by DiAnn Mills
Lindsay trembled. “Meghan, what’s going on? It has to be serious for all of you to be here.”
“Just something you need to know.”
Lindsay’s gaze darted from Meghan to Dave. “Is my dad okay?”
“Yes.” Meghan eased beside her on the porch swing.
Lindsay grasped her hands. “I’m ready. Dave, I don’t mean any disrespect, but please let Meghan tell me what’s going on.”
“No problem.” He touched her knee. “You can handle this.”
Meghan took her hand. “Ash received Ethan’s autopsy report this morning. It shows our friend was poisoned by the plant he warned us all about.”
“Oleander,” Lindsay whispered.
“Yes.”
“Who did it?”
“We’re not sure.”
Lindsay gripped Meghan’s hand. “Ethan and Chip ate their own food.” She gasped. “Oh no. Pepper brought him iced tea every night.” She stood. “Where is she?”
“She left this morning. The authorities are looking for her.”
Chapter 71
Ash stared out into the dark night, watching, listening, and always wondering if tonight Burnette planned to eliminate Lindsay. The day had been worse than stressful. Adrenaline had poured into every breath the moment he received the autopsy report indicating Ethan’s cause of death. Pepper. How had he not seen through her deceit? Ash Zinders, A2Z, accuracy of 85 percent in detecting lies. Pepper had played a good game. For that matter, she’d even threatened to poison him.
In two more hours, when his shift ended, he’d check his e-mail again to see if Pepper had been found. But his gut feeling said she was either out of the country or dead. At 2330, his phone rang. Warrington.
“Found Pepper Davis east of Austin.”
Ash’s throat ran dry. “Did you get a confession?”
“She had a bullet in her head. Her car had been set on fire, but we got to it before it exploded.”
Execution style. “What happens now?”
“I’m scheduled to talk to the president in the morning.”
“Are we moving Lindsay?”
“That’s up to the president. The VP still believes she’s safest there. He claims his cook must have been working alone in some vendetta against Ethan Leonard, and that’s why she left.”
Ash attempted to push aside his anger, but the stupidity ringing through his ears shoved aside respect for his boss. “Is all of DC deaf and blind to what’s happening here? I have three murders, and you think Lindsay is safest here?”
“Ash, you aren’t stating anything I haven’t voiced to the president. I’ll—”
“Don’t give me the ‘I’ll call you later’ line. Lindsay may have had her moments that drove us all nuts, but someone is trying hard to kill her and those closest to her. You and I know it’s someone connected to this ranch.”
“I can’t give the order to move her.”
“I’m ready to move her on my own.”
“Then what happens when you’re followed and she ends up dead?”
Warrington had hit him in the face with the truth. “What would you do?”
“Don’t trust anyone but Agent Connors. I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can. Hold on. This is the president now.”
Ash waited. However, patience had long since left his data bank. He prayed the president thought through what was happening at the Dancin’ Dust and the futility of trusting Scottard Burnette.
“Ash, the president is talking to the First Lady and the vice president in the morning.”
Ash wanted to throw his cell phone. If he knew of a safe place to hide Lindsay until this was over, he’d already be there.
When Rick took over Ash’s shift, he saw no other way than to enlist Chip’s help. And he needed that help tonight. Ash knocked on his door. He heard the TV blaring.
“Chip, got a minute? I’d like to talk to you.”
Chip opened the door, and he motioned Ash inside. “How many times have we had these conversations?”
“Too many.” Ash stepped inside and seated himself in front of the TV. When Chip reached to turn it off, Ash stopped him. “I don’t want anyone overhearing our conversation.”
“What do you need this time? I’ve opened a tack box, let you borrow my Mustang, answered vague questions in which you leave out pertinent information. And before that, I was accused of murder.” He lifted a brow, indicating a hint of anger. “What’s left, my blood?”
Ash wondered if after he told Chip the truth, he’d cooperate. “I had that coming and more. You deserve to know what’s going on here.”
