Destined (The Rangers of Ridge County #1)

Chapter Nine

CHAPTER NINE

MILLIE

I t was downright cold now that the sun had set.

I hurriedly dug into my purse for my keys as I made my way down the sidewalk—pulling them free just as I reached my destination.

My car was cast in shadow, making my movements even more cumbersome as I tried to balance everything in one arm while fumbling for the door handle. The interior light blinked on, and I tossed my things inside just as a harsh wind swept at my back—like hands shoving me into the driver’s seat.

I clumsily dropped down and closed the door—darkness engulfing me once more.

Reaching to start my car, my gaze landed on something tucked under one of my windshield wipers.

I opened my door again and leaned out, stretching for what appeared to be a rose.

My fingers closed around the stem, but I reared back as a thorn pierced my flesh.

“Shit!” I hissed, sucking at the blood beading on my thumb.

On my second attempt, I snatched the flower by its petals and flung it into the passenger’s floorboard.

Twisting in my seat, I expected someone to materialize, claiming it as theirs. But no one did. The street was deserted—a fact I found more concerning than comforting. And I had an overwhelming urge to retreat to the warmth of Sips.

Instead, I started my car to ward off the chill that had settled deep in my bones.

The rose itself wasn’t all that threatening, but something about its presence felt foreboding.

I backed out of the parking space and made my way down Peak Street, mulling over my options. It would be naive to simply ignore this, but there might be an innocent explanation.

By the time I pulled into my driveway, I had decided to reach out to the Sheriff’s Department. I parked and ran for the door.

On the porch, the black cat sat and waited. This had become our routine, and I’d surprisingly grown fond of him—enough so that I had named him and taken him to the vet.

“Hey, Jet,” I greeted, sliding my key in the lock and pushing the door open. He meowed in thanks then rushed inside.

I followed, hastily switching on lights as I made my way to the kitchen. Placing the rose on the counter, I examined it closely before reaching for my phone. After a quick search, I dialed the non-emergency line.

Automated Message: You have called a non-emergency helpline. If this is an emergency, hang up and dial 911. All other callers, please remain on the line and someone will be with you momentarily.

Operator: This is the Ridge County Non-Emergency Helpline. How may I direct your call?

Caller: Hi. My name is Millie Rushing. I’d like to speak with someone at the Sheriff’s Department. I need to report something suspicious that happened earlier this evening outside of Sips with Spice on Peak Street.

Operator: One moment, please.

Call transferred to Ridge County Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff’s Department: This is the Ridge County Sheriff’s Department. How may I assist you?

Caller: My name is Millie Rushing, and I’d like to report something that happened earlier this evening outside of Sips with Spice.

Sheriff’s Department: Hold, please.

Call transferred within Ridge County Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff’s Department: This is Sheriff Emmett Ranger. Who am I speaking with?

Caller: This is Millie Rushing.

Sheriff’s Department: And you’re calling to report an incident that occurred at Sips with Spice?

Caller: Not exactly. It occurred outside of the shop.

Sheriff’s Department: I see. And it has no connection to the shop?

Caller: Well, no.

Sheriff’s Department: And this is a non-emergency call, correct?

Caller: Yes.

Sheriff’s Department: In that case, I am going to transfer you to one of my deputies. Have a nice night, ma’am.

Call transferred within Ridge County Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff’s Department: This is Deputy Yarbrough. How can I help you?

Caller: I need to report something suspicious.

Sheriff’s Department: All right. Can you tell me what happened?

Caller: My car was parked along Peak Street earlier and someone tucked a rose underneath one of my windshield wipers while I was inside Sips with Spice.

Brief pause.

Sheriff’s Department: Let me get this straight. You’re calling about a flower?

Caller: Yes. It was an odd thing to find on my car. And since it was tucked under my wiper, I can only assume someone placed it there intentionally.

Sheriff’s Department: Was there a note attached?

Caller: No. Just the rose.

Sheriff’s Department: It sounds like a nice gesture to me. Maybe it was from a friend or significant other?

Caller: I’m new to Ranger Ridge. I don’t really know anyone well enough to rationalize a rose being left on my car.

Sheriff’s Department: Could be a secret admirer. I wouldn’t worry too much about it, ma’am.

Caller: So that’s it?

Sheriff’s Department: I’ve made a note.

Caller: Great. Thanks.

Call disconnected by caller.