Deadly Setup

by Annslee Urban

  Instead of pulling away, Paige softened her gaze beneath his touch and leaned in. He caught the scent of her perfume. Sweet. Clean. Familiar.

  His pulse raced, and before he could stop himself, he slipped his arm around her waist. Pulling her close, he lowered his head; his lips captured hers. Softly. Tenderly. A perfect moment until...

  The bleat of his cell phone slashed the air.

  Paige stilled as if reality rang. She stepped back from his embrace, cold air filling the space where she’d just been. And from the look of misgiving on her face he knew he’d overstepped a boundary they’d set. His heart dropped. What was he thinking? He dug his cell from his pocket, chastising himself for not keeping a rein on his emotions.

  He slammed his phone to his ear. “Garrison here.”

  “Morning, Seth.”

  “Hey, Ted, what’s up?” Seth glanced at Paige, who was now inside the condo, busying herself with something in the kitchen.

  “Gentry wants to meet with you.”

  Gentry? Seth sighed and tried to swallow back his frustration. He’d had enough of this guy. “Brett’s already talked to him.”

  “He asked to talk to you specifically. No attorneys.”

  “Is he aware of his rights, that anything he says can be used against him?”

  “Yep.”

  Seth rubbed his head, eyeing Paige now in the living room straightening up. He wanted to talk to her about what just happened, but... “I’ll be right there.” He’d already overstayed his welcome.

  ELEVEN

  Paige carried her last suitcase to her car, then hugged her friend goodbye. “Tessa, thanks for the use of your condo.”

  “No problem.” Tessa perched a hip against the car fender and crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m just glad you’re okay. I can’t believe the week you had.”

  “It has been a long one, to say the least.” Paige sighed deeply. “I appreciate you staying up with me last night, listening to me vent.” She hadn’t planned on unloading on Tessa, but one question led to another, and soon the whole chilling story was out. Speaking the timeline of events out loud unnerved her more than she thought, and she barely got a wink of sleep.

  Tessa laughed. “Are you kidding? I should thank you. It was better than watching a suspense thriller.”

  Paige never liked thriller flicks. Murder. Suspense. Running from a killer. Fighting off a shiver, she cocked an eyebrow at her friend. “Hearing about it is definitely more entertaining than living through it.”

  “I’m sure you’re right about that,” Tessa agreed, brushing back strands of curly red hair. “But I do recall a few interesting moments. So, tell me more about Seth.”

  Seth. Paige fought not to wince. There wasn’t much to say. He’d stepped up to keep her safe and now his job was done. She didn’t wish to analyze the kiss too deeply. Emotions were running high for both of them. And when Seth came to his senses, he’d hightailed it out of there with barely a goodbye.

  She half expected him to at least call and wish her well. But apparently he was having a busy morning. Paige checked her watch, saw it was past ten. “Oh, no, I need to go.”

  “Paige, you’re not getting off the hook that easy.”

  “No, really.” Paige looked at Tessa. “I made plans to stop and see Mrs. Cramer before I leave.”

  “Wait a minute,” Tessa said, a look of confusion tugging her features. “Are you talking about the Mrs. Cramer, as in Gentry and Madison Cramer’s mother?”

  Paige nodded, not a hundred percent comfortable with the idea. “I got a call early this morning from one of the Cramers’ employees. He told me how distraught she was over all that has happened. She just got into town last night and asked to see me. She really is a sweet woman. And she’s lost so much.”

  “Sounds awkward.” Tessa shook her head, then shrugged. “But if you’re okay with it...”

  She wasn’t necessarily okay with it, but it was something she needed to do. The woman was suffering. She probably felt judged for what her son was charged with. Paige knew that feeling and how lonely it was. Yes, she needed to go. For Mrs. Cramer’s sake and her own.

  Paige pulled onto East King Street and headed out of town. She felt no regrets. She was staying positive, refusing to dwell on the missteps of her past. And now without the urgency of Trey’s trial consuming her thoughts, she was ready to conquer the world of opportunities out there.

  So why did she feel like her heart was breaking?

