by Rita Herron
* * *
BJ STRUGGLED TO pull herself together. For a year after her son’s death, she’d dropped out of work and life. Slowly, she’d made a comeback, and then taken the job at her father’s firm.
Although they disagreed ethically about certain cases, she’d needed a safe place to heal.
But the missing little boy resurrected the grief she’d struggled to bury.
Cash’s love for the child was obvious, too. The terror in his eyes when he’d shown her that grave reeked of pain and fear. The kind of fear a parent felt for a child.
Deputy Whitefeather approached with Thacker and Cash. His brows furrowed as he glanced at her. “You okay?”
She nodded.
“The kid’s not in there,” Thacker said. “My bloodhound Clyde is.”
BJ twisted her hands together but said nothing. Cash walked over and stood beside her, his hands jammed in his pockets as the deputy began to dig.
Gray clouds moved across the sky, shrouding the sun and casting a gloominess to the land. The wind shook the trees again, sending a shiver through BJ. The sound of the shovel hitting dirt and rock echoed in the quiet.
Thacker shifted on the balls of his feet, his breath rattling. The deputy dug deeper, slinging dirt and gravel and grass to the side of the mound.
A half foot down, the shovel hit something hard. Cash peered into the hole, a low sound erupting in his throat.
“Bones.”
BJ’s lungs squeezed for air.
“I told you, my dog is buried there,” Thacker said, his voice warbling.
Deputy Whitefeather knelt and raked dirt away with his hands, gently scooping more out. BJ watched him carefully working away at the grave so as not to disturb the remains.
Tense seconds passed. The sun slipped away for the night. The air turned chilly, a gust of wind picking up twigs and scattering them about. Somewhere an animal howled, and a dog barked.
Whitefeather shone a light into the hole, then raked another section of dirt from the bones. He murmured something in his native dialect, then gestured toward the lower part of the skeleton.
“It is a dog,” he said, relief in his voice.
“How can you be sure?” Cash asked.
“I worked with a vet on the reservation.” Deputy Whitefeather pointed to a section of remains. “There are four canine femurs. This jaw structure supports Thacker’s statement about his bloodhound.”
Relief flooded BJ. If Tyler wasn’t buried here, there was a chance he was still alive.
* * *
CASH RELEASED THE breath he’d been holding. Thank God Tyler wasn’t in the ground.
Knowing that meant that they might still be able to save him. If they could find out where the hell he was and who’d taken him.
“I told you,” Thacker snarled.
Cash started toward him, but Whitefeather laid a hand on his back. “It’s not worth it, Cash. Let’s go.”
The deputy was big and tall, but Cash rivaled him in size. Still, his gruff, quiet control forced Cash to reach for his own and reel in his temper. He didn’t want to go back to jail.
He wanted to find that little boy.
BJ stood, regaining her composure. “Mr. Thacker, you’ve been watching Sondra. Maybe you saw something that could help us. Was anyone else following her?”
Thacker shook his head. “Not that I saw.”
Judging from the pictures, he’d been too focused on Sondra to have noticed anything else.
The deputy handed the shovel to Thacker so he could cover the dog’s skeleton with dirt. “Mr. Thacker, we may need to talk to you again. Don’t leave town.”
Thacker spewed curse words, but Whitefeather held his head high as he strode toward the SUV. Cash couldn’t shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong with BJ as they followed the deputy.
He would find out. But he wouldn’t press her in front of the deputy.
“Where to now?” BJ asked Whitefeather.
“I’m going to talk to Sondra’s girlfriend. Diane Stuckey.”
“We’ll follow you. I’d like to speak to her, too,” BJ said. “Cash can wait in the truck.”
“Like he did at Thacker’s,” Whitefeather said wryly.
“I didn’t interfere,” Cash said.
“You pointed out that grave. If Tyler had been buried there, the DA would have argued that you led us to his body because you put him in the ground.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Cash muttered.
“He’s right,” BJ said.
Cash clenched his hands into fists. “I swear I won’t interfere. But I need to hear what Diane has to say.”
He just hoped to hell she knew something helpful.
* * *
BJ STUDIED THE condominium complex where Diane Stuckey lived. It was a new development on the outskirts of Pistol Whip that catered to the thirtysomething crowd. Residents enjoyed views of the countryside, but also had the amenities of a big city development.
Deputy Whitefeather identified himself to security at the gate, parked, then slid from the SUV. BJ parked behind him.
Each condo had its own single-car garage, yet several expensive cars were parked in the driveways.
“Koker, you’ve met this lady before?” Deputy Whitefeather asked Cash as they headed up the sidewalk.
Cash nodded. “She visited Sondra when I worked at the Wagon Wheel. They met in high school and were best friends. I think they showed horses together.”
“Is she married?” BJ asked.
“Not that I know of, but I didn’t talk to Sondra very much the past few months. I took all the work I could get.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Besides, Elmore didn’t want me on his land, so I didn’t push it.”
Whitefeather gestured toward Diane’s unit, a light gray, two-story stucco that faced the east, offering beautiful views of the sunrise. Colorful wind chimes dangled from a horse figure carved out of metal.
