Texas Sheriff's Deadly Mission

by Karen Whiddon

  Chapter 5

  Rayna could relate to the quick flare of panic she saw in Ted Sanders’s eyes. She understood all too well the worry that came with being a parent. Especially when it came to something dangerous like this.

  Parker stood quietly behind her, not interfering, as she’d asked. But she could sense his impatience. He wanted her to ask Ted pointed questions about what he might or might not have seen. And she would, but out here there was a right way to do things. Going after somebody like a battering ram wouldn’t work.

  “You’ll let me know if you see anything unusual, right?” she asked Ted. “I know you’re out in the fields most of the day. Any strange vehicles or people, or anything, you just pick up the phone and give me a shout.”

  “Will do.” He glanced at Parker. “And I definitely hope you find your friend’s sister.”

  “Thanks.”

  Hands in his pockets, Ted watched as they got back in the cruiser and turned around.

  When they reached the gate at the end of the drive, Parker jumped out and opened it, waving her through before closing it again.

  He got back in the car and glanced back over his shoulder toward the ranch. “Ted Sanders seems like a nice guy.”

  “He is,” she replied. “And you know he’ll be watching for anything even the slightest bit off.”

  “I kind of got that.” He swallowed. “I’m guessing he was never a suspect?”

  “Ted?” Shaking her head, she had to laugh, just a little. “Not really. Though anything is possible, so if something happened that gave me reason to wonder, I’d look into it. It’s the same with almost everyone else I’ll be talking to. There’s always a remote chance, and I keep my eyes and ears open, but until I have something concrete to go on, these people are the citizens I’m paid to protect.”

  After considering her words for a moment, he nodded. “I get that. Sam was the same way. He honestly considered half the town his family.”

  “Yep. Sam was like that. He was a guest teacher when I went to the police academy. For whatever reason, he befriended me and we kept in touch, even when I took a job in Conroe.” And when Sam had heard through the grapevine that she was in trouble, he’d reached out and offered her a hand. As far as she was concerned, Sam had saved her life.

  She told none of that to Parker. Not yet, maybe not ever. “Your uncle is a good man,” she said. “Now we’re going to meet a few other locals. If you came here as a kid, you might even remember a couple of them.”

  First stop was Serenity Rune’s unusual store, with its colorful array of bright flower arrangements interspersed with metaphysical books, as well as rocks of all sizes and shapes, along with exotic, polished crystals. She also did psychic readings and tarot cards. Maybe diversifying her offerings enabled her to remain in business, because she appeared to be doing quite well. Her shop had been there since long before Rayna had come to Getaway.

  “I remember this place,” Parker said, gazing at the storefront window with its colorful and eclectic display. Rayna had to admit Serenity had a knack for decorating. Even people who were merely driving through town stopped at Serenity’s shop, aptly named Serenity.

  “Did Sam take you here as a kid?” Rayna asked. Though she couldn’t think of any reason Sam might have done so, for all she knew Parker might have collected rocks. Or crystals, or whatever Serenity called them.

  “No,” Parker replied. “But I used to walk by and look at all those rocks she had on display in the window. For whatever reason, I found them fascinating.”

  “Just wait until you meet Serenity,” she said, grinning.

  Parker raised one brow, but didn’t comment.

  The instant they stepped inside the shop, the mingled scents of eucalyptus and strong incense made her sneeze. “Dang it,” she said, modifying a curse word since Serenity didn’t like them. “My allergies are going nuts.”

  “Just a minute, dear,” Serenity’s always cheerful voice sang out. “Let me extinguish everything and turn on a fan. I can get rid of the scents in no time.”

  Tempted to wait outside until mission accomplished, Rayna tried to buck up and tough it out, though her now streaming eyes and constant sneezing ruined that.

  Parker took her arm and steered her out the front door. “Is it always like that?” he asked, coughing.

  “No.” Wishing for a tissue, she swiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. “Only every once in a while, from what I’m told. I don’t go by there very often.”

