Love Inspired Suspense June 2021--Box Set 1 of 2, page 46
“Have you been up all night?”
She startled at Trey’s entrance and glanced toward her office window, where the sun crested the horizon. “I couldn’t sleep, so I was going over the evidence. Listen to this.” Justine read the quote to Trey. “I can’t help but wonder if she anticipated her death.”
Justine wrapped and unwrapped the book’s leather strap around her finger. “Here again, she says ‘He’s following me. Today I found a black rose—’”
“That would prove someone had been in her home. The police should’ve followed up.”
“They probably would’ve if she hadn’t tossed it in the trash. Regardless, a rose isn’t a death threat. It’s an intimidation technique. Everything points to Kayla knowing her killer. No forced entry, nothing stolen from her apartment and Kayla hated roses.” Justine made a note in her notebook and took a sip of coffee. “It was a warning.”
“About what? An enemy or a friend?” Trey slid onto the desk.
“Most murders are committed by people the victim knows,” Justine advised.
“True.” Trey walked to the evidence board hanging on the wall and seemed to study the haphazardly tacked-up Post-it Notes, her sketch of the kidnapper and a few quotes from Kayla’s diary. He gave a low whistle. “Impressive. And since I’m apparently several hours behind you in working, care to walk me through what you’ve found so far?”
Justine moved closer, the diary in hand. “There’s not much to go off, but I’ve managed with less.”
“That’s good news. We could break this down into—”
“No offense, but I use a methodology.”
“I’m all ears.”
Justine grinned while respectfully disagreeing. Trey Jackson was far more than just ears.
His flawless appearance showed no traces of sleeping squished on her couch, as if he’d folded himself into a drawer and unfolded again this morning. Ironically, the same could be said of Trey’s return to her life. Between him and the diary, she was getting a double dose of facing the past.
A very handsome part of her past.
Trey’s dark hair and blue eyes shadowed by thick lashes gave him a boyish appearance, but his stature and physique emphasized a commanding presence—the ultimate blend. Worse, he was kind, brave and thoughtful. The combination reminded Justine of the long-ago feelings she’d tucked away when Kayla first confessed her crush on Trey. Best friends didn’t overstep those boundaries.
Even after one of them was gone.
His presence might put her on the precipice of confronting her own long-term issues, but it certainly wasn’t unpleasant. In fact, though she’d never admit it to anyone, she was starting to enjoy being with him. She’d forgotten how charming Trey could be and how adorable those dimples were when he smiled.
“What?” Trey blinked. “Why are you looking at me like that?” He swiped a hand over his head, drawing attention to his well-defined bicep.
She glanced away and gave herself a mental slap. Not the time. Place. Or person. “Sorry, lack of sleep and I zoned out. Right. Methodology. Simply put, we assess how the murder occurred, why someone wanted Kayla dead, and that will tell us who.”
“If you’d told me that prior to your kidnapping attempts, I’d have conceded Kayla’s murder was a random drug buy gone bad. Wrong-place-at-the-wrong-time type of situation. But I think we’ve surpassed that.”
“What if Kayla was overdosed against her will? I never saw her ingest anything wilder than Tabasco sauce. If my theory is correct, surely Dr. Curtis’s new exam will confirm a struggle.” Except Dr. Curtis still hadn’t returned her call.
Trey nodded. “This is a lot of discussion prior to caffeine consumption though.”
Justine laughed. “I have a single-serve coffee maker. Help yourself. Pods are beside it.”
He scurried out of the room, and Justine focused on the evidence board. Within a few minutes, Trey returned, mug in hand. “Now I can function. However, you’re not going to like what I’m about to say.”
“I love when people start out conversations that way.”
He chuckled. “I don’t disagree with your exhumation idea, but the Kayla I knew was a little unconventional.”
Justine grinned. “That’s putting it mildly. Kayla’s personality filled a room before she entered. She was uninhibited. Daring. Fearless.”
Unlike me.
Kayla’s openness was a strength Justine didn’t possess and everything she wanted to be. “I admired her.” The confession surprised Justine. Why share that?
“How can you be certain she never used?”
Justine shrugged. “Experience and faith. If Kayla’s death is the result of an overdose, I don’t believe it was voluntary.”
Her cell phone rang, and Justine reached for the device. Unknown number.
“Justine Stark.”
“This is Susan Nolan.”
Confusion mingled with excitement, and Justine waved her arms and put the call on speaker. “Mrs. Nolan, good morning.”
A sniffle. “I need to talk to you and Trooper Jackson.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Not now. In person. I have information regarding Kayla’s death. Information that will get me killed if he finds out.”
“Who?”
Susan continued, ignoring the question. “Meet me in Valentine, at the bridge on the Cowboy Trail. Five o’clock.”
“If you’re in danger, the police—”
“Just be there.”
The line disconnected.
“At least she gave us time to make the drive,” Trey grumbled. “That’s halfway across Nebraska.”
“It’s only four hours away.”
Trey sighed. “What’s she up to?”
“She sounded genuinely fearful.”
“But why come to us now? Why not go straight to the cops? And who is ‘he’?”
