Love Inspired Suspense June 2021--Box Set 1 of 2, page 40
Justine sighed. “He demanded to know where ‘it’ was. Though he never mentioned the diary, I assume that’s what he referred to. He also said I’d have to deal with them. Whoever ‘them’ is.”
“That adds credence to a hired thug.”
“I did think it was strange he used my car to kidnap me the first time, and we never saw anyone approach the second. Either he parked nearby and walked the rest of the way or someone dropped him off.”
“Will doesn’t own a vehicle.”
Justine glared, disapproval hanging between them. “Will knows the topography of the area.”
“You lost me.”
“The kidnapper didn’t slow for the big pothole on the road.”
“Why is that important?”
“His lack of knowledge indicates he isn’t a local. After the heavy flooding from the recent rains, many of the dirt roads were washed away or damaged. Will’s familiar with the landscape.”
“Hmm. Interesting.”
“What’s it going to take for you to believe Will is innocent? He’d never hurt me. But I’d appreciate extra patrolling by Slade or whoever if you’d arrange it.”
Trey sighed. “Justine—”
“This is my life and my home. I’m perfectly capable of making the necessary decisions.” And if she was wrong, she would die at the hands of Kayla’s killer.
FOUR
A wet swipe across his face and a warm puff of air dragged Trey to consciousness. He stared at the familiar brown eyes pleading with him. “Mags, I’m a light sleeper. A simple whine works to wake me.”
Trey sat up on the living room sofa with a grunt, ruffling the Malinois’s mane. His gaze traveled past the padded dog bed Justine had provided for Magnum and landed on the hands of the antique grandfather clock. 5:45 a.m.
He stood and stretched, feeling the repercussions of sleeping on the couch after declining Justine’s offer of her spare bedroom. Proximity to the main floor overrode his personal comfort.
A text from Slade buzzed from his cell phone. ETA five.
His brother’s overnight security detail had allowed Trey a short but needed rest, and the night had passed uneventfully. Otherwise, he’d be functioning on no sleep, which was worse than a backache.
Magnum whined and thumped his tail in a steady get-moving-please-now rhythm.
“I’m coming.” Trey schlepped to the window and peered out before tugging open the door.
Magnum wasted no time scurrying outside.
“Wait.”
But the dog was halfway across the lawn, after an almost normal descent down the stairs. He didn’t favor his good side as much. A definite sign of healing. “Guess you’re feeling better.”
A cardinal trilled from one of the maple trees, and Trey filled his lungs with the fresh morning air. He strolled the wraparound porch, maintaining visual of Magnum actively exploring the ranch.
Pastel streaks colored the sky as the sun peeked over the horizon. Ominous land the night before, it now splayed out in a lush green landscape.
“I could get used to this,” Trey mumbled to no one, stepping off the porch.
Magnum joined him, nose to the ground.
Slade’s familiar blue sedan pulled into the driveway and parked near Trey’s patrol vehicle.
“Good morning, sunshine. Packed for a trip?” Slade stepped out of his car.
Trey blinked. “Dude, I just woke up and I’m caffeine deficient. What’re you talking about?”
“Those bags under your eyes. If they get any bigger, your head will fall in,” Slade teased.
Trey ran a hand over the stubble on his face. “Thanks, bro.”
“Brought what you asked for.” Slade passed Trey a small bag, which he transferred to his patrol truck’s tailgate cabinets. He returned to find Slade offering a supersize fountain drink. “Mountain Dew?”
Trey wrinkled his nose. “Um. No.”
“Suit yourself.” Slade took a long swig. “This place is nice, but I can see why you needed the perimeter help. Did you get any sleep?”
Trey leaned against Slade’s car. “Yeah, a few hours. If you hadn’t shown up, I’d be a zombie.”
“Good thing you caught me when you did. Although, you might owe Asia some cinnamon rolls for interrupting my off days.”