“Humor me a moment. After all, I’m a stats man. Detail and problem-solving are my expertise.”
Apprehension seized Ash. He was in this for broke, and Chip had already figured out much of this on his own. Warrington had told him not to trust anyone but Meghan, but he had to go on instinct. Chip had proved himself when Meghan had nearly been killed by one of Burnette’s men. “Go ahead.”
“You and Meghan are working separate of the team assigned to Lindsay. From my understanding, Secret Service agents protect key people, not solve murders. That tells me you two are working independent of Washington.” He picked up a photo of Ethan, then replaced it. His body language was open. “So I asked myself, why? When Meghan was in the hospital, I had hours to think, and my mind hasn’t shut down since.” He rubbed his palms. “I began putting happenings and bits of conversations together. Things you, Meghan, and Lindsay said and didn’t say.” He studied Ash. “You haven’t stopped me, so I must be on the right road.”
Ash kept his emotions intact. “I’m listening. Keep going.”
“You think Burnette’s behind this. Tough position. Dangerous, too. He’s the vice president. The president’s longtime friend. Supposedly Lindsay’s uncle and counselor. However, I know she despises him. You can’t go to anyone else because you don’t know who’s wallowing in the mud with him. Neither can you leave to dig up the stuff you need to prove his guilt.”
From Chip’s smug look, Ash considered backing off, but curiosity drove him on. “Anything else?”
Chip’s eyes narrowed. “Pepper may have poisoned my dad, but I want whoever ordered his death prosecuted. Wade was a friend, and I’ll never forget his shooting. A dedicated woman nearly lost her life in this mess, all due to a mysterious killer, who obviously is not a spurned drug dealer. And Lindsay has her own share of problems without being chased by a stalker. I don’t know the why, but I’m getting there.” He scuffed the floor with his boot. “You asked me about Erin. She’s one tough ex-Marine. Tell me I’m wrong.”
“Maybe the Secret Service should recruit you.”
He shook his head. “Been thinking about the FBI.”
“Can’t let you do that. We’re rivals.”
They laughed, and it eased the mounting tension. Ash had to trust him. He took a deep breath and told Chip the whole story.
“Pure coke?” Chip’s body stiffened. “It keeps getting worse.”
Ash nodded, studying him. Looking for signs of deceit. “I haven’t taken you into my confidence to pass away the time.”
“Figured that. What can I do?”
“You’re not a trained professional. What I’m about to ask means you could be headed into a den of wolves.”
“Let me decide that. I don’t have much else to lose.”
Except Lindsay—and your life. “I need to find out if Erin Burnette is conspiring with the VP.”
“I’m all over it.”
“Burnette won’t want you leaving the ranch for a couple of days.”
“I’ll tell him I need to get away. The constraints you’ve put on me are more than I can handle right now.”
“And you’re sure? If Meghan and I go down with this, chances are you will too.”
“I’ll do it. Erin and I have talked a few times. I could attempt to look her up. If I find her, I’ll ask her out. If she’s nowhere around, then I’ll knock on a few doors. She tol
d me about living in a little town in central Idaho.”
“I have the address inside.”
“She claimed to teach third grade.”
“I’ve confirmed that. How soon would you be ready to leave?”
“I’ll call Burnette first thing in the morning and leave before noon. How long do you think it will take me?”
“How about three days or less? I’ll get you a cell phone before you leave.”
“Sounds good. Burnette’s an early riser, so I’ll be at the house around 0600 to place the call.”
Ash reached to shake his hand. “You’re a good man, Chip.”
“Thanks. I tried to tell you that a long time ago. I want Lindsay safe.”
Ash saw the glint of love in Chip’s eyes at the mention of her name. “We all do.”
