by Rebecca Deel
“I want a list of people you talk to at the Willow Run site,” Rod said.
“You’re out of luck. The crews were at other sites today. I was alone.”
“So, we only have your word that you visited Willow Run for an hour before heading to PSI.”
Ethan held up his hand to forestall his detective from saying more. “Where did you go once you left PSI?”
“To Linc Creed’s home. He had a leak under his kitchen sink, too.” His lip curled. “This was a day for plumbing problems.”
Rod scowled. “How did you fix the leak at Linc’s if you left your pipe wrench at Riva’s?”
“I have more than one wrench.” Rod needed to finish the questions soon. Nicole’s face was too pale. He prayed the patch would kick in soon.
“How was Riva when you left her home?”
Mason’s hand tightened around Nicole’s. In his mind, he heard the prison doors clang shut behind him. “Alive and well. Why are you interested in my wrench?”
“Evidence points to your wrench as the murder weapon.”
Although he’d expected that answer, the news still hit him like a blow to the gut. Mason drew in a careful breath. He couldn’t face prison again. He almost hadn’t survived the first time around. If he was sent back, he would lose Nicole. What woman wanted to stick around and wait for her man to serve out time for murder. Tennessee was also a death penalty state. He could lose his life as well as the woman he adored.
“He didn’t do it,” Nicole insisted.
“You have proof?” Rod demanded.
“I told you the man who hit me wore cologne. Mason doesn’t wear any. Colognes and perfumes give me migraines.”
“That’s not enough.”
“Then get out there and find the real killer,” she snapped. “Don’t assume Mason’s guilty because he has a record.” Nicole grabbed the green can and sipped more of the soft drink as she glared at the detective.
Mason stood. “Nicole needs to rest. The questions can wait.”
The detective scowled. “I have a murder to solve and you’re the prime suspect.”
“Why am I not surprised? I’ll answer questions tomorrow. Right now, I’m more worried about Nicole than you.”
“We’ll go,” Ethan said. “For now. Don’t leave town.”
“Where would I go? You can track anyone anywhere.”
“You have friends with safe houses almost impossible to find. I don’t want to go up against Brent Maddox, but I will if I have to.”
“Think about this while you order his prison jumpsuit,” Nicole said. “If Mason killed Riva, who hit me and shoved Dawn? I know beyond a doubt that it wasn’t him.”
Rod shrugged. “Mason spent years in prison. One of his cell mates or friends could have done the job for him.”
“Are you kidding me?” Nicole’s voice rose. “Maybe I gave you too much credit for intelligence, Detective Kelter.”
“Enough, Nicole.” Mason met her fiery gaze. “He has a job to do.”
“He’s doing a lousy job.”
He couldn’t argue with that, but she wouldn’t do herself or Mason any favors if she continued to antagonize Rod.
“Same restriction applies to you, Nicole,” Ethan said, voice soft. “Don’t leave town.”
Her mouth gaped. “I’m a suspect, too?”
“You’re in love with the man at the top of the suspect list. You want to help him? Think about what happened. Any clue you pass along will help us find the real killer sooner.”
Mason froze. “You don’t believe I killed Riva?”
“In the past two years, you haven’t stepped out of line once. In fact, you go out of your way to be an outstanding citizen. You didn’t kill Riva. Now, we need to find the evidence to nab the man who did.”
Some of the knots in his stomach untied themselves. Thank God. Mason shifted his attention to the detective. “What about you? Do you think I’m guilty?”
The corners of his lips lifted. “My job is to investigate every possibility.”
“What does that mean?” Nicole said.
“I have to follow leads no matter if I believe a suspect is guilty or not.”
A tap sounded on the door and Trent poked his head inside. “Food’s here.”
Nicole groaned, clutching her stomach. “Don’t say that word.”
Ethan glanced at Rod and inclined his head toward the door. “We’ll let you rest. Be vigilant, Nicole. The killer is still out there, and I don’t want you and your friend to be collateral damage.”
“No problem. I’ll have a shadow for a while anyway.”