Trey chuckled at the mention of Slade’s wife. “I’ll make it up to her. However, you’re probably donating this time.”
Slade shrugged. “It’s all good. I’ve got your six.” His brother referred to the cop slang for defending and covering one another. “Family first. Always. You really should relocate her for now.”
“I tried. Even explained the need for a sketch artist while the image of the criminal’s ugly mug was fresh in Justine’s mind. She refused and said she’d do it herself.” Trey paced a short space in front of Slade. “I get it though. She’s concerned for her foster dogs.”
“You two are a perfect match. Both dog motivated and stubborn.”
Warmth radiated up Trey’s neck at the implication of being matched with Justine. Ridiculous and out of the question. He was the last person she’d consider dating since she blamed him for Kayla’s death. Justine believed Trey had failed to show up when Kayla called. If he’d been there, maybe he could’ve stopped her from overdosing. Yet he hadn’t even known Kayla had a drug abuse problem? No. He wasn’t relationship material. Last night’s double failure in apprehending the kidnapper proved Trey’s inability to protect those he cared about. Romance wasn’t an option for either of them.
Oblivious to Trey’s internal debate, Slade continued, “If Justine refuses to leave, Oliver might finagle overtime for security detail.”
“Doubtful. He made a point last night of reminding me how short-staffed we are.”
“Yeah, little brother, you’re still taking after me, even with trouble and impossible odds perched on your shoulders.”
Trey bristled slightly at the reminder—always shadowed by his older sibling. It was no secret Trey had looked up to Slade when they were younger, but they weren’t kids anymore. Was calling him for help a mistake? Yet what choice did he have?
“Don’t get your feathers all ruffled. I’m only teasing.” Slade took another swig of soda. “What’s Oliver got you working?”
And there it was, the piece Trey hadn’t shared. Once he mentioned Kayla’s name, Slade’s older-sibling, unwanted advice would spill out.
Trey inhaled. “Kayla Nolan’s case.”
“Murder.”
“Technically, no. It’s labeled a drug buy gone bad resulting in a suspicious overdose death. Kayla was attacked in her apartment. Murder isn’t out of the question. Justine’s developing a profile of the killer.” Before Slade could interrupt, Trey launched into an explanation regarding the diary and their planned visit with the Nolans later in the day.
A beat passed. “Just curious, but what does she hope to gain by meeting with them?”
“Something about a clinical perspective versus conclusions based off memories from things Kayla had shared.”
“I guess that makes sense. Memories have a way of tainting everything.”
And they dredged up pain you’d forgotten existed. Trey shoved away the thought. “Should’ve seen the look on her face when I asked what time ‘we’ were heading out.”
“She didn’t want you along for the ride, I’m guessing? How’d you convince her?”
“With my brilliant power of persuasion.” Trey chuckled.
“No, really.” Slade quirked a brow.
“Well, there is the fact that the files belong to the patrol, and I can’t just hand those over and leave.”
“‘Possession is nine-tenths of the law,’” Slade quoted teasingly, then lowered his voice. “Dude, are you sure being involved in this case is a good idea?”
There it was. Big-brother judgment. “What choice do I have? I owe Kayla.”
Slade shook his head. “Trey, her death wasn’t your fault. You didn’t have any other options. Let it go.”
Heaviness weighted his chest. “Too late. I’m committed to getting justice for Kayla. Justine’s profile and the diary might provide the missing leads, after all these years.”
“Do what you need to. Just let me know if you want me out here again tonight.”
“Thanks. Hey, one more favor?”
“Sure.”
“Run a background for me?”
Slade surveyed the grounds. “On who?”
“Justine’s hired hand, Wilbur Percy.”
“Stetson Man? He trolled the property until late last night. Is he a problem?”
“I’m not sure. I need evidence to either kill my suspicions or convince Justine he’s not the man she thinks he is,” Trey said.
A creaking drew the men’s attention.
Slade gave a jerk of his chin. “Speaking of.”