  She gritted her teeth, forcing those thoughts away. Once she was out of Boone, she’d be fine.

  She turned onto Clover Bend in the Willoughby Hills neighborhood where Mrs. Cramer lived. The road was long and winding and the houses too distant for her to feel completely at ease with stopping by. Maybe she should have arranged for a more neutral meeting place. Somewhere she could bug out if the conversation got awkward.

  But she was already here and wouldn’t stay long. Twenty minutes max and then she’d be on her way to Durham. And once she got there, she’d be off to the jail to pick up her brother.

  Her heart fluttered with relief. She couldn’t wait.

  Paige got out of the car and stepped up to the porch. As she reached to ring the bell, she saw it was taped over with a note that read, “Paige, no need to knock. Please come in.”

  She felt somewhat better. She twisted the knob on the heavy wood door, walked inside and slid her sunglasses up to rest on her head. Once again apprehension skittered through her, along with a sudden chill that had nothing to do with the cool breeze whistling outside.

  She saw no one. Heard nothing. If she was expected, wouldn’t Mrs. Cramer make herself known?

  Taking a couple steps, Paige panned her gaze around the living room. “Mrs. Cramer? It’s Paige Becker.”

  “Paige, I’m so glad you’re here.”

  Paige jumped, startled by the strong, masculine voice.

  “Who are you?” Paige’s voice faltered as she retreated a step. “Where are you?”

  “Over here.” The man’s voice, deep and louder now, coming from the left, reached Paige’s ear.

  Paige turned to see Eli walking down a short hall toward her, a broad, crooked smile on his face. She gave a sigh of relief, once again chastising herself for being so jumpy.

  “Oh, Eli, I’m glad you’re here. Thanks for contacting me this morning. Is Mrs. Cramer still expecting me?”

  “Yes. Let me take you to her office.”

  Paige crossed the foyer and followed Eli through the living room and then to a small office. He held open the door and ushered her in. “Have a seat while we wait for Mrs. Cramer.”

  “I don’t have much time,” Paige started to explain, taking the closest seat to the door. “I really need to get on the road.”

  “I understand.” Eli draped his wide body along the edge of the desk, his expression calm, surprisingly friendly. “So, Paige, tell me something. Did you accomplish everything you came to town for?”

  The question threw her into a momentary tailspin. What was he getting at? Paige cocked her head. “Sorry, Eli, I’m not sure what you’re asking.”

  Palms up, he swept his hands wide. “You came back to Boone looking for something. Did you find it?” His clarification still gave her no inclination at where this was going.

  “I came back to find information to help my brother.” Paige swallowed, her throat dry, burning. Was this Eli’s attempt at small talk, or was he trying to chastise her for Gentry’s arrest? Either way she didn’t feel comfortable talking about this. Paige cleared her throat. “Do you think Mrs. Cramer will join us soon? Because I really do need to get going.”

  “You didn’t answer my question, Paige. Did you find what you came for?” He had a cold glint in his eyes, an edge of superiority in the set of his shoulders.

  Gooseflesh pebbled her skin, and the reality of the situation hit home. Mrs. Cramer hadn’t asked her to come—Eli had wanted her there.

  To taunt her or...kill her?

 
The thought of either shot the acrid taste of bile up the back of her throat. “I’m sorry, but I really need to go.” Paige heard her voice crack. She surged out of her seat and headed for the door. “Please give Mrs. Cramer my best.”

  Eli blocked the doorway. “It’s not time for you to leave yet. Take a seat, please. I have something for you.”

  Paige froze, breath trapped in her throat. “No, I prefer to stand. Actually, I prefer to leave.”

  “Those are not options. Now, sit.” Eli’s shrewd gray eyes pierced all the way through to Paige’s soul.

  Paige started to back up, heart thudding. Her panic increased when Eli plunged his hand deep in his pocket.

  She bumped into the chair before dropping back into it. With prayers flying, her eyes stayed glued on him. And she blinked in disbelief when instead of a gun, he pulled out a phone. Her cell phone. The one she lost the day she was run off the mountain.

