Deadly Setup

by Annslee Urban

  “Seth? What do you think?” Her glittering green gaze locked on his.

  But, of course, Paige thought differently. Seth bit back a sigh. “Paige, considering the recent developments, I think things are definitely looking more favorable for Trey.”

  “But what does your gut say?” she asked him point-blank, not blinking an eyelash. “You always advised me to trust my gut instinct, so I’d like to know if your instinct has changed about my brother.”

  Seth wasn’t even sure he’d had a gut instinct after Trey’s arrest. In fact there had been nothing personal in his decision to name Trey the prime suspect in his wife’s murder. Seth was bound by the evidence that had been collected, something Paige still failed to understand. And now, even with new evidence, his gut was still waffling on who’d killed Madison.

  Paige tilted her head, her gaze not leaving his face.

  She wanted his complete allegiance to her brother. Which he couldn’t give her at the moment. One more thing to keep their relationship strained. He cleared his voice. “Well, like I said, I definitely have a better feeling about Trey—”

  A thunderous crash came from across the room. Paige’s squeal lit the air as she sprang forward into his arms. “What was that!”

  Instinctively, his arms came around her, and he pulled her into his embrace.

  A yip and a bark followed.

  Seth snickered as he shot a quick glance down the hall to the dining room, where a bundle of wood trim normally stacked against the wall was scattered across the floor. Beside it, Laser panted and sniffed as he went about trying to investigate. “Laser, buddy, you need to watch where you’re going.”

  Of course, it didn’t help that they were living in a construction zone.

  “Is he okay?” Paige asked, still hovering in his embrace. He felt the slight tremor pass through her body as her arms around his waist tightened and her heart beat rapidly in sync with his own. She was scared, even if she worked hard to conceal it.

  “Laser’s fine. He must be in a curious mood. That wood hasn’t budged since I piled it there months ago,” Seth said, tightening his hold around her, bracing himself for the irrational pang in his chest that always followed whenever he allowed his guard to slip around Paige. Quite aware that he was treading back on dangerous ground.

  “Well, his curiosity paid off. As did his protective nature. He really came to my rescue today.”

  Seth was grateful for his old hound. “Laser’s got a good nose for trouble.” And he was equally attuned to good character. He’d loved Paige the moment he met her and still did. Loyal to the end.

  Oddly, Seth’s heart skidded to a halt at that knowledge. Better than the loyalty he’d displayed. He’d left Paige hanging when she needed him. He should have come to her rescue. Supported her, paid more attention to her gut instincts earlier. A woman like Paige, with all her goodness and faith, deserved better than that. And as much as he still cared for her, she deserved someone better than him. The battle within him at that thought nearly had him pulling back and releasing his protective hold on her.

  But for the moment, he’d endure. This wasn’t about him. And Paige needed comfort.

  “What was that horrific noise?” his mother called from the top of the stairs.

  Immediately, Paige jerked away, and with great reluctance, Seth released her, a sudden coolness taking her place. She stared up the staircase at Ruby, a deep flush on her cheeks. “Oh, that was just Laser. He knocked over some wood.”

  Obviously, she was embarrassed about being caught in his arms. Which only reaffirmed what he already knew—Paige had moved on. And he didn’t blame her.

  * * *

  Later that evening Paige peered out the window of the guest bedroom, still trying to process everything that had unfolded that day. Gentry was now the prime suspect in the attacks against her and was also being investigated in Amy’s and Madison’s murders.

  Emotion welled up in her chest. After all the worries, all her scheming to find out the truth of Madison’s murder, they were finally onto something. Thank You, Lord.

  She took a deep, fortifying breath.

  Her brother wasn’t off the hook yet, but she had this gut feeling that his case was ready to crack wide-open. And with that belief, contentedness filled her soul.

  Ten long months, and soon this nightmare would be over. Her brother would finally be free, finally walking out of jail, moving forward in his life. She couldn’t be happier for him.

  But what about her? Where would she be?