Four of the five canines lumbered out of the barn, scattering in all directions. The basset hound Justine called Barney followed Will outside. He knelt, stroking the dog’s head, and spoke too softly for Trey to hear. For all his complaining about the animals, he appeared gentle and kind with them.
Contemplating Magnum’s earlier assessment, Trey wasn’t sure what to make of Will. Still, if his partner found fault with the man, Trey would remain wary. Though this morning Magnum strolled toward the other dogs, undaunted by Will’s presence.
As if Will heard Trey’s thoughts, he turned and visibly stiffened. Will gave a slight tip of his Stetson before shoving his hands into his jean pockets. Trey didn’t miss the pistol tucked into Will’s waistband. At least he took his role seriously. Trey waved him over, and Will’s reluctance registered in his every step, closing the distance.
“Will, this is my brother, Slade,” Trey said.
Slade extended a hand.
“Nice to meet you. Saw you driving around last evening.” Will’s reply sounded more like a complaint than a greeting.
“Thankfully, it was a quiet night. I’ll head out. Touch base with me later, Trey.” Slade slid behind the wheel of his car and started the engine.
Will moved toward a midsize brown dog sniffing near a large trash receptacle. “Shep, get outta there. You just ate breakfast.”
The dog trotted away, tail wagging. Without Justine’s presence, maybe he’d get information from the hired hand. “Magnum’s always hungry.” Trey chuckled.
“Shep’s a scrounge. Surprised you’re still here.”
“After all Justine went through, I wouldn’t leave her without a protection detail.”
Will harrumphed. “She has me. I ain’t afraid of nothin’.”
Yeah, except you might be part of the problem. Justine hadn’t told Will about the first kidnapping, so he had limited information. Unless he was in on it. “I appreciate your help. Justine does too.”
“Well, you won’t be here forever, right?”
Unsure how to respond, Trey opted to redirect. “This place is too large for one person to monitor alone.”
“Yeah, s’pose that’s true enough.”
Glad I have your approval.
Will’s gaze moved to Shep, who was making a second attempt at the trash can. “Shoo.
“How many of you are there?” Will narrowed his eyes.
Trey grinned. “If you mean siblings, there’s five total.”
“Eight in mine. Nothing more important than family unless they’ve done you wrong.”
While he had Will’s attention, Trey opted to probe for information. “Justine tells me you’ve been helping her out for a while.”
“Yeah. She pays better than most, but with all those critters eating up her money, she can’t afford me full-time.” Will spit. “Waste of time and cash, taking care of throwaways nobody wants.”
And just when he thought he’d misjudged Will, Trey reverted back to wanting to smack him. Maybe the guy had had a bad experience with animals as a child or something. If Will had been in on last evening’s danger, motive would be a huge factor. However, if Will resented the foster dogs and viewed them as a threat to his livelihood, was that reason enough?
Testing the waters, Trey said, “Though without them, she’d probably request your assistance less than she does.”
Trey almost saw the light bulb illuminate over Will’s Stetson-covered head. “S’pose so. But it ain’t like this place is lacking for repairs.”
A quick survey of the grounds revealed several vacant areas where buildings once occupied the spaces. “Were there many outbuildings?”
“Yep. Tore down three. Course, wasn’t much left of ’em anyhow. They were hazards waiting to happen. She wanted the silo gone too. I convinced her it’s in good shape and might come in handy if she decides to farm the land.” He pointed to a four-story cylindrical brick structure.
“I haven’t had a chance to look things over, but it does appear the place needs TLC.”
Will grunted. “And money. Nothing’s free.”
“I know that’s right.” Before Will interjected another comment, Trey baited him. “She’s a nice lady. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to hurt her.”
“My granny always said your enemies ain’t the folks you hate—it’s the folks who hate you.”
“Yeah, I see her point. Who are Justine’s enemies?”
“Why ask me?”
“I’m guessing you have a pulse and historical perspective on the area.” Okay, maybe a reach.