  She gaped, her insides churning, bile clawing its way up her throat. “It was you...not Gentry.”

  “Now, Paige, you have the information you came for. But unfortunately, it’s knowledge you’ll no longer need.”

  * * *

  Seth shifted on his feet as he addressed the team of detectives in the conference room at the sheriff’s department. “Gentry was pretty much having a meltdown.” Seth summarized his meeting with Gentry from the day before. “He did admit to financial issues, stating he’d used up most of his mother’s money along with his own. And of course he denies all allegations of murder and attacks on Paige’s life, claiming instead that he’d been set up.”

  “That seems to be the name of the game for this investigation.” Detective Colton Walsh’s comment hit on a common thread in the room as chatter and comments picked up among the detectives.

  “So what happened to his cocky, you can’t touch me attitude?” Ted tipped back in his chair and eyed Seth directly.

  “Gone,” Seth said, shrugging. “He’s scared.”

  “What about the white Ford pickup he rented? What’s his explanation for that?” Chief Mullins asked from his seat between Ted and Colton.

  “His company has an account with the rental car agency. They use them periodically and keep a credit card on file. Various employees pick up for the company, and he’s insistent he hasn’t been there in months.”

  Ted leaned forward in his seat, eyes wide as if a lightbulb just went off in his head. “Whose driver’s license was on file?”

  Excellent question. Seth had the same. “Ironically, the rental company couldn’t find one. And the clerk that processed the rental agreement couldn’t recall who picked up the vehicle. And as we all know, the truck is still missing and at this point considered stolen.”

  The chatter picked up again, the detective team airing their frustration. Except Brett, who stood at the back, arms folded, staring Seth down with granite eyes.

  “Brett, is there anything you’d like to add?”

  “No,” Brett said, breathing hard through his nose. “You pretty much summed up everything Gentry told me when we first brought him in.”

  Good. They were on the same page, at least as far as Gentry.

  “I’m just not sure why he requested to talk to you,” Brett said, not breaking his stare.

  Seth’s jaw tensed at the question, and he had to stop himself from asking why it really mattered. Gentry had probably thought getting Seth on his side would be beneficial since he and Paige had dated. Or maybe he just didn’t like Brett.

  “So where does this all leave us?” the chief interjected, pushing up from his chair. “Because if we aren’t a hundred percent sure Gentry is our man, we better get out there and find who is. I don’t want to jeopardize another life in this town.”

  Seth nodded. “Agreed.” And no, he wasn’t a hundred percent confident about any part of the investigation. If they suspected someone had set Trey up, then why wouldn’t it be plausible that Gentry had been also? Not saying he had that hunch, but until there was more credible evidence to tie to Gentry, he wasn’t slamming the lid on the investigation. He was glad Paige was heading back to Durham. At least he wouldn’t be worrying about the possibility of her getting more in harm’s way. “The case is still active and will continue to be.”

  “Good. Keep me posted,” the chief said as he walked out of the conference room.

  The small team of detectives started to disperse.

  “What do you think?” Ted asked Seth on his way out the door.

  “I think we need more conclusive evidence. What we have now won’t keep Gentry behind bars long.”

  “I’m sure his attorney is already scrambling.”

  “Yeah, I spoke to his mother this morning before I came in. She has some big-name criminal attorney coming in from Charlotte.”

  “Then we better get cracking.” Ted paused before he turned toward his office. “By the way, how’s Paige?”

  Seth’s heart stung at the question, but he didn’t let it show on his face. “She left today for Durham. Since we have another suspect, Trey will be assigned bail.”

  “Well, one less worry, not having Paige around.”

  “Yep” was all he said, then he headed down the hallway toward the exit.

  In the parking lot he climbed into his truck and took off toward Gentry’s home. It was now a crime scene due to the weapons found there, and he wanted to take a look around himself.

  He glanced at the clock on the dash—10:50 a.m. Blowing a breath through clenched teeth, he gripped the steering wheel tighter. This day was already dragging. He had the same dank feeling as when Paige left the first time. Minutes felt like hours. Hours like days. It was slow going for a while, getting used to not having her around, but thankfully he’d eventually come to the conclusion that being apart was best for both of them.