Chapter 72
Sunday at noon, Lindsay picked through her salad. Meghan sat beside her poolside, along with Dave and Carla. These people had done enough for her, and it was time she gave back. Lindsay mentally listed what Burnette had done since her arrival at the Dancin’ Dust. He’d bombed her car, killing one person and hurting another. He’d arranged for Wade’s murder. He’d attempted to eliminate Meghan—twice. He’d ordered Pepper executed, so she couldn’t be questioned about Ethan’s death. And those were only the things she knew. Ash or Dave would probably be next. Or Chip, because he’d befriended her. Or maybe her father.
I’m the only one who can bring this to an end.
She had to try, to hope Dad believed her instead of his friend, the man Dad referred to as the brother he’d never had. Where did that leave Lindsay? Was this a worthless pursuit? But she remembered the tears her father shed the night she tried to commit suicide.
Make a stand. Do the only decent thing you’ve ever done.
“I understand you’re not hungry.” Dave’s gentle voice tugged at her thoughts. “But you need to eat.”
“Thank you.” She set the plate on a small table. “Carla, I appreciate your efforts in fixing lunch, but I can’t eat right now.”
“Would you like to lie down?” She felt Dave’s gentle eyes on her.
Lindsay shoved aside the doubts and turned to Meghan. “Can I speak to you privately? I’d like to call my father. Maybe we could do this by your favorite tree?”
Meghan set aside her uneaten salad. “Let’s go.”
Once the two were beyond hearing distance, Lindsay chose her words. “I’m going to ask Dad to come to the ranch as soon as possible. I’m going to tell him the whole story. But I need you and Ash to help me put together the happenings in the order they occurred. With proof of Burnette’s guilt, he’ll see that this is not a fabrication.”
“Are you ready for this?”
“I have to be. This mess keeps getting worse. I know Ash wanted more proof, but I don’t know what his boss would do with it. I can only hope Dad believes me and accepts my story. You’ve always told me that truth eventually triumphs over lies. I . . . I have to try to stop Burnette. This will only get worse if I don’t.”
Meghan handed her the cell phone.
Lindsay’s hand trembled, but she refused to retreat. This was war, and she had no intention of losing. Punching in her dad’s number, she glanced at Meghan. “You, me, and Ash are the Three Musketeers.”
Meghan nodded.
“Hi, Dad. I know you’re busy, but I felt this was important.”
“It’s great to hear your voice. Let me excuse myself for a moment from this meeting.” She heard him tell Scottard to continue without him. If only Dad understood what that meant. The implication caused her to shiver. “I’m back.”
“Dad, I need to talk to you about something very important. Can you come here?”
“Sure.” He paused. “I could get away early in the morning. Be there around eleven.”
“Wonderful. Can you do me a favor? Come alone. I can talk to Mom at another time. I’d like for just us to spend the time together.”
“All right. I’d like that.”
“One more thing. Would you not tell Uncle Scottard? You can fill him in when you’re back in DC. I want the honor of being the first to . . . tell you about some changes in me.”
“This sounds serious.”
“Daddy, it’s about you and me and the past four years—even before that, if I’m honest. It’s personal. I mean, tell Mom but no one else.”
“I’ve heard so many good things about you from Dr. Sanchez.”
“He knows his stuff, Dad. But Meghan, Ash, Carla, and the rest of the agents have helped me too.”
“I’ll see you in the morning. I’m looking forward to it.”
“I love you, Dad.”
“Oh, sweetheart, I love you too.”
Lindsay swiped at a tear and handed the phone to Meghan. “He’ll be here in the morning around eleven. Does that give us enough time to prepare what I need to say?”
“The timetable can be done in a few minutes. What needs to be said should come from your heart with the same passion you used when you told me about Burnette.”
Lindsay’s mind spun with doubt. “I’m afraid he won’t believe me. Burnette is right about one thing. My history in telling the truth is not good.”
“Don’t try to psychoanalyze the situation. You are his daughter, and he loves you very much.”
“There’s no other way to end these tragedies. I have to tell Dad the truth.”