The deputy punched the doorbell, which delivered a musical sound. Seconds later, the door opened and a striking brunette dressed in a designer suit and stilettos greeted them. “Hello.”
Deputy Whitefeather introduced himself and BJ, then Cash threw up a hand. “Hey, Diane.”
She folded her arms across her chest, making her ample bosom protrude even more. “I can’t believe you’d show up here, Cash. I thought you were in jail.”
“He’s out on bail,” BJ said. “I’m representing Mr. Koker. We need to ask you some questions.”
“I’ve already talked to Sheriff Jasper.”
“It’ll just take a moment,” BJ said quietly.
A wary look settled on Diane’s face, but she invited them inside. The woman’s condo reminded BJ of her father’s house—everything was decorator perfect. White furniture, expensive vases, artwork that should have been in a museum, not a home. The place felt cold and empty.
She’d thought Diane and Sondra were best friends, but judging from their lifestyles and the photos she’d seen of Sondra and Tyler, Sondra was definitely more down to earth.
Diane escorted them to the living room and offered sparkling water, tea or coffee, but they declined. She poured herself a glass of mineral water, then sank into a plush white chair. “Deputy Whitefeather, Mr. Elmore called me when he first heard about Sondra. I...can’t believe she’s gone.” The woman shot an accusatory look toward Cash. “She and I have been friends since grade school. We competed in dressage competitions together, were both cheerleaders and in the homecoming court. Then we roomed together our first year in college.”
“You must be devastated over losing her,” BJ said, although the woman didn’t look devastated. She looked as if she was about to go out on the town.
Diane plucked a tissue from the end table and dabbe
d at her eyes. “I am. I...can’t believe she’s gone. That someone murdered her.”
“I didn’t kill her,” Cash said gruffly. “Do you have any idea who did, Diane?”
She sniffed and shook her head.
“Was she dating anyone?” BJ asked.
Diane wadded the tissue in her hand. “Not that I know of. But after Tyler was born, she dropped out of the dating scene. Although she did mention that some guy was bothering her.”
“Ronnie Thacker?” BJ asked.
She nodded.
“We’ve already spoken to him,” the deputy said.
“Excuse me, Diane,” Cash said. “Could I use your restroom?”
Diane frowned, but gave a slight nod. “It’s down the hall on the left.”
“Thanks.”
BJ glanced at Cash, but he gave nothing away. What was he up to?
He slipped into the hallway.
“Do you really think he’s innocent?” Diane asked.
“I do,” BJ said. “Why? Do you have reason to believe Cash was dangerous?”
Diane shrugged, then picked at a piece of invisible lint on her suit jacket. “I guess not. I always thought he was in love with Sondra, but she said they were only friends.”
“Do you know who fathered Tyler?” Deputy Whitefeather asked bluntly.
Diane shook her head. “She told everyone it was Cash, but she told me she hadn’t slept with Cash. She swore me to secrecy though.”
“So she didn’t tell you his name?”
“No. She said no one needed to know.”
“Do you think she was afraid of Tyler’s father?” the deputy asked.
Diane’s eyes widened. “You think Tyler’s father killed Sondra and took Tyler?”
“I don’t know,” BJ said. “But Cash is innocent, so that means that Sondra’s killer is still out there, and Tyler may be in danger now.”
Diane looked down at her manicured nails. “I’m sure Tyler is fine.”
“Why do you say that?” Deputy Whitefeather asked.
Panic flashed in Diane’s eyes. “I...just hope he is, that’s all. I mean, why would anyone hurt him?”
“Maybe he saw the person who killed his mother,” BJ suggested.
Panic flared again, and Diane walked over to the window.
BJ wanted to push her more, but the deputy’s cell phone trilled. He removed it from his pocket and connected the call. “Yeah? Okay, I’ll be right there.”
When he disconnected, he stood abruptly. “I need to go, Miss Alexander.”
Footsteps echoed in the hallway and Cash appeared. “What’s going on?” he asked.
Deputy Whitefeather clenched his jaw. “That was Maddox. Elmore just received a ransom call.”
Chapter Fourteen
Cash’s heart raced. A ransom demand was a good sign.
Deputy Whitefeather turned to Diane. “Thank you for your time, Miss Stuckey. If you think of someone who had a grudge against Sondra or her father, or anything she said about the baby’s father, give me a call.” He placed a business card in her hand. “Sometimes even the smallest detail can break a case.”
Diane studied the number for a moment, then laid the card on the side table. “I will.” She bit her lower lip. “I...hope you find Tyler and that he’s all right. Sondra...loved that little boy more than her own life.”
Cash agreed. Had she died trying to protect him from something? Or somebody?
BJ left her card on the table beside the deputy’s. “Cash, let’s go.” She brushed his arm with her fingertips, and Cash followed her and the deputy outside.
“What were the ransom demands?” Cash asked.
“A million,” Deputy Whitefeather replied. “Kidnapper said he’d call back later with instructions.”
“Did they trace the call?” BJ asked.
The deputy shook his head. “Call was too short to trace and the voice sounded altered. Probably used a computer. The lab is going to see if they can work their magic.”
They separated to go to their vehicles. Just as they were leaving, Diane rushed out and jumped in her BMW.