  Seth rolled his shoulders to stretch out a knot of tension, and as he thought about it, he realized he’d really never told her goodbye yesterday. He pulled out his phone, and before he could stop himself he dialed Paige’s number.

  The call went to voice mail.

  Seth disconnected, unease knotting his gut.

  There were a thousand reasons why she wouldn’t pick up. Not wanting to talk to him not being the least of them. Still he’d rather know she was okay.

  He clicked on his phone and asked Siri to find Tessa Riley’s phone number.

  Tessa picked up on the second ring. After they exchanged cordial greetings, he asked what time Paige had left.

  “It hasn’t been long, maybe forty-five minutes.”

  Paige was out of the county and well on her way. “I’m glad she got an early start.”

  “Actually, she planned to stop by and see Mrs. Cramer on her way out of town.”

  Mrs. Cramer? Confusion tumbled with dread. Seth pressed the phone harder against his ear. “What do you mean, she stopped by to see Mrs. Cramer? She isn’t in town.”

  Tessa was quiet a moment. “Are you sure? Because according to Paige, she’s back and asked to see her.”

  Seth had just spoken to the woman. She was in Charlotte. Two hours away. “Who gave Paige that information?”

  “One of the Cramers’ employees called Paige this morning. Do you think she’s okay?” Tessa’s voice was laced with panic.

  “I’m heading there now to find out.”

  Heart thumping and with prayers flying, Seth swung his truck around and headed in the direction of Gentry’s mother’s house. He punched in Paige’s number. Answer, Paige. Please. It went to voice mail again instead.

  Dread filled his chest, and he stomped on the gas.

  * * *

  “Let it ring.”

  The harsh tenor of Eli’s voice sent a shot of adrenaline through Paige’s veins as she clutched her purse, absorbing each impatient blaring vibration.

  “What do you want from me?” She swallowed, hearing the fear in her own words.

  “I want this whole charade to end.” He shoved her old cell phone in front of her eyes. Paige recoi
led against the seat cushion, chastising herself for even coming today.

  “I saw everything, Paige,” Eli started his loud rant. “Your list of Madison’s friends and colleagues. Phone numbers. Notes. You thought you were so smart, but both you and your know-it-all boyfriend still don’t have a clue. Why couldn’t you just leave things alone?” The more he rambled, the more panic squeezed her chest, her lungs nearly collapsing when he hurled the phone with hurricane force toward the wall, embedding it into the drywall.

  “Do you understand how much trouble you’ve caused?”

  Struggling for a deep breath, Paige straightened at his skewed comment. A déjà vu question from her attack in the woods. She’d caused trouble? “I just came back to help my brother.” Her voice was a croak.

  “And because of that more have suffered. Gentry’s in jail. Amy’s dead.” His voice was more agitated now.

  No, because of you, Eli, she wanted to scream. But she held on to to her composure and desperately tried to recall everything she knew about psychopathic killers. Careful planners. Proud of their work. Did all his victims have to hear him rant before they died?

  She swallowed. She needed to keep him talking, maybe throw him off his agenda. Maybe she could distract him, change his mind.

  The incensed look in his eyes told her otherwise.

  Her heart dipped into her chest. Lord, get me out of this mess.

  Because Seth, Brett—no one knew she was in danger.

  She fought off the sting of tears. Eli was crazy, but she wouldn’t give in to him. He’d already turned her life and her brother’s upside down, and for what? That question burned deep and anger resurged. What kind of motivation drove someone like this?

  Her head jerked high, and she sucked in a bolstering breath. “You set my brother up for Madison’s murder. Why?”

  Eli’s tightened jaw signaled his dislike of the question. “Madison could never get that no-good fool brother of yours out of her head. I talked to her. Gentry talked to her. But she still wanted to go back to him.”

  Paige’s mind was scrambling to catch up. Madison had still loved Trey. But who had killed her, Gentry or Eli?

  “But selfishness is what did her in.” His voice was a rasp. “A trait that you and she share.”