“Maybe the bombing at Alex’s office scared her into speaking up? Plus, this works in our favor. We’ll explain the need for the exhumation and get her to back off. She could stop the stupid seventy-two-hour time limit too.”
“I hope you’re right. I hate to be a downer, but unless Susan gives us something substantial, we’re stuck at square one. There really aren’t any other earth-shattering clues.”
“Kayla deserves justice. You can’t just say ‘If we don’t find something, oh well.’”
“Then this meeting has to count. If we can link your profile to someone Kayla knew, we’d have evidence to demand more time.”
Justine shook her head. “It doesn’t work like that. I can’t go in with the intentions of pinning it to a specific person. That’s a bias all by itself. We have to work every clue fresh.”
Magnum strolled into the room, favoring his good side.
“Good morning, sleepy boy,” she said, ruffling his fur.
“Glad you could join us,” Trey teased. “He was zonked out when I woke.”
“Poor guy. We did have a stressful day, and sitting in that truck must get old.”
“He gets breaks, but I could let him stay inside.”
“On a hot day, are you kidding?”
Trey stepped forward. “Patrol canine vehicles are equipped with a thermostat-control safety feature. If the interior exceeds the temperature, the windows automatically roll down.”
Justine rose again. “Every vehicle should offer that.”
“I agree. And see this?” He pointed to the small black box on the front of his tactical vest. “If I push the button, Magnum’s door opens and he’s trained to run to me.”
“That’s too cool.” She leaned against the desk, considering her next words. “He did wonders for Barney’s attitude last night. Why not leave him at the ranch? He enjoys exploring the property with the boys. It’d be good for them.”
Trey visibly bristled. “No way. Magnum is my partner. He goes where I go.”
Justine held up a hand. “Magnum shouldn’t move around a lot with his injury. And you installed cameras, so you’ll be able to keep an eye on him. I’m only thinking of his best interest.”
“As if I don’t?”
“I never said that.”
“I’m not leaving my partner with Will.” Trey spewed the man’s name as if it tasted bad in his mouth.
Justine stiffened, fixing her eyes on Trey. “Will takes great care of the boys. I’d never leave my dogs in the custody of someone I thought would hurt them. I trust him implicitly.”
“Even after last night? The snare gun?” Trey gave a dismissive snort, crossing his arms. “Will is one factor we’ll have to agree to disagree about.”
Justine dropped onto her chair, hesitant to share her painful history with Trey. But he needed to understand. “I’m careful about those I allow into my inner circle. I learned at the wise age of nineteen how damaging misplaced trust can be.”
He uncrossed his arms, the defensiveness deflating in his posture. “I’m listening.”
“Simon and I were engaged for two months. I’d fallen hard for him and never considered he’d abuse my trust. Imagine my surprise when he cleaned out my bank account and disappeared with the few things of value from my home.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It took me a long time to listen to my instincts, and it’s partly why I chose psychology. It became a shield for me. I may not do a lot of things well, but human behavior is something I understand. You don’t have to like Will, but at least respect my competency in choosing him to watch over my animals.”
Trey sighed. “Your expertise is never in question. I wish I saw him the way you do, but too many details point to him being involved with the attempts on your life.”
“Or your perception is painting that picture. Magnum would be fine here with Barney and the boys.”
Trey shook his head. “Magnum is fine. I’d never compromise his recovery. He needs the interaction and enjoys working. Being left behind depresses him, and he’s already contributed immensely in this investigation, even while recouping. Of all people, I’d think you’d appreciate the mental and emotional components of his total healing.”
The words were like daggers. If he thought her opinion was valuable, why did he refute and shoot down everything she said? The tension hung thick between them, sucking the air from the room. Justine turned her back to Trey and busied herself with the evidence board.
“Justine, I don’t mean to sound ungrateful.”
“No problem.”
He placed a hand on her shoulder. “Truth is, I’m probably more in need of Magnum than he is of me.”
She nodded, still feeling the sting of his words.
“I’m truly sorry for what Simon did to you.”
She forced a smile. “Experience gives us the wisdom to make better future choices. I resolved to never compromise myself by being codependent. If I ever entrusted my heart—and, believe me, that’s a big-fat-hairy-green if—it’ll be after I’ve accomplished my goals and done the things I want. I know that sounds selfish, but Simon tried to steal my dreams. I won’t give someone that power again.”
Trey’s gaze moved downward. “But a healthy relationship encourages a couple to work together, ensuring their hopes are realized.”
Rebellion and fear swam, conjuring images of her tyrannical father and cowering mother. “Not in my experience. Relationships are detrimental. I’ve got no interest.”
Trey’s smile never reached his eyes. “Sure. I get that. Me either. Got too much to do before I consider settling down.”
Magnum whined.
“I’d better take him outside.” His footsteps faded down the hallway.
In one conversation, they’d gone from teasing lightheartedness to high-towered distance. Just as well. They were working a case. Nothing more.
She glanced at the diary, her eye catching Kayla’s script. Justine keeps me grounded.