“Did you find anything in Diane’s house?” BJ asked.
Cash tensed. “What do you mean? I just went to the—”
“Come on, Cash,” BJ said. “We all know that was an excuse for you to look around. Did you see anything suspicious?”
He grunted a no. “There’s no sign that Tyler has been at Diane’s house. No kids’ clothes. No toys. Every room is immaculate. Like a damn glass house.”
“Hmm. Sondra’s place was homey. Makes me wonder if Sondra and Diane were really that close lately.” BJ looked pensive. “Sondra seemed like a loving mother, like she’d settled down, and Diane is still into the party scene.”
Cash’s heart squeezed. “True.” If Sondra hadn’t been too young for him, and Elmore’s daughter, he might have fallen for her.
But he hadn’t.
He had admired the way she loved her son, though. Every little boy needed a devoted mother like her. Cash sure as hell hadn’t had one.
His breath caught. Or had he?
If he was a McCullen, his mother and father had wanted him. What if whoever had taken Tyler dumped him with strangers or on some church doorstep? What if whoever found him didn’t report it?
No telling where the kid might be now.
* * *
BJ’S PHONE BUZZED with a text. From Diane.
Remembered the name of a rancher Elmore drove into bankruptcy. Sondra said she was afraid of him. His name is Dale Nix.
“I’m going to do rounds in town, then head to Elmore’s,” Deputy Whitefeather said. “I’ll see you guys back at the ranch.”
“We’ll meet you at Elmore’s,” Cash said.
“No,” Whitefeather said. “Maddox said he’d call you when he knew something.”
Frustration creased Cash’s face. BJ wanted to go to Elmore’s, too, but she trusted Maddox.
“He’s right, Cash,” BJ said. “Maddox is on our side.”
Cash looked grim-faced, but gave a quick nod. The deputy started the engine and drove away from the condominium complex. Night had set in, gloomy shadows darkening the landscape as he pulled onto the highway.
BJ gently touched his hand. “Cash, Diane texted me with the name of a man Elmore drove into bankruptcy.”
Cash sucked in a breath. “He could be after money to get back at Elmore.”
BJ nodded. “Let’s go see him.”
“BJ, someone almost killed us earlier. I think you should stay out of it and let me handle it.”
Fear gnawed at BJ as an image of her car going over that ridge flashed behind her eyes. She had been terrified.
But a little boy’s life was at stake and she refused to let the kidnapper intimidate her. “I appreciate your concern, Cash, but I’m not giving into a threat. Tyler needs us.”
Cash’s gaze met hers, tension seeping between them.
“Just tell me where to go,” Cash said.
BJ used her phone to research Nix. “Nix lives in public housing about thirty miles from Pistol Whip. His wife had a heart attack and died a month after they lost the ranch.”
“If he blames Elmore for his bankruptcy, he may also blame him for his wife’s death.”
“That would be motive,” BJ agreed.
BJ gave him directions to the housing development where Nix had moved. Storm clouds rolled in, the wind kicking up and stirring dust and blowing it across the highway as the truck chugged toward town.
The rumbling of the engine echoed through the cab. BJ’s silence stood between them, a bridge he didn’t know how to cross. He wanted to ask about her personal life. Why the grave at the tree had upset her so much.
He would find out.
But first they had to talk to Nix. He could have killed Sondra. He could have Tyler.
They had to hurry.
Chapter Fifteen
BJ winced as night shadows plagued the roads. She couldn’t imagine the terror little Tyler was feeling. He needed to be home in his own bed with his mama reading him a story and tucking him in.
That would never happen again. Just as she would never tuck her own son into his bed.
Grief threatened to overwhelm her, but she tamped it back.
Cash parked in front of the low-income housing development, and they climbed out. Knowing Nix had moved from a hundred-acre spread to this tiny, tired-looking concrete block building roused her sympathy. On top of that, he’d lost his wife.
The units were connected, the only grassy area a small shared space in front of the building. No kids’ toys or bikes. A black, beat-up pickup was parked in front of Nix’s unit.
Cash strode to the door and knocked.
“Let me handle this, Cash,” BJ said.
He shot her an irritated look. She understood his frustration, but she didn’t want to see him locked up again. “Please, Cash. I’m not trying to clip your wings—I’m trying to keep you out of jail. Help me do my job.”
He nodded solemnly.
Footsteps echoed from the other side. A short, chubby man with a gray beard and wire-rimmed glasses answered the door. He reeked of whiskey.
BJ introduced herself and Cash, earning a deep-set frown from Nix. “What the hell do you want?” he asked.
“We need to talk to you about Lester Elmore,” BJ said. “You accused him of driving you into bankruptcy.”
Nix scratched his beard. “You here to help me get my farm back?”
BJ bit the inside of her cheek. She hated deceiving the man, but Tyler’s life depended on them finding the truth. “We’ll see if you have a case. Right now we need you to tell us about Elmore. When did you last see or talk to him?”
“Been months,” Nix said. “The day the bank foreclosed on me. He and the damn banker were buddies. Both damn vultures. Elmore was just waiting the days out. Picked up my place for next to nothing.”