  The front door opened and Serenity poked her head out. “Just a few more minutes,” she explained, her gaze traveling from Rayna to Parker.

  “Do you mind if we talk out here?” Rayna asked, her voice hoarse. “It won’t take more than just a minute.”

  But Serenity didn’t appear to be listening. She’d fixed all of her attention on Parker, even moving closer so that she stood maybe three feet away. Her long, dangly earrings swung in the hot breeze, and the brightly colored headband she’d used to keep her mass of curly hair away from her face gave her a Bohemian appearance.

  “You.” She jabbed her finger at his chest. “I have a message for you. Nicole Wilson is still alive.”

  Parker’s only response was a slight narrowing of his eyes.

  “Thanks, Serenity,” Rayna put in, sneezing again. “That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about. I know we’ve discussed this before, and maybe even Larry has come by to talk to you about it, but have you seen anything—or anyone—unusual?”

  “When?” she asked, fiddling with her gauzy long skirt. “I mean, you and I might have different definitions of unusual.”

  “True. But you told me you can see auras. Or people’s true natures,” she explained, for Parker’s benefit. “Have you seen anyone come through town, new or regular, who gave off—”

  “Evil?” Serenity interrupted. “No. You can bet your sweet patootie if I do, I’ll be right up to the sheriff’s office to point him or her out. Why?” She peered at Rayna, her pale blue gaze intent. “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing yet.” Rayna hated to mention it, even though she knew she had to. “Just thinking ahead to once we get an ID on those remains we found in the field. I don’t suppose you saw anything relating to that?”

  Serenity started shaking her head no before Rayna even finished the question. “That caught me by surprise,” she admitted. “But I’m only given to see what I’m supposed to. Clearly, I wasn’t meant to see that one.”

  “I wish you were.” Rayna turned to Parker. “Serenity sometimes helps us solve open cases,” she admitted, aware he probably thought she’d lost her mind.

  “I do.” Proudly lifting her chin, the older woman preened. “And I promise you, if I see anything about that poor soul buried in that shallow grave, you’ll be the first one I call.”

  “Fair enough.” Rayna stuck out her hand, but Serenity only used it to pull her in for a hug.

  “You’ve got this,” the older woman whispered loudly in Rayna’s ear. “All of it. Do you understand me?”

  Not entirely sure what Serenity meant, Rayna nodded anyway. “All right, then. We’ve got to go. Please be in touch if you see or hear anything.”

  “I always am,” Serenity chirped. “Take care.” She fixed her gaze firmly on Parker, though she lifted her hand in a quick wave as Rayna turned to go.

  Parker grabbed her arm before they got to her car.

  “Do you think she’s right?” he demanded, the hope in his gaze warring with the skepticism in his voice. “About Nicole, that is?”

  “I don’t know,” Rayna answered honestly. “But I will tell you this. She often comes by the sheriff’s office with information she ‘saw.’ So far, she’s been right most of the time.”

  The hope that lit up his face twisted her gut.

  “But there’s always a first time,” he said. “Right?”


  “Sure. But right now, let’s try to think positive. As soon as we hear back from the ME, we’ll know more.”

  Ahead, she spotted Old Man Malone, doing his thing. She pulled over to the curb and parked. “Rain or shine, hot or cold, he’s always out here with his metal detector.”

  Parker studied him curiously. “What’s he looking for?”

  “I have no idea. Money, most likely. He calls himself Old Man Malone. We’re going to talk to him next. If anyone was going to see anything out of the ordinary, it would be him or Orville Mexia.” She opened her door. “Come on.”

  Old Man Malone looked up as they approached. “Hey, Sheriff.” He frowned at Parker. “What’s up?”

  “Just checking in to see how your money search is going,” she answered, keeping her tone light. “Are you rich yet?”

  He chuckled. “Not hardly. Orville does much better than I ever could.”

