Love Inspired Suspense June 2021--Box Set 1 of 2, page 44
They sat eating a quick meal at Trey’s kitchen table before he packed a few essentials, and they got on the road again.
“That bomb was intended for Alex,” Justine reminded him, invading his internal tirade.
“Except it was convenient he forgot his briefcase, disconnected the security cameras so we wouldn’t have any footage to refer to and stayed in the building where he wouldn’t be affected by the blast.”
“What will your boss do about Alex’s plea for confidentiality? If he pushes the man, we might lose any leads if the bizarre story he told us has any credibility.”
Trey worked his jaw. “For now, he’s agreed to keep Alex’s involvement under wraps.” That hadn’t been an easy request. Oliver, like Trey, found the events a little too coincidental. After some discussion, Oliver conceded Duncan had a bead on the Nolans and they couldn’t lose that connection.
His phone rang. Oliver. Great. Round two. “Boss.”
“As if today hasn’t been enough fun, the captain just advised you have seventy-two hours to provide sufficient evidence to continue working this case or you’ll be reassigned,” Oliver said.
Trey pulled the phone away from his ear and stared at the screen, praying he’d misunderstood. “Hold on.”
Justine paused, hamburger in hand, midbite.
He covered the receiver. “Be right back.” Trey stepped outside and closed the sliding glass door before continuing, “Sarge, that’s impossible. This is a decade-old cold case. How am I supposed to solve it in seventy-two hours?”
“You just need to come up with evidence to justify working on it.”
“I assumed an unsolved murder of an innocent woman sufficed. Not to mention dodging kidnappers and a bomb in between conducting interviews.”
“Save your snappy comments for someone else. Who besides the Nolans and Duncan have you spoken to?”
Trey hesitated. “Off the record, Drazin.”
“If you got Drazin to poke his head out from the retirement hole, I’m impressed. Can’t say I blame him. When I retire, I plan to revert to smoke signals and will toss my cell phone into the lake before casting my fishing line.”
Trey opted to cast a line of his own. “He wasn’t very forthcoming and was nervous talking to us. He also left just prior to the attack at the truck stop.”
“The man’s devoid of personality, but that doesn’t mean he set you up.”
“Any word on the GPS device I found?”
“Nope. Techs are still working on it.”
“Okay, but Drazin retired right after Kayla’s case went cold, and rumors were he came into money thereafter.”
“Kayla’s investigation was the needle that broke the camel’s back for him. He was already a foot out the door before it happened.”
Trey grinned at Oliver’s way of confusing clichés.
“What’re you getting at?” Oliver asked.
No point in dancing around the question. “Did Drazin accept a payout from the Nolans to close the file?”
“Your accusation is based on the indisputable evidence you’ve found to support it, right?”
Trey grimaced. “Negative.”
“Then until it is, don’t go there.”
“Roger that. I’ve got a long list of suspects but not enough on any of them to haul them in for questioning. Although Duncan tops that list, Justine is adamant the guy is terrified and might be imperative to the investigation, since he offered new information.”
“Thought you didn’t buy his story?”
“I don’t. At least, not in its entirety, but he did offer details no one else has thus far.” Trey sighed. “Okay, when does the clock start?”
“Already did. Captain advised he doesn’t appreciate the waste of resources on this case.”
Heat boiled up Trey’s neck. “Since when is a murder investigation a waste of resources?”
“Suspicious death. Based on our short conversation, I’m thinking those would be the regurgitated words from the governor.”
Trey paced the small concrete patio. “Why is he involved?”
“If I had to take a guess, the Nolans started making calls.”
“So what? I just pack up and leave the case unsolved? Sarge, someone is trying to stop us, and Justine’s in real danger.”
“I don’t disagree with you, but the governor’s unwavering.”
“Does he know about the attacks on Justine’s life?”
“Does Miss Stark have enemies outside of the Nolan case?”
He’d tried talking to Justine last night, but she’d been shaken up and asked to hold off until morning. “Yes. I’m looking into every possibility.”
Hopefully, Slade had information on Will Percy.
Oliver sighed. “Jackson, you and I debating this isn’t going to change a thing.”
Trey turned and spotted Justine reading through Kayla’s journal. “The only evidence we have is Kayla’s diary, but it’s inconclusive.”
“Oh, yes, the captain mentioned the Nolans want the diary returned to them.”
“It’s evidence.”
“I’m aware of that. Has Miss Stark completed the criminal profile?”
“No. We’re headed back to her ranch and will focus on reviewing the details this evening.”
“And Slade is still helping with security?”
Trey hesitated. Would Oliver be upset with them?
“Give me a break. I know how Team Jackson works. I’m trying to get overtime authorized. Might finagle comp time, if nothing else. Miss Stark needs the protection detail, but with the upper echelon hovering like vultures, I don’t see that happening.”
Interesting Oliver would choose the same metaphor Trey referenced with Irwin. “We’ll take care of her security.”
“Keep me informed.”
“Will do.” Trey disconnected and pocketed his phone. Three days to solve a ten-year-old cold case. Next they’d want him to explain the Bermuda Triangle.