Will straightened his shoulders, standing taller, proving a little flattery went a long way. “Age has its benefits. Check out her neighbor, Richardson. He’s always bugging her about selling him this land. Been a battle since she bought the place.”
“He’s the one with the cows next door? Relatively speaking.” Since Richardson’s property sat a half mile away.
“Yep. His pa sold Justine’s acreage in a gambling debt years back. He’s worked hard to regain possession. More about pride than the ranch. When Justine started fostering those mutts, she won over some highfalutin folks in town. Made ol’ Richardson madder than a nest full of bees.”
“Mad enough to kidnap her?” Trey cast the question like a fishing line and waited for Will to bite.
The man glanced away. “Who knows?”
Answering a question with a question. Diversion tactic, or was he innocent of the incident? “Do you also work for the guy?”
“If the money’s right. Gotta make a living. Folks want everything for free. I don’t work for nothing.”
The abrasive man was like invisible ink on a page, impossible to read.
“You never told me why you were here in the first place.”
Trey debated. Was it wise telling Will the truth? “I’m working on a cold case with Justine. Found her in the trunk of her car last night after the perp attacked and abducted her from the basement.”
Will’s incredulous stare lingered on Trey.
Whether the man was sizing him up or digesting the news, Trey couldn’t determine.
“You catch him?”
The question, though nonconfrontational, wormed insecurity under Trey’s skin. No, he’d failed to catch the kidnapper. Twice. “Not yet. He escaped.”
Will huffed.
“For now. But we’ll have an identity on him soon.” At least, he hoped so. They had very little to go off of. However, if Will was guilty and conspiring, the not-so-subtle-warning just turned up the heat.
“If he comes back, I’m ready.” Will patted his gun. “Never know when unexpected danger will show up.”
Precisely why Trey needed to get Justine somewhere safe. “Has that been a problem before?”
Will jerked a chin toward the adjacent property. “Trooper, if you see danger and ain’t prepared for it, you’re one second too late. I’d say that accurately describes how I found you in the thicket last night.”
Trey studied the man. Or how you ambushed me.
“You two are up early.” Justine cradled Clover and descended the steps. She wore another pair of khaki shorts—gray this time—and a long-sleeved plaid shirt, unbuttoned to reveal the blue tank top underneath. The outfit complemented her features, forcing Trey to avert his eyes.
“Mornin’. I’d better get busy,” Will said, excusing himself.
“I didn’t want to interrupt. Seems you were deep in conversation.”
“Nothing significant.” Trey gave his best reassuring smile.
“By the way, Richardson is annoying but harmless.”
How much had she overheard?
“I called Dr. Curtis, the current medical examiner.”
“Just now?” Trey glanced at his watch.
“Yeah. He works strange hours. I couldn’t stop thinking about the Nolans declining the autopsy. I requested he exhume and reexamine the body.”
“After ten years, though, what’re you hoping he’ll find?”
“Proof Kayla didn’t overdose. She was murdered, regardless of what the paperwork says. The question is, why?” Justine glanced beyond Trey, and he turned to follow her gaze.
The dogs frolicked around Will, who seemed none too thrilled about the company.
“He acts tough, but Will loves them,” she said.
“Sure about that?”
She grinned. “Definitely. Anyway, Dr. Curtis agreed, stating how the technology developed since Kayla’s death might provide something new to the case. He casually mentioned the prior ME, Dr. Elvin, might’ve made an oversight. Nice way of saying the guy was incompetent.”
Trey mentally added Elvin to the suspect list. Had the prior ME been sloppy or paid to look the other way?
* * *
Justine had sat in numerous courtrooms under the shriveling inquisitions of merciless defense attorneys, but Mr. and Mrs. Nolan’s penetrating glares were a new level of intimidation. Their exquisite home with its marble floors and vaulted ceilings was an extension of their icy reception and added to the uncomfortable atmosphere.