  Once Trey was released, she wouldn’t have anything tying her to Durham. It was a pleasant town, but not where she’d hoped to build her future. Although nowhere in particular came to mind when she thought about where she would like to settle down.

  She and Trey had moved around a lot when they were growing up. It wasn’t until she followed Trey to Boone after his stint in the military that she finally felt she’d found a home. A place where she could settle down. Fall in love. Get married. Raise a family.

  But that short-lived dream died with Trey’s arrest. Her picture-perfect world shattered by deception and heartbreak.

  A fist of grief squeezed her heart. For the first time since her brother’s arrest, her frustration and anger subsided enough for her to see more clearly how things had transpired. All this time she’d held a grudge against Seth for her feeling of abandonment.

  Feelings don’t always equal reality. Paige often spoke that truth to the patients she counseled, but she now saw how true it was in her own life. Despite all the drama involving her brother, she now blamed herself for walking—no, running—away from the man she loved. She’d been so caught up in her brother’s troubles she might have expected more than was reasonable from Seth.

  Paige eased down on the edge of the bed and folded her arms. Seth wasn’t the one who had changed—it was her. He’d always poured both his heart and soul into his job and never compromised what he thought was right, even when it meant locking her brother behind bars.

  Now, looking back, she knew she could have been more understanding of his plight, but at the time she didn’t have the mental capacity to fight for her brother’s release and support Seth in his decision that her brother was guilty.

  Paige ground her teeth in quiet frustration. She rested her arm against the windowsill, trying to rein in her whirling thoughts. A sob rolled up her throat.

  She couldn’t change the past, and the reality was Seth was no longer part of her future.

  But that’s okay. Paige adjusted her attitude, suddenly annoyed with herself. It was all worth it. Every minute. Every prayer. Every sacrifice she made. If that’s what it took to get her brother released.

  She swiped her hands at her eyes, brushing away the tears that stung them. Trey gaining his freedom was all that mattered. Wherever she ended up, she’d get along just fine. And with God leading the way, she had nothing to fear. In fact, she looked forward to whatever new adventure was in store for her.

  She felt a calming of her spirit in that.

  Quietly, she listened to the wind rustling the leaves left on the trees. She turned back to the window and peered out. The yellow moon hung high in a black sky. A sliver of gold against a twinkling backdrop of stars.

  So different than the day she arrived back in Boone. A raging storm, no moon or a star in the sky and a killer on her tail. Not the welcome she had hoped for, but worth it all the same.

  She climbed under the covers and turned off the light, confident that in a few days this would all be behind her.

  Trey would be free and everything in her life would be fine.

  Well, almost.

  * * *

  The next morning, Paige was up bright and early. Feeling refreshed, she got dressed, and by the time she went downstairs, Seth was already sitting at the table with his cell phone to his ear.

  Paige accepted a cup of tea from Ruby and settled in the chair across from Seth.

  “Okay, Ted, thanks.” Seth hung up, snickering
softly. He raised an eyebrow at her. “I think we just hit pay dirt.”

  Seth’s statement brought Paige straight up in her seat. She set her cup on the table, her hands shaking. “You found something conclusive that would help my brother?”

  Seth leaned forward with a satisfied grin. “A small arsenal of weapons was seized during the search of Gentry’s house. Rifles, handguns, along with some military knives and various firearm magazines and ammunition. And of the firearms confiscated, one was a commemorative pistol with Trey’s initials on it.”

  “Which means...”

  “Which means Gentry had access to Trey’s weapons, which would make setting him up for Madison’s murder a viable possibility. Gentry’s financial issues only add to the suspicion.”

  “This is crazy... I mean, incredible.” Paige rubbed at her forehead, trying to take it all in. “I remember Trey mentioning that Madison’s mother had a key to their home while they were married. So, I guess Gentry having access to Trey’s weapons wouldn’t have been difficult.”

  “Do you recall if Trey changed the locks when Madison moved out?”

  Paige shook her head. “I doubt it. He had no reason to lock Madison out. He wanted her back.”