He turned and spotted Justine, hand perched on her hip and an expression that mirrored his mother’s look of disapproval. He followed her inside. “What has to happen in seventy-two hours?”
Trey exhaled the ridiculous order in one breath, expecting Justine to explode. Instead, she gathered the remnants of their fast food. “If the Nolans intervene with the exhumation, that’ll stall progress, and we can’t afford the delay. We have to get on top of this and do a little preemptive work. Let’s meet with Dr. Curtis and explain the urgency. Then we can use the drive to the ranch to sort through the evidence.”
He blinked. She was relentless and amazing. “Right. Okay, let me finish gathering our stuff.” Trey broke off a chunk of burger and handed it to Magnum, then stuffed the last bite into his mouth.
Justine paused. “Trey, I appreciate everything you’ve done and don’t want to appear ungrateful, but you have a job to do. You can’t be my personal bodyguard forever.”
Trey pushed in his chair. “Sure I can. I just need my toothbrush.”
A corner of Justine’s lip lifted. Kneeling to pet Magnum, Trey overheard her say, “Does he ever wait for someone to respond before leaving the room?”
He chuckled. No, because he wasn’t willing to leave her unprotected.
That was the reason, wasn’t it?
Before the phone call, Trey’s thoughts hovered around the almost kiss that Vulture Irwin had interrupted. No time for that kind of thinking now, but even as his mind raced with the impossible seventy-two-hour order and the Nolans’ interference, he returned to that single consideration. Justine had softened toward him.
Hadn’t she?
That made no difference. She was off-limits, and he wasn’t worthy of a woman like her. As much as he detested Irwin, his arrival probably had kept Trey from doing something stupid and unacceptable.
Head in the game, Jackson.
Ten minutes later, Trey returned to the living room, duffel bag in hand. “Well, the diary is our go-to for now. Care to share what you’ve discovered?”
“So far, not much. However—” She pulled out the book and flattened it on her lap. “Kayla really seemed to enjoy working with Alex. At least, I’m assuming that’s who she is referencing by A.”
“She mentions this A a lot?”
“No, but always in a good light. Seems A, or Alex, was encouraging.” Justine met Trey’s gaze. “She tried hard to gain her family’s approval, but she had bigger dreams. I remember her saying employment under her dad would be a last resort.”
“What changed her mind?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. She never talked about work.” Justine closed the diary and gathered the case files. “I don’t mean to speak ill of Drazin, but he didn’t have a long list of witnesses or suspects. Gives the impression he wasn’t looking particularly hard.”
“I’d like to dispute that, but I can’t.”
“If the Nolans are trying to interfere, let’s warn Dr. Curtis.”
“Sounds good.” Trey locked up, and they loaded into the truck.
They’d driven only a mile before Justine said, “I’ve debated bringing this up, but since it appears we’re going to be together for the next few days, we should probably talk about what happened at the truck stop.”
Trey focused on the road a little too hard, not daring to breathe. “Okay.”
“I’m not trying to make excuses. Or maybe I am. But I don’t normally break down like that. In my defense, I’ve never had guns pulled on me so many times in a twenty-four-hour period.”
“No judgment here.” Good—she wasn’t going to tell him how out of line the almost kiss was. No harm. No foul. He exhaled relief.
“Kayla was in love with you.”
Not what he’d expected. Denying Kayla’s multiple romantic overtures would be childish. “She was open about her feelings.”
“You didn’t reciprocate?”
Trey considered his words carefully. “No. She was a good friend, and I enjoyed spending time with her in group settings. I was interested in someone else.” Chicken. Why not tell Justine the truth?
“Kayla never mentioned that.”
She’d never told Justine? Trey recalled Kayla’s disregard for his rejections, subtle at first. When she hadn’t taken the hint, he’d had to spell it out and confess he liked Justine. Kayla had exploded. “I did.” Weak, but it was the best he could offer.
“Oh, gotcha. She didn’t take no for an answer. Kayla was used to getting her way.” Justine closed the file and settled back in the seat.
Her cell phone rang, and Trey had never been more grateful for an interruption.
“Hey, Will, what’s wrong?” Justine paused and gasped.
His relief was short-lived.
SEVEN
Justine’s heart thudded with worry. “What’s happened? The dogs? Are you hurt? Wait. You’re not quitting, are you?”
“Most people start with ‘hello,’” Will huffed.
“You never call unless there’s something wrong.”
“Quit jumpin’ to conclusions. I haven’t said anything yet.”
Justine sat back. “Sorry, you’re right. I’m catastrophizing.”
“Your cat ain’t got nothing to do with this.”
That brought a grin to Justine’s lips.
“Barney—”
“What’s wrong with Barney?”
“Justine—”
“Sorry, go ahead.”
“He’s being ornery. Acting strange and refuses to come out of his kennel. Can’t even get him off his bed to eat.”
“Did you try—?”
“Yes, I tried those special bacon treats.”
Barney never turned down a meal. He was the most food-motivated animal Justine had ever seen. “I’ll call Dr. Abernathy.”
