11

I’d survived the groping hands of guards and inmates. I’d been beaten twice for standing my ground against a gang who assumed I’d stolen my brother-in-law’s money and wanted a cut, a third time for helping a woman defend herself from attackers. Two other beatings were to show who was boss. I believed in justice and truth, and I’d find out who and why someone wanted me out of Valleysburg. Although Officer Hughes seemed to be the front-runner.

I’d stay unless someone became a victim because of me.

I trembled at what my stalker might have planned next.

A vehicle pulled up to the cabin. I flipped on the outside light and viewed Mr. Peterson exiting a Jeep, and I met him on the porch. He eyed me and frowned. “Are you sure you’re all right? Wouldn’t hurt for a doctor to take a look.”

Mud clung to the right side of my T-shirt and leg. The left side stung from the stones hurled by the truck tires. “The water and mud cushioned my fall. I just have a couple of scrapes and bruises.”

“Did you walk here?”

“I rode the bike. Like me, it survived.” I invited him inside my cabin and gestured to the sofa. “I called Sheriff Wendall and reported the incident.”

“And?”

“He’s sending Officer Hughes to take my statement.”

Mr. Peterson huffed. “Fat chance his response will do any good. I’m sure you’ve experienced his . . . superior side.”

“Yes, sir, and he’s not happy about my presence in Valleysburg. Neither does he approve of his sister, Edie Campbell, renting me this cabin and befriending me.” I told him about the bicycle and the circumstances surrounding why I was using it.

“Hughes and I have discussed you,” he said. “I requested that he tone down his behavior. What’s your gut telling you about the hit-and-run?”

“I didn’t see the driver. Someone is using fear tactics to try to run me off.” I hesitated. “Are you thinking Officer Hughes is behind this?”

“Let me just say I suspect him. His dark-green pickup could be mistaken for black.” He rubbed his stubbled chin. “What haven’t you told me?”

I’d endured years of secrets. “Nothing that would provide answers.” But I’d not sit idly by while someone destroyed my second chance at life. “I don’t have a clue what the person wants except to scare me away. He’s the one who’s a coward.”

“Officer Hughes needs every detail for his report, no matter how insignificant it seems. I’ll inform Sheriff Wendall that you and I have talked.”

“Would you stay until Officer Hughes has all he needs?”

“You bet.”

I heard a car pull up and checked the window. Officer Hughes slammed the door on his cruiser. My frustration in dealing with him had to equal his disdain for me.

“My bike okay?” He eyed it. “Why haven’t you cleaned it up?”

“I wanted to show you the evidence. As far as I can tell, it’s a little out of line.”