she loved him and how hard it would be when they parted. What she felt for Sean was deeper, more mature than anything she’d ever felt before. And the loss would be that much greater.
    She shook off the disturbing thoughts brought on by the kiss and focused on Detective Jarvis, who was introducing her to the other officers in her living room.
    â€œOfficer Garrett will escort you back to the bed-and-breakfast and stay there with you,” Jarvis explained.
    Lauren extended her hand to the officer. He was tall, with wide shoulders and a chiseled jaw. She estimated he was in his late thirties, possibly early forties. “Thank you.”
    â€œNot a problem,” he said in a deep tone.
    â€œYou met our decoy, Officer Rachel Sims, earlier.” Jarvis gestured toward the pretty, dark-haired woman who rose from the couch and glided forward.
    There was a resemblance, Lauren thought. Rachel was the same height as Lauren, had a similar pale complexion and wide-set dark eyes. Lauren found it disturbing to see another woman wearing her favorite sweats outfit. “Officer Sims, I appreciate you taking this risk.”
    She inclined her head. “It’s my job.”
    Lauren turned to Jarvis. “Should she have the wire now?”
    â€œShe has her own.” Jarvis reached to Lauren’s side and fiddled with the transmitter, then took her elbow and guided her toward the back door. “Come on, let’s get you out of here.”
    Officer Garrett went through the door first thenmotioned for Lauren to join him on the porch. She stepped out and then, as hurriedly as her twisted ankle would allow, followed the officer down the stairs, across the small expanse of lawn to the back fence.
    â€œYou’ll have to squeeze through,” he said as he pried several wooden slats away from the rails.
    Biting her lip, she asked, “What will the neighbors think?”
    â€œThey’ve been sent out to dinner, compliments of the Cannon Beach Police Department.”
    â€œNice, but you’re destroying the fence slats.”
    He waved away her concern. “They can easily be nailed back on.”
    Ducking beneath the middle rail, she squeezed through the opening. The Ace bandage wrapped around her foot snagged on the bottom rail and she tripped, going down on her hands and knees.
    Tennis shoes appeared in her line of vision and hands reached for her.
    She sucked in a breath as Sean helped her to stand. In the waning light of the day, his handsome face showed concern.
    â€œYou okay?” he asked.
    â€œJust clumsy,” she replied, feeling heat creep up her neck.
    â€œWe should get moving,” Officer Garrett prompted.
    Sean looped his arm around Lauren’s waist and half carried her across the neighbors’ mushy lawn toward the gate that led to the street. Sean’s truck stood at the curb. The three of them piled into the cab with Lauren in the middle as Sean drove to the bed-and-breakfast. When he pulled the truck to a stop, Lauren’s gaze was drawn to the white utility van on the corner. It lookedjust like the one that had shown up the other day. She glanced at the dashboard clock. It was after five. The workday had ended.
    She touched Sean’s hand before he climbed out of the truck. “Seems a little late in the day for the repair guy to be working, don’t you think?”
    Officer Garrett opened the passenger door. “You two stay put. I’ll go check it out.” He climbed out, shutting the door behind him.
    With his hand on his gun, the officer approached the van from the driver’s side. He peered through the window. Apparently there was no one in the front seat. He rounded the front end and disappeared from view.
    The passenger side door of Sean’s truck jerked open. Lauren let out a startled yelp as someone slid