  “That’s what I figured.” Seth leaned back in his seat. “I had the information sent to Trey’s attorney. Although there will still be an investigation into the murder, Trey’s trial will be postponed due to the new evidence. And since he is no longer the only suspect, bail will be set for his release.”

  A sense of elation blended with relief. “So when will my brother be released?” she asked, tears of joy choking her voice.

  “If his attorney does his job right, it could be as early as tomorrow.”

  Her heart danced in her chest. That gave her plenty of time to get her things together and get back to Durham. She wanted to be there to greet Trey when he walked out of that horrible place.

  “Breakfast, anyone?” Ruby walked into the room carrying a tray bearing jam, napkins and a plate of biscuits. She set it on the table. “There’s still hot water if either of you would like more tea.”

  “Oh, no thank you, Ruby,” Paige said, breathing deep, trying to reset the jitterbug rhythm in her chest. The excitement exploding inside her was hard to curtail.

  “I’m good, too, Mom,” Seth said, grabbing a biscuit.

  “So, Paige.” Ruby slipped into the seat beside her. “Now that your safety concerns have subsided and Trey’s situation is looking better, what are your plans?” At the hopeful gleam in Ruby’s eye, the excitement inside Paige started to dissipate. A sore subject, and Paige knew why Ruby was asking.

  “All I have planned for the time being is to head back to Durham,” Paige said, shifting in her seat as renewed tension crept back along her nerve endings. “But as things calm down more with Trey, I’d love to catch up with you and see what you’ve done with the house.” Paige took a sip of her tea, trying to play it cool.

  Ignoring her attempt at a shift in conversation, Ruby turned in her chair to eye Paige more closely. “No plans to come back to Boone?”

  Paige swallowed the hot liquid a little too quickly. She cleared her throat to keep from choking. “Not at the moment, no.” Or ever, but she wasn’t about to go there. She knew what Ruby was hinting at. She wanted nothing more than for Paige and Seth to get back together. Get married and supply her with a quiver of grandchildren.

  “Well, I hope you’ll decide to come back. I know Seth would like that, too.”

  Paige slowly sank down in her chair when she heard Seth choke. He took a drink. Cleared his throat. If she’d had any doubt as to Seth’s thoughts about her, she knew now that even as he attempted to keep her safe, he had no other feelings in regard to romance. None whatsoever.

  Which was just fine. As it should be. Paige firmly reiterated that to herself even as her heart slipped to her knees.

  A half hour later, she was packed and ready to leave. She parked her rolling suitcase by the front door, leaving her computer bag and purse beside it.

  Her eyes flicked to the clock on the entry wall. Ten after nine. Time to get going.

  Seth had agreed to drop her off at Tessa’s condo. She had a few loose ends to tie up in town, and then she’d be off to Durham tomorrow.

  To see her brother walk out of jail.

  Her heart swelled with gratitude as she thought about the new evidence. Finally, something would shed doubt on her brother’s guilt. She thought about Trey and the jaw-splitting grin on his face when he heard the news. And she couldn’t wait to wrap him in a hug, the first one in ten months.

  Even as tears of joy moistened her eyes, a deep sadness enveloped her when she thought about how her life was about to change. Tomorrow she’d head out of town for the last time. She had to admit she’d miss some things here. The beautiful sunsets. Spring flowers. Long walks through the woods. Working on the cabin with Seth. The sound of his laughter. His sweet kisses...

  Swallowing a sigh, Paige gave herself a mental shake. This emotional seesaw she was on had to stop right now. She’d accomplished what she set out to do and she needed to keep it together. No regrets. Focus on the future. Hers and Trey’s.

  Feeling better, Paige shook off her grief and walked purposefully toward the kitchen. Standing in the doorway, she eyed Seth, his back to her as he poured himself another cup of tea. Ruby stood beside him, busy at the sink.

  Paige hesitated, her eyes straying from one side of the room to the other, taking in the beauty of the kitchen. Rich walnut cabinets, granite countertops, warm hardwoods. The dream kitchen she’d always wanted. But it wasn’t meant to be hers. She swallowed. “Seth, I’m ready whenever you are.”

