John had phoned her that morning after a sleepless night. The strain in her voice had told him that her nerves were frayed to the breaking point. She needed him. And the need to be there to protect her was like a cry inside him.
He thought of the ruse he’d put in place two days ago, passing word through Philpot that he had vital evidence to trade. He could have saved himself the trouble. By now, the police and troopers knew that Boone was the killer they were looking for. Boone wouldn’t care about getting the bullet, and any confession from him would be superfluous.
It didn’t matter, as long as they caught the bastard and put him away for the rest of his life.
The sun was low in the sky, its fading light touching the clouds with flame. Each day seemed shorter than the last. Now he could see scattered lights along the coast, growing brighter. He slowed the engine and lowered the flaps for a smooth descent to the water.
By the time he taxied into Refuge Cove, docked the Beaver, and climbed into the Jeep, it was nightfall. Unless she’d decided to stay in her room, Emma would be working. Wherever she was, he didn’t want to let her out of his sight until Boone was caught.
Without taking time to check the cabin, he drove into town. He could have called Emma from Refuge Cove, but if she was working or resting in her room, it would be best not to disturb her with a call. Either way, he wouldn’t relax until he set eyes on her.
Relief swept over him as he parked across the street and spotted her through the window of the restaurant. She was working. She was all right.
As he opened the door and stepped inside, she gave him a passing smile. But he could see the weary shadows around her eyes. She looked ready to drop.
John found an out-of-the-way table. He took a seat to wait for Emma to get a free moment. He couldn’t see David. Maybe the boy was in the kitchen.
Pearl crossed the room to his table. “That girl’s about to collapse,” she said. “You need to get her out of here and see that she gets some rest. Tell her I said it was fine. We’re not that busy tonight.”
“Thanks, I’ll do that. Where’s David, by the way?”
“He begged off for a ball game at school. Something tells me his heart isn’t in this job. If he wasn’t my nephew, I’d fire his little butt.” She smiled as she said it, assuring John that David’s job was in no danger.
Emma stopped by the table on her way back to the kitchen. “I just told this man to get you out of here,” Pearl said to her. “Go on. You’re a wreck. I can close.”
“You’re sure?”
“Just go.”
“Thanks. I could use a break.” Emma glanced down at her uniform, then at John. “Can you wait while I change? I got splattered with spaghetti sauce earlier.”
“I can go up with you,” he said, thinking of her safety.
“Don’t bother. I’ll only be a minute. Then I want to get out of here.” She hurried off toward the lobby and vanished up the stairs.
Pearl brought John a Coke while he waited. He sipped it, feeling a vague uneasiness. Maybe he should have insisted on going upstairs with her. Boone had shown himself capable of reaching her almost anywhere. What if he’d found his way into the hotel and was waiting for her in the hallway outside her door?
Maybe he should call and make sure she was all right. He took his phone out of his pocket and scrolled to her number. But before he could make the call, he saw her come into the lobby, wearing jeans, a sweater, and her quilted jacket.
He joined her, and they walked outside, into the chilly night. He checked the street as they crossed. He even checked around and inside the Jeep before he let her in. But there was no sign of Boone anywhere. Maybe he was being overly cautious. Maybe Boone was on the run, after all.
“Hungry?” he asked her, starting the Jeep.
“Not really, unless you are. Just drive. That would be fine.”
He turned onto Grant Street, planning to circle up and around the park, maybe stop for a while if she wanted, and then come back. He’d gone just a few blocks when his phone rang. David’s name came up on the caller ID.
Alarms went off in his head as he took the call. He’d given David his number the night they went out. But why would the boy be calling him?
“David? Are you all right?”
There was a beat of silence.
“Howdy there, brother.” Boone’s voice triggered a chill that passed like an icy blade through his body. “I hear you want to make a trade.”
CHAPTER 16
“What do you want, Boone?” John’s pulse slammed as he pulled the Jeep to the side of the street. He willed himself to speak calmly. Emma was staring at him, frozen in horror.