Chapter Twelve
“What happened?” Easton looked over the granite island to Gus and tightened his grip on Kinley’s hand. When she moved closer to him, he knew with soul-deep clarity he would give his life to protect her. He’d long ago acknowledged that the horrible abuse he’d endured didn’t make him less of a person, but that didn’t mean he was unscathed. He was a splintered bone that never fused back the same way. A wound that refused to scab. The memories were always there, waiting until he least expected them to slam into his chest. The pain so acute and fresh, nothing ever seemed to dull the sensation. Until Kinley. Her strength fortified his own, and something unexpected soothed the old lesions. Happiness. His innocence might’ve been taken, but what he did with his future, the love and happiness he experienced, was his alone.
“The coroner identified the intruder at Kinley’s apartment.” Gus placed both hands on the edge of the counter. “Marshall Redding. Twenty-six. Low-level security guard from Oasis Renewable Energy.”
“That’s directly across from the bureau’s office,” he said.
Kinley inhaled a sharp breath. “If he was unhappy with his situation, it wouldn’t take much for someone to sway him to take a side job. Extra cash, a real piece of the action.”
“Especially if the person doing the convincing carried their own badge and security clearance.” Gus pressed his lips together in a grim line.
A loud chime echoed through the room, catching all three of them off guard. Kinley let out a huff and rolled her eyes. “Guess we’re all wound up tight.” She let go of his hand to grab the device from her pocket, and the loss of the physical connection hit him immediately. “It’s a text from Merry, the dispatcher at work. She found something.” Her fingers flew over the small letter icons, the screen illuminating her pretty face.
I was walking to my car and noticed a note on the cruiser you drive. No one’s taken it out since the homicide.
I saw your story on the news last night and was worried.
I brought the message inside to the lieutenant.
Kinley sent the message she’d typed out, even as her phone kept ringing with incoming texts. What did it say?
Almost immediately, the other woman responded. Soon.
He’d been expecting Kinley’s fear, but instead, her face twisted in anger.
Maybe I’m overreacting. It wasn’t even addressed to you, but I wanted to give you a head’s up. You’re the most fearless woman I know. I’m so sorry for all you went through.
Kinley’s neck and chest reddened, and he swore she bared her teeth. She snapped out another text and hit send.
Who was it for?
A moment passed, then another. Kinley was staring at the screen of her phone while Gus and he exchanged concerned looks. The phone pinged, and she read the text. Tightness formed around her eyes. She angled the phone toward him, then Gus, so they could both read the message.
Someone named Janie.
Anger roiled in his gut, digging and clawing, desperate for vengeance. “How well do you know this woman?”
“Merry?” She tossed down the phone, and the hard plastic case clattered on the stone surface. “Christ, she’s not only trustworthy, she’s an angel. Plus, she’s no threat. Makes Sasha look tall. The only harm she’s ever inflicted is a few inches around the hips with all the treats she spoils us with.”
“Heard that,” Sasha yelled from the living room where she and Julie were watching television on the couch.
“The point is, Merry is not involved.” Kinley angled her body toward him, resting one elbow on the counter.
“I’d have to agree with Kinley on this one.” Gus stepped back and crossed his arms over his chest. “Although…”
“What?” He didn’t want them missing even the smallest detail because they were friendly with the dispatcher.
“Her father’s FBI,” Gus said. “Retired, so maybe it’s a stretch. But you did mention you thought there was a leak. Maybe he still has access to information through friends.”
“He was a decorated agent.” Kinley rolled her shoulders. “It’s not him. I’d know. The voice, it’s not right. Merry’s dad has a deep baritone and brown eyes. The man who took me… I’ll never forget the high pitch of his voice. Or his eyes. This terrible milky blue.”
His stomach churned at the thought of Kinley being violated. He shoved his emotions away and focused. “What if he was protecting someone?”
“Shit.” Gus rubbed his hand over his mouth. “He’s at the barracks a helluva lot.”
Kinley sighed. “Delivering coffee to Merry. He hardly snoops around.”
“But he’s buddies with the lieutenant. Everyone’s used to seeing him around.” Gus flashed Kinley a pointed look.