  Ruby turned. “You’re not leaving already?”

  “Yes. I have to go.” Paige forced a small smile. “I have a few things to do before I leave for Durham in the morning.”

  Tossing the dish towel on the counter, Ruby stepped toward her. “Paige, it was so good to see you. Please keep in touch.”

  Paige couldn’t promise that, honestly. She fought her tears, hugging Ruby. “Thank you for everything.”

  Paige pulled away and saw Seth, standing off to the side, watching the interaction. The expression on his face was confusingly solemn. Was he deep in thought or maybe just ready to get her out of his hair? Or maybe, like her, just trying to keep his emotions in check.

  Wishful thinking. No, delusional. She bit her bottom lip. The cold, harsh reality was she’d accomplished what she came to do and now it was time to leave. Alone.

  * * *

  Seth carried Paige’s bags into Tessa’s condo. As Paige walked with him to the door, sadness washed over him like an icy rain. Saying goodbye was never easy, even when he knew it was the best thing.

  “Paige, I wish you all the happiness in the world,” Seth said, pausing in the doorway. “And I’m glad things are working out in Trey’s favor.”

  “Thank you for everything.” Her smile held a hint of wistfulness, almost as though she wished things were different. Regret? Grief? Or maybe total exhaustion for all she’d been through. He’d never been good at reading her emotions or he would have done a better job of offering her support after Trey’s arrest. A situation that he’d originally thought would die down eventually and Paige would understand that he was only doing his job by arresting Trey, but instead their relationship died altogether.

  “Paige, take care of yourself. And remember, safety first. Always keep an eye on your surroundings and keep your cell phone close.”

  “As always, good advice, Detective.” Paige rolled her lip in, fighting a smile. “Although I hope not to have a stalker to worry about again.”

  He hoped the same thing. “But...” He took a step closer, brushed a fallen lock of hair from her cheek. “It never hurts to play it safe and stay away from danger.”

  Her lips parted, and her eyes went wide. “And I plan to do that.”

  “Very wise decision.” He smiled. “Because I would hate for anything to
ever happen to you.”

  She looked up at him with eyes that shimmered with emotion. “I did have a few close calls, didn’t I? And who would have believed Gentry was behind it? Some people just continue to amaze me.”

  “Gentry is only a suspect at the moment. Charged, but not convicted.” Seth lifted a teasing brow, making a subtle point. He wanted her to understand how easy it was to make assumptions.

  “Oh, my, you’re correct,” Paige blurted, a rush of pink staining her cheeks. Her gaze fastened on his, and he saw her bottom lip quiver. “I’m sorry, Seth. I wasn’t the least bit understanding about the job you had to do.”

  Bitter regret smacked him in the chest, and he inhaled deeply to fill his lungs. And he hadn’t tried hard enough to understand what she was going through. “Paige, I should have been there for you—”

  “Seth, please. No regrets.” Paige put a hand on his sleeve. “Let’s just chalk it up as a tough emotional time for both of us.”

  Still, he had no excuse—he should have been there for her. But he wouldn’t argue the point. Revisiting the pain and frustration didn’t seem very productive.

  “All right.” He masked his discomfort with a forced grin.

  “So I guess this is it?” Emotion gleamed in her eyes. “Tomorrow I’m out of here. And life gets back to normal for you.”

  Normal? He wasn’t even sure normal existed for him anymore. A lump of emotion lodged in his throat. He realized now, too late, that he’d let the best thing in his life get away, and he accepted full responsibility.

  As he swallowed, he was tempted to let go of common sense, of their past, the pain and the heartache and take her in his arms, hold her tight and never let her go.

  Not a good idea, he reminded himself. And he would have walked away, if the unexpected longing rising inside him hadn’t been stronger and more passionate than the feelings of remorse and sadness.

  Taking a step closer, Seth slid his thumb over her soft cheek. “Here’s to you, Paige, and your new endeavors.” His voice rasped, showing his uncertainty of how Paige would react.