Chapter 73
Ash turned off the TV. His shift had ended an hour ago, but he needed to unwind before going to bed. Bob had taken Chip to the Austin airport shortly before lunch, and Ash hoped he hadn’t sent the man to his death. Ash had started out suspicious of Chip, but clearly his judgment of character lately had bottomed out. Scottard Burnette—a man who had the facade of a patriotic American and the heart of a murderer. Ash focused on the facts played out over the past seven years since Kyle Burnette’s death. Burnette had motive and the ability to enlist others to help him.
Ash had begun to think of Chip as a pawn, but who held the roles of the other players? Pepper’s actions made her look like a knight, two steps in familiar territory and one step outside of her realm to follow Burnette’s orders. That made so much sense, since the knight could move before any of the other pieces. The bishop? Hard to say at this point. A bishop was equal in strength to a knight but was restricted to either a white space or a black . . . like in DC or just at the ranch. A rook could only move in a straight line. That could be a member of Ash’s team. Didn’t want to go there. Burnette needed Erin to do his dirty work, and that made her a queen. Burnette was definitely the king. Now to take out the chess pieces, nab the queen, and put the king in handcuffs. Not every chess piece was needed to take the king. One simply had to plan all the right moves.
Tonight, Lindsay had been quiet, unlike her puckish moods of late. She seemed disinterested in the movie, and she didn’t want to discuss politics. Diving into Lindsay’s emotions was Dave’s job. But she had a huge undertaking in the morning. The fate of all their futures rested on the president’s believing her story and the documented evidence sealing Burnette’s guilt.
Ash also knew she was missing Chip, and he chose not to bring up the man who had swept her off her feet. The man who might be one more in an increasing line who had given their lives for her.
His cell rang, and he snatched it up. Chip. “Hey, been waiting to hear from you.”
“Figured so. Before I tell you what I’ve found out, how’s Lindsay?”
Ash grinned. “She’s doing well. I think she might be missing you—a little, anyway.”
“Wonderful. That girl is growing on me. But I’ll be careful. I know the price paid for getting under the Secret Service’s skin.” He laughed.
“Ouch. For your sake, I didn’t take that personal.”
“As you can probably tell, I’m high on my investigation. I think Erin is in cahoots with Burnette. I didn’t find her, and her neighbors weren’t much help. Said she stayed to herself. An elderly man to
ld me she has boyfriends. I told him I thought I was the only one. He told me to go find another girl. Erin had two other boyfriends, and they were rough looking. Then I talked to the manager of the apartment complex. Erin paid her rent until September. Told him she’d resigned from her teaching position and planned to travel over the summer. But she wasn’t ready to give up her apartment. The clincher is she had her mail forwarded to Scottard Burnette in DC.”
“You are good.”
“That’s why the FBI wants me. Maybe the CIA, too. Never can tell.”
“We have first dibs, and don’t forget it. Chip, this is great info.” Now, how to prove she’s working with Burnette?
“Does this have anything to do with her stint in the Marines?”
“Expert marksmanship.”
“Wade’s sniper.”
“I’m thinking that too. Be careful. Burnette’s not stupid. I don’t think he’d suspect you, but I’d like to keep you around.”
“I’ll be home tomorrow night.”
“Good. The president will be here then.”
“Who made the arrangements?”
“Lindsay asked him to visit.”
“What about Burnette?”
“Just the president.”
“Ash, are you telling me that Lindsay’s going to tell her father about Burnette? She’s been afraid to open up because of her past.”
This guy was good for her. “You’d have to ask Lindsay.”
“Which I can’t, because I’m not on the list.”
“You can ask her yourself tomorrow.”
“Let’s hope we can all celebrate.”
Ash hoped so too. “You’ve done a great job, and when this is over, I know the president will give you a commendation.”
Chip chuckled. “I may have to ask for Lindsay’s hand instead.”
“Are you serious?”
“Hmm. Maybe so. I know she’s had her problems and her addictions. But sometimes those problems make us stronger people.”
“Now you sound like your dad.”
“That’s why I’m the Chip.”
“Be safe. I’ll see you soon.” Ash disconnected the call.