  Rayna let that one slide. “Listen, you know I rely on people like you and Orville to let me know if you see anything unusual, right?”

  “Of course.” He lifted his chin. “You know you can rely on me. I’m the eyes and ears of Getaway.”

  She nodded. “I take that to mean you haven’t noticed any strangers in town, male or female?”

  “The only stranger I’ve seen around here lately is that feller.” He pointed at Parker. “What’s he want anyway?”

  Parker spoke up before she could answer. “I’m looking for my friend’s little sister. Getaway was the last place she was seen.”

  Just like that, Old Man Malone’s outright hostility changed to instant sympathy. “I’m really sorry, man. I sure hope she wasn’t the body that was found a couple days ago.”

  “Me, too.” Parker cleared his throat. “But until we find out, I’m going to believe that wasn’t her.”

  “Me, too.” Dropping his metal detector, the older man reached out and clasped Parker’s shoulder. “I’ll be praying.”

  “Thanks.”

  Rayna stayed quiet until they were back in the car with the doors closed. “He’ll be especially vigilant now. Next up, we’ll try to find Orville Mexia.”

  “What do you mean, ‘try to find’?” Parker asked. “Are you saying you don’t know where he lives?”

  “Not at all.” She grinned at him, “How long ago did you say it’s been since you visited Getaway?”

  He thought for a moment. “It was before I joined the Marines, and I did two tours, plus I’ve been out awhile...so at least ten years. Why?”

  “If it had been more recently, you probably would have known Orville Mexia. He panhandles all over town.”

  “Is he homeless?” Parker sounded shocked. “Here, in Getaway?”

  “No, he’s not homeless,” she replied. “He just likes to pretend he is. He lives with his brother out on Pine Road.”

  Parker gave her a quizzical look. “Then why do you allow him to panhandle? Or don’t you have laws against that sort of thing?”

  “Welcome to life in a small town. Everyone knows about Orville. All the money he collects goes to the Taylor County animal shelter.”

  This finally made Parker laugh. “I like it,” he said, shaking his head. “Actually, that’s pretty cool.”

  They shared smiles for a second before Rayna returned her attention to the road. “This time of the day, Orville likes to stay in the shade. So he’s either near Roseville Park or near the lumberyard. He enjoys lunch at the food truck that stops by there.”

  Sure enough, they found Orville sitting on the curb under a huge live oak tree with some of the workers, munching on a big greasy taco. He looked up at the sheriff’s car, but made no move to get up. Rayna saw he kept his trusty old coffee can close to him.

  “Afternoon, Orville.” She greeted him and his companions with a friendly smile. “Do you have a second to have a word in private?”

  As she’d known it would, her question made Orville perk up. He lived to be of service, which was why not only did he go around collecting money for the animal shelter, but he could often be found lending a hand to anyone who might need it.

  “Definitely,” he replied, cramming the last of his taco into his mouth and chewing rapidly. He climbed to his feet and hurried over, swallowing right before he reached the car. “What’s up?”

  She outlined things the same way she had with Old Man Malone. Orville’s happy smile dimmed when she introduced Parker, and he offered the same hope that the remains that had been found didn’t belong to Nicole. He too promised to keep a lookout and report anything unusual.

  Satisfied, Rayna rolled up her window and drove off. This time, Parker stayed silent, clearly lost in thought.

  Which meant, of course, that Rayna kept glancing sideways at him, as if trying to memorize his features. She wanted to kick herself in the butt, but she couldn’t seem to help herself.

  Though she’d finally managed to relax somewhat, taking Parker with her to talk to people felt like a form of sensual torture. While she managed to stay professional, she remained hyperaware of the sexy beast of a man sitting next to her.

  Sexy beast. Listen to her. They’d shared one night of amazing sex and still she wanted more. Even though they’d agreed that wasn’t going to happen again.

  The fact that he’d so readily agreed with her no-more-sex decision actually wounded her. She wasn’t sure why. Maybe she’d hoped he’d put up more of a fight.