“Now, hold on there. That money monger will charge you an arm and a leg for showing up. You’ve got good instincts. See what you think before you spend the bucks.”
“But if he’s sick—?”
“Don’t get yourself all worked up. Barney ain’t dead. Just seems a little down in the dumps, which ain’t far for an overweight basset hound to get down to.”
Justine grinned, despite the sobering topic. Will knew her too well.
“Wondered if there’s medicine or something I’m supposed to give the mutt.”
“No, but I’m glad you called. I’d feel better checking on him.”
“It’s probably best if you return home rather than staying overnight somewhere anyway.”
Was that Will’s reasoning for calling her? He’d never been overly protective before, but the last twenty-four hours had thrown them all into uncharted territory. “Will, what aren’t you telling me?”
A long sigh. “Richardson came by looking for you.”
“And?”
“I told him you were working a case.”
“The man never gives up.” Justine rolled her eyes and stared at the cab’s ceiling.
“Yeah.”
“Thanks, Will. We should be there by nightfall.”
“That trooper’s staying here again?” Will’s irritation was palpable through the line.
Trey’s presence wasn’t Will’s business, but Justine shoved down the snarky reply threatening to escape. “Yes.We have evidence to review.”
“In that case, you don’t need me around this evening. ’Sides, I’ve got personal dealings to tend to. Text when you’re an hour out, and I’ll kennel the boys. They’ll be fine until you return.”
Justine hesitated. “Everything all right?” Not that Will shared private matters with her. In the time she’d known him, their conversations had revolved around work-related topics.
“Yep.”
“I may need to leave again tomorrow though.”
“No problem. I’ll be back in time.”
“Okay. I’ll text with tomorrow’s schedule.”
“Fine.”
She disconnected and faced Trey.
“Not that I was trying to eavesdrop, but I take it from the conversation, something’s wrong with Barney?”
“Will says he hasn’t eaten, and he needs to handle a personal matter.”
Trey’s lip twitched, but his eyes remained on the road. “Does he normally abscond when he’s supposed to be taking care of the dogs and ranch?”
She gave a dismissive sigh, not wanting to encourage Trey’s skepticism. “I’d say normal flew out the window after I was stuffed into the trunk of my own car. Besides, I have you.” Heat flushed her cheeks at the words, and she averted her eyes. “I mean, he’s aware you’re providing protection detail.”
“I’m sure that was a huge relief for old Will,” Trey said, sarcasm thick in his tone. “Is he always so concerned for your welfare?”
“Will’s rough around the edges, but he has good intentions. However, it’s clear nothing I say will convince you, so change topics.”
Trey turned north and accelerated. “I’m sorry about Barney.”
Was Will using Barney as a means of checking up on her? Regardless, if the dog wasn’t doing well, she wanted to be there. “Poor guy. Maybe he’s depressed.”
“Has he been that way before?”
“Not since he first had the surgery, but that time, he had an infection.”
Justine busied herself organizing the file. “It’s like Drazin hit the brakes and gave up.”
“Did he contact you in his investigation?” Trey asked.
“Nope. Strange, right? I considered mentioning it in our meeting with him, but he was already defensive.” Justine watched the countryside passing by her window. “I should’ve pushed harder when Kayla died.”
“Hey, don’t do that to yourself.”
Logically, Justine understood the words were meant as encouragement, but at that moment, Trey’s comment struck her as one more person throwing up their hands in helplessness while her best friend was ignored by the people who should care the most.
The irrational wave overflowed before she could stop it. “Is it better to pretend no one is responsible for Kayla’s death? That it’s a too-bad situation? Nobody is taking it seriously or dirtying their hands. Not then. And not now. We all went on with our lives, didn’t we?”
Tears welled in her eyes, and she blinked them back.
“You’re right,” Trey said softly.
She balled her hands. Hating the way her emotions interfered with her professionalism. Maybe this was a mistake. She wasn’t strong enough to fight for her friend.
“Justine, I need to tell you something.”
She exhaled, talking her brain off the ledge. “Okay.”
“I deserve your blame and anger over Kayla’s death. I’ll never try to minimize that, but please know I tried to help her. And I’ve always regretted not doing more.”
An excuse. “Let’s not talk about this any longer.”
“It’s the unwelcome elephant sitting between us.”
As if on cue, Magnum poked his head through the divider and lapped Justine’s cheek. His intrusion immediately de-escalated her mood. “You always know what to do.” She stroked the dog’s soft ears.
“He’s great about that.”
“Since you brought it up, why didn’t you respond to Kayla that night? I realize she was a lot to handle at times, but she was adamant about wanting your help.”
“I know.”
“There were very few people she trusted. And in all fairness, she’d gone to the local police. They ignored her concerns about a stalker, especially after she told them she’d thrown away the few ‘gifts’ he’d left. Kayla told the officer she had a bad feeling, and he shut her down. Said he couldn’t investigate feelings. Your disregard by not showing up was the final devastation.”
Justine withheld her own regrets, because doing so meant admitting her jealousy. Kayla’s intentions toward Trey superseded her friendship with Justine. Kayla only wanted Trey’s comfort.