An eyebrow rose. “Fortress is providing a bodyguard?”
“The Fortress teams at PSI are in charge of security for Nicole and Dawn,” Trent said.
“If you feel the need for a safe house outside of town, I need to know the location before you make the move.”
“Yes, sir.”
Ethan turned to Mason. “You have my number. Use it. If you need me, I’ll be there.”
“Thanks.”
The police chief left the room followed by Rod.
“What do you want to do about your meal, Mase?” Trent asked.
“Go eat, Mason.” Nicole gave him a wan smile. “I’m not going anywhere, and I don’t want you to starve. Trent will watch over me.”
“I’ll be fine.” His stomach chose that moment to growl.
“Don’t be stubborn.” She released his hand. “If it will make you feel better, send Matt in here. He can keep me company for a few minutes.”
Knowing that she’d worry if he didn’t take care of himself, Mason bent and brushed his lips over hers. “I won’t be long.” He turned and looked at Trent.
The operative smiled. “I’ve got her, Mase. No worries.”
Why did he wonder when the next disaster would strike?
CHAPTER SIX
Nicole opened her eyes to slits to identify the person who slipped into her room and was relieved to recognize the dark-haired medic from the Bravo team. She’d had more than enough poking and prodding by the doctors and nurses at Memorial. “Thanks for staying, Matt. I figured you would abandon ship and go home to your wife.”
“I have a soft spot for Otter Creek’s favorite pet groomer. How’s the nausea?”
“Starting to ease. I could use something for the headache, though. I feel like my head’s going to explode at the next loud noise.”
“Your nurse is making the rounds now with the med cart. She should be here soon.” He removed the limp ice pack. “Mason seemed upset when he left your room.”
“He has a right to be,” she murmured, shutting her eyes again. She didn’t have to be on guard with Matt at her bedside. “He’s the prime suspect in Riva Kemper’s murder.”
“Kelter is a good detective. He’ll find the real killer.”
Nicole’s lips curved, pleased the medic assumed Mason was innocent. Would other people in town give him the benefit of the doubt or believe the worst? “One of Mason’s wrenches might have been used as the murder weapon.”
“Does he have an alibi for the time of the murder?”
She’d been too lost in a haze of pain to remember much about Mason’s answers. “That depends on when Riva died. Part of the afternoon, Mason was on a job site by himself, inspecting work completed by construction crews.”
Matt blew out a breath. “Too bad someone couldn’t vouch for his whereabouts during that time.”
No kidding. The timing couldn’t be worse. Otter Creek wasn’t that large, though. Someone had to see him going to the Willow Run site or leaving it, and verify the timeline for Rod and Ethan.
Nicole sighed. Even if they found someone, that wouldn’t be enough to convince Rod to focus his attention elsewhere. Mason could have slipped away from the site and returned to Riva’s place with no one the wiser if he was careful.
What Rod seemed determined to ignore was that Mason didn’t have a motive to kill the real estate agent. Second, the construction wor
ker would never lay a hand on Nicole in anger. In the past year, he had treated her with respect and gentleness, grateful that she’d given him a chance instead of condemning him for his wayward past. No, she knew in her heart Mason wasn’t responsible for her injuries.
A light tap sounded on the door. Trent said, “The nurse is here with your medicine, Nicole.”
“Hallelujah. Maybe I’ll survive the next hour.”
He chuckled and a moment later the nurse wheeled in a cart.
“I have the pain medicine Dr. Anderson prescribed for you, Ms. Copeland.”
Nicole squinted at her, flinching at the bright light from the hallway. “I groom your poodle, Misty. You don’t need to be so formal. Call me Nicole.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
After she swallowed the capsules, she thanked the nurse. “Isn’t it about time for me to see Candy?” The standard poodle, a favorite customer, was a sweet girl with beautiful dark eyes and chocolate-colored fur.
“She’s overdue for a haircut and bath. I’ll call tomorrow to make an appointment.” Her gaze drifted to the side of Nicole’s head. “How were you hurt?”