  If not for the constant sexual tension, she would have really enjoyed his company.

  So far, Parker had been a great companion, once she took desire out of the equation. He kept his word and stayed quietly in the background while she talked to people. Then, when they were back in the car, his comments and questions were insightful and intelligent. He was fun to talk to, as well as easy on the eyes.

  The more time she spent with him, the more she actually liked him. All while fighting the urge to jump his bones. Definitely not professional. She knew all too well how dangerous following that path could be. Though it grew more difficult every day, she needed to keep her attention focused where it belonged—on the case. Finding Nicole, whether dead or alive, had to be her only priority. The rest would have to sort itself out later.

  * * *

  The more time he spent with Rayna Coombs, the more Parker found he admired Getaway’s sheriff. Sam had clearly chosen the best person to succeed him. The townspeople loved her, and she exuded authority without arrogance, and a quiet competence he found wildly attractive.

  In addition to that, the one night of lovemaking they’d shared had only whet his appetite for more. Sitting beside her while she drove, he found himself sneaking covert glances at her profile, the curve of her shoulder, the base of her neck and the way stray tendrils of her vibrant red hair escaped from its bun.

  He hadn’t been this in tune with a woman in a long time. Maybe ever.

  Talk about bad timing. He couldn’t get involved with anyone right now. Not until he’d taken care of finding Nicole and getting her to John. After that, all his time would belong to John, for however long his friend had left. There could be no distractions. Especially not a curvy redhead with vivid green eyes.

  Damn. There he went again, craving her. When he should be worrying about Nicole. Who had to be alive, somewhere out there. They just had to find her.

  While he knew Rayna no doubt had already thought of this, he wondered what would happen if the ID on the body turned out to be someone besides Nicole. What would that mean for Getaway? Would it open the possibility of a serial killer operating in these parts? He figured Rayna would have to investigate that, as well as continue to search for Nicole.

  Which brought up the question, if Nicole were alive, then where had she gone? He’d already run through numerous scenarios in his mind. A car accident, driving off a ravine, into a lake—all of these would explain why neither her car nor
cell phone had been found. Luckily, college was out for the summer, so she wasn’t missing any of her classes.

  Spending this morning driving around town with Rayna had shown him he’d been wrong, too. He’d been thinking of everyone as suspects and had planned on taking an adversarial approach to questioning them. Watching Rayna handle it in a low-key, friendly way clearly pointed out why Sam had always had faith in her.

  “Do you want to grab lunch?” she asked, startling him out of his reverie.

  He glanced at the dashboard clock, surprised it was already eleven forty-five. “Sure,” he answered, glad to spend more time with her.

  “Seeing Orville munching on that taco made me realize I haven’t had anything to eat since yesterday,” she confessed.

  This made him grin. “Same here. Where’s the closest Mexican restaurant? I know every Texas town has one.”

  She laughed. “Of course. Getaway has two. One is fast food and the other is a sit-down place. I’d like to sit and eat, if that’s okay with you.”

  “Sure.” He shrugged. “It’s not like I have anywhere else pressing to be.” The instant the words left his mouth, he realized how they sounded. “I didn’t mean it like that,” he said, chagrined.

  To his relief, she simply smiled. “I get you. It’s all good.”

  A few minutes later, they pulled in front of a building that appeared to be a former gas station. It hadn’t been remodeled enough, though, to disguise its original purpose. A huge, gaudy sign proclaimed the name—Tres Corazones. Three Hearts.

  “It’s owned by three siblings,” she clarified. “Two sisters and a brother.”

  “It’s certainly bright,” he commented. “Like when they started painting it, they couldn’t decide on a color.”

  Still smiling, she nodded. “I like the purple. Though the flamingo pink is a close second.”

  “What about the yellow and orange? Or the blue and green?”

  “I like them, too. It’s very festive, for sure. They also have good food. And even better margaritas. I’ve had more than a few girls’ nights out here.”