Great. Killjoy Justine and Whimsical Kayla had fit together like two halves of the same book, almost as if they’d completed the missing pieces for one another. Justine had seen a side of Kayla most people hadn’t—subtle and gentle. Something she’d hidden from her affluent parents. They’d bonded over the complexities of family dramas and agreed vulnerability was an intolerable weakness.
“I miss you, Kayla.” Justine perched on the end of the old wooden desk.
This was the one chance she had to prove how much she cared for Kayla.
Trey strolled with Magnum outside the window, conversing with the dog. Tenderness for him flowed through her. If she did think herself capable of romance with someone, Trey would be at the top of her list. But he was off-limits. Wouldn’t falling for him be the ultimate betrayal to Kayla? Friends didn’t do that to each other.
Objectivity without emotion was the recipe for a successful profile. If only her feelings understood what her brain knew.
The door shut, and the clicking of Magnum’s feet on the hardwood floor announced their return.
She’d not allow another man to prop her up, because that gave him the power to tear her down. She’d come too far, sacrificed too much to heal.
Never again.
Not even to Trey Jackson—the one man who held her heart in his hands, regardless if he knew it.
* * *
“Where are you taking me?” Justine leaned forward, hands braced on the dashboard. Golden tassels waved from the peaks of the sea of cornstalks. “Isn’t there a parking lot closer to the bridge?”
Trey never took his eyes off the road. “I agreed to this meeting, especially if she’s got something to offer in the investigation, but we’re not advertising our arrival.”
“So we’re hiking through acres of corn to get there?”
“I’m still not convinced this is the best idea. We could be walking into an ambush. My only consolation is the trail is wide, giving me a good visual, and we’re taking an alternative path to the bridge.”
“You know this area?”
“Somewhat. I have one condition to this expedition.”
“What’s that?” Justine busied herself collecting her purse and the diary.
“If I see anything that concerns me, we’re out of here.”
Justine slid Kayla’s journal into her khaki pants pocket. “Okay.”
“Why not leave that locked in the truck?”
“As ridiculous as this might sound, having the diary with me is like keeping Kayla close. Gives me courage.”
“You’re the last person I’d think needed a dose of courage.”
Justine grinned. “See? It works.”
He chuckled, but something in his eyes said “choose your battles.” And she’d agree. After the morning’s dissension, this was small potatoes. “I have to say again, for the record, I’m not sure this is a good idea.”
“What choice do we have? Susan sounded desperate, and you heard Alex. If Fredrick is a tyrant, he could’ve killed Kayla. Susan might provide the missing piece to give us the break we need.”
Trey worked his jaw but said nothing more. He turned off the road and parked in a small area tucked between rows of corn. The stalks enveloped the truck, camouflaging it.
“If you didn’t know this place was here, you’d drive right past it.”
“Exactly. We’re hidden.”
“Do you think that’s necessary?” Justine second-guessed herself. Was meeting Susan naive?
Trey gripped the steering wheel. “I don’t know.”
“Well, now I feel all warm and fuzzy,” Justine teased, attempting to lighten the mood. “Come on. We’ll make this quick and get out of here.” She stepped into the towering plants and around to where Trey stood at the tailgate.
Magnum wagged his tail, rocking a cornstalk.
“After you.”
Trey led the way. Grasshoppers bounced between them, and the excessive temperature plastered her shirt to her back. They traipsed through the field until it opened to a dirt lot, eventually leading to the Cowboy Trail. Trees surrounded them on both sides of the red gravel path bordered by yellow and purple flowering plants.
“This is pretty.”
Trey didn’t respond, focused on surveying their surroundings.
“I appreciate your dedication to our safety, but it’s a little perplexing.”
He stopped and lifted the binoculars, scanning the distance. “I promise to be better company once I’m certain there’s no one out to ambush us.”
“It even smells nice.” Justine leaned down, sniffing a flower, birds chirping cheerfully above her. “I remember seeing pictures on the news about the river flooding here this past spring. It was devastating, but to see it now, you’d never know it happened.”
“Nature has a way of recovering from tragedy.” Trey started walking again, and she hurried to catch up with him.
“It’s like we’re the only two people out here.”
Trey paused. “Let’s hope so.”
“You’re making me nervous.”
“Just being cautious.” Trey stooped and removed Magnum’s leash, giving the dog free rein. “He’d spot someone before I did.”
“Good idea. How far is the bridge?”
“Probably a half mile or so, which is why we’re here extra early.”
They made their way along the path tucked between lush green foliage. Focused on the scenery, Justine spotted a mulberry tree and moved toward it, nearly tripping over Magnum as he paused beneath it. “Sorry, sweetie.”
Trey rushed to her side and reached for Magnum’s collar. “Mags, no. He loves mulberries.”
Justine snickered. “Ah, let the poor guy have a treat. Besides, who passes on fresh mulberries?”
Magnum snatched more abandoned berries, proving her words.
“Want one?” Justine picked a couple, popped them into her mouth and relished the sweet fruit.
Trey smiled. “We loved gathering them as kids. My grandmother had rows of mulberry trees. She made it sound fun, but I’m sure we were cheap labor. Will work for mulberry pie.” He waggled his eyebrows, and Justine couldn’t help laughing.