“A guy whacked me with a hard object.”
“Oh, wow. Do you know who it was?”
“No clue.” Even if she did, Ethan and Rod wouldn’t appreciate her spreading details about an ongoing investigation. She’d heard through the grapevine that they were prickly about such matters and didn’t want to be on their bad side.
Misty looked troubled. “Are you sure you didn’t recognize the man?”
Nicole stared at the nurse. “If you’re wondering if Mason is to blame, the answer is a definite no.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you, but we see a lot of domestic abuse patients in the ER.”
She shoved aside her irritation. “I appreciate your concern, Misty. Rest assured, my assailant wasn’t Mason.”
“You’ll tell someone if he ever hurts you?”
Seriously? She understood people were concerned and wasn’t immune to the stares and whispers, but Mason was a good man. Why wouldn’t people take him at face value instead of assuming he was a hardened criminal who had zero regard for human life or the people he loved? “Absolutely.”
Misty relaxed. “Good. If you want anything, press the call button. I’ll bring whatever you need.”
“She needs another ice pack,” Matt said as he handed her the warm one, his tone cool.
The nurse dropped her gaze. “Yes, sir. I’ll bring a fresh one in a few minutes.” A moment later, she was gone.
“You have to teach me how to intimidate with a stare. I have a feeling I’ll need the skill before Ethan and Rod catch the real killer.”
The medic moved a chair to the foot of Nicole’s bed. “She won’t be the only one to assume Mason is guilty and that you’re covering for him.”
“It’s not fair. Why won’t people give him a chance?”
“He’s winning Otter Creek over. People who know him won’t automatically think the worst.”
“You didn’t.”
“Because I know him. Delilah and I also spend a lot of time with you both plus he’s remodeled part of our home.”
Unfortunately, not enough people had overcome their preconceived notions to see Mason as the man he’d become instead of the college graduate who made a poor decision to drink and drive, and paid for it by spending years of his life behind bars.
“The pain medicine should kick in soon. When it does, you’ll be sleepy. Don’t fight it. You’ll heal faster if you rest.”
Easy for him to say. He didn’t have a nuclear bomb threatening to explode in his head. “Yes, Doctor.”
Matt chuckled. “Still have the attitude, I see. Guess that means you’ll live.”
She snuggled deeper into the pillow. As the pain medicine kicked in, she let herself drift, registering muted conversations and the squeak of Misty’s medicine cart, yet not focusing on anything. Although the headache still nagged at her, the nausea had subsided to a manageable level. Nicole hoped she made enough progress for Dr. Anderson to release her as promised.
A short while later, the door opened and she hissed when someone placed a new ice pack at the back of her neck.
“I’ll remove it in twenty minutes,” Matt murmured. When she shivered, he draped a blanket over her.
Later, the door opened again and a large hand with roughened skin wrapped around one of her own. Nicole’s lips curved. “Mason,” she whispered.
“I’m here. Rest. I’ll watch over you.”
“Dawn?”
“In good hands with Linc. They’re in the waiting room down the hall. It’s small and isolated. If anyone means to harm her, they’ll have to go through Linc first.”
The time with Linc would allow Dawn the opportunity to get to know the handsome PSI instructor. “Love you.”
“I love you, too.” His voice sounded thick.
“Two months, six days, and fourteen hours until our wedding.”
A soft chuckle. “I can’t wait to introduce you as my wife.”
“Second best day of my life was the day you asked me to marry you. First day was the day I met you.”
“I’m honored that you said yes when I proposed. I won’t let you down.”
“We won’t let each other down. We’re a team, Kincaid.”
He squeezed her hand.
The pain medicine tugged her down again and the low-voiced conversation between Mason and Matt became background noise as she drifted to sleep. The next time she surfaced, Dr. Anderson entered the room. After talking to the medic, Anderson walked to her bedside.
“How is the headache, my dear?”
“Tolerable with the pain meds.”
He patted her hand. “Excellent.” The physician assessed her condition for himself and appeared satisfied with what he found. “If you still insist on leaving our fine facility, I’ll sign your release papers.”
“Thanks, Doc. You’re the best. If you get yourself a dog, he or she will have free grooming for life.”
A laugh. “I work too many hours to have a dog. If I ever retire and adopt a pet, I’ll take you up on your offer.”
“Deal.”
“Misty will be in soon with your discharge paperwork and instructions although I don’t suppose you’ll need the instructions with Grace to watch over you. The main thing I want is your promise to return if your symptoms worsen. No hiding the truth from Grace.”
“I promise.” Anything to get out of here.
Twenty minutes later, Nicole and her entourage exited the hospital with Trent in the lead. Linc sat behind the wheel of his idling SUV near the ER entrance. Nicole climbed into the backseat with Mason while Dawn sat in the shotgun seat. When Trent signaled Linc, the operative drove from the hospital with Matt following behind them. The St. Claires brought up the rear.
Her stomach began to churn. Nicole closed her eyes and prayed she wouldn’t barf in Linc’s SUV. Talk about embarrassing.
Mason’s hand tightened around hers. “How are you?”
“Praying we don’t hit a traffic jam.”
Linc’s gaze shot to the rearview mirror. “You sick?”
“Trying not to be.”
The SUV shot forward. “If you need to puke, tell me and I’ll pull over.” He drove through the center of town, then hung a right on Poplar Road. Thank goodness the St. Claire home wasn’t much farther.
A mile before the turnoff, Linc slammed on his brakes and skidded to a stop.
“What’s wrong?” Mason leaned forward to peer through the windshield and groaned. “You’ve got to be kidding.”
Nicole stared at the big furry object standing at the side of the road, making a bush a late-night snack. “Oh, brother. Which camel is it?” A grizzled farmer who lived outside of town owned a couple of camels at the request of his granddaughter. One of those camels was a real Houdini who regularly slipped from the pasture where the animal normally grazed with cattle.
Linc gl
ared at the animal. “Bonnie. Clyde is a homebody.”
“We can’t leave her here,” Dawn said. “Someone might hit her.”
“I know who to call.”
A moment later, a familiar voice filled the cabin. “Yeah, Cahill.”
“It’s Linc. You’re on speaker with Dawn Metcalf, Mason, and Nicole. I need your camel whisperer skills.”
A growl came through the speakers. “I’ll call old man Lawrence. Where’s Bonnie this time?”
“Intersection of Blue Spruce and Dogwood. She’s making a meal out of Mrs. Waterman’s bushes.”
“Great. Mrs. Waterman will have a fit.”
“I’d stick around but Mason and I don’t want Nicole and Dawn out in the open for long.”
“I understand. I’m two minutes out. If Bonnie moves, she won’t go far. Good thing I restocked the chips supply in my cruiser.”
Dawn frowned. “Chips?”
“Yes, ma’am. Bonnie won’t budge unless you bribe her with potato chips.”
“Good to know for future reference.”
“She loves people, but if you interact with her, watch out for your hair. Bonnie’s been known to pull out strands with her enthusiastic attention. Linc?”
“Yes, sir?”
Nicole’s eyebrows winged up at the deference Linc paid to Josh until she remembered that Josh was Linc’s boss at PSI.
“You two have backup for the night?”
“Trent. We’re staying with him and Grace. We’ll be fine. No one will get past us to harm the women.”
“I’ll make it a point to drive by Trent’s on my rounds. If anything happens, I want to know about it.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Nicole?”
She blinked. “Yes?”
“You’re in good hands. Trust the men guarding you. They’ll keep you safe.”
She turned her head to smile at Mason who tucked her closer to his side. “I know. Thanks for watching over us tonight, Josh.”
“Glad to do it. I’m one minute out, Linc. Get moving.”
“Copy that. Bonnie hasn’t moved.” He ended the call, eased around the camel, and continued toward the St. Claire home. Five minutes later, he parked in the long driveway near the front door.
When Dawn reached for the door handle, Linc stilled her movement by laying his hand on her arm. “Wait until I’m sure it’s safe.”