Texas Sheriff's Deadly Mission

by Karen Whiddon

  “That’s where Parker is staying,” she said. “I know he’ll be glad to see you.”

  Sam checked his watch, barely stifling a yawn. “Well, it’ll have to wait until morning. He and I are meeting for coffee and some eggs. I’ll stop by the station after breakfast.”

  “Perfect.” She hugged him again, the familiar woodsy scent of his aftershave making her smile. “Thanks so much for coming, Sam. Your support means the world to me.”

  “Tell Wanda and that sweet daughter of yours that I said hello.”

  “I will.”

  On the way out the door, Sam stopped and gazed down at the still sleeping Wanda. When he realized Rayna saw, he grinned. “She’s a good-looking woman,” he whispered. “Can’t help but stare.”

  Though he’d been quiet, something made Wanda stir. Slowly, she opened her eyes. When she caught sight of Sam, she bolted upright. “Sam?”

  “Hey, Wanda.” His answering smile seemed sad. “How are you?’

  Not looking away from him, Wanda took a step closer. “I’m good. You?”

  “Great, great.” Sam glanced at Rayna. “Would you mind giving us a moment here so we can talk in private?”

  “Of course.” Stunned, Rayna backed out of the room. Unsure where to go, she ended up heading into her bedroom. She stayed there until about five minutes later, when she heard the front door close. Still, she waited until she heard a car start up before making a beeline for the living room.

  “Mom? What was that all about?” Catching sight of Wanda, Rayna stopped short. “What’s going on? Mom, are you crying?”

  Wanda waved her away, making a strangled sound halfway between a sob and a snort. Tears continued to stream down her face, though she mopped at them with a paper napkin she’d been using under her water glass.

  Concerned, Rayna tried to hug her. But Wanda pushed her away, clearly not wanting or needing comfort. “I’m fine,” Wanda insisted, even though she obviously wasn’t.

  Since Rayna had no idea what to do, she dropped down onto the couch and waited Wanda out. She knew once her mother regained control of her emotions, she’d sit down and tell Rayna what was wrong.

  Except this time, she did not. Still sniffling, Wanda turned and left the room. A moment later, she closed her bedroom door, shutting Rayna out.

  “What the...?” Sam must have said something to upset Wanda. But what? She’d only left them alone for a few minutes.

  Grabbing her phone, Rayna called Sam. Instead of him answering, the call went to voice mail. She left a message, even though she knew he wouldn’t call her back tonight.

  She decided to go bed also. Maybe Wanda would feel more like sharing in the morning. If not, Rayna planned to badger Sam until he told her what he’d done.

  Chapter 10

  Though Parker hadn’t seen his uncle Sam since graduation from basic training, he would have recognized the older man anywhere. With his shock of wavy white hair, well-trimmed matching beard and mustache, Sam Norton looked like he should have been either a racehorse owner or the founder of a whiskey maker. He walked with a bit of a swagger, a quick smile and firm handshake always at the ready.

  Though when he saw Parker waiting for him outside the Tumbleweed Café, he wrapped him up tight in a huge bear hug. “Good to see you, boy.” His booming voice turned more than a few heads. When people realized who the commanding voice belonged to, they surrounded him and Parker, glad to see their former sheriff.

  And in the numerous conversations that followed, more than one person expressed support for Rayna Coombs.

  Finally, Sam managed to break free and grab Parker’s arm so they could get inside the restaurant. “Can’t keep a hungry man from his food,” he joked as a parting shot.

  In the main dining area, people began recognizing him and again, it appeared they would have no peace. Patient and kind, Sam greeted each and every single person, remembering not only their names, but those of their kin and even their pets.

  Despite himself, Parker was impressed. Finally, Sam grabbed the hostess and asked, in his usual loud voice, for a private booth so he and his nephew could talk uninterrupted.

  A few people laughed, one apologized, and several others promised to catch up with him later. The hostess led Sam and Parker to a secluded booth in the back near the kitchen, and people left them alone.

  “You have a gift,” Parker marveled as he sat.

  This made Sam grin. “I do—that’s a fact.” He sat back while the waitress brought them water and menus. Stopping her, Sam asked for coffee. She immediately brought two steaming cups.

  “Thank you, darlin’,” Sam drawled.

  She grinned. “I’ll be back in a few to take your orders.”

  “Sounds good.” Sam grinned back. His smile faded when she left and he eyed Parker with an intent gaze. “Now tell me what’s been going on.”

  “Have you been to see Rayna yet?” Parker asked first. He didn’t want to step on any toes, especially hers.

  “Yes. But I want to hear your perspective on things.”

  Parker decided to stick with the missing-person case instead of touching on anything personal. After all, Nicole was the real reason he was here in Getaway.

  Quickly, he outlined the information they had so far.

  “Wow.” Expression serious, Sam sipped his coffee while he considered. “I assumed Rayna turned the phone over to the FBI?”

  “I think so.” Parker found himself wishing they’d asked her to join them. “Though watching that video was awful, at least we now know she was abducted near Getaway.”

  Sam nodded, but his grim look told Parker his thoughts. “You know with a serial killer, time is of the essence.”

  “So Rayna has said.”

  Sam took another sip of his coffee. “I don’t want you to get your hopes up.”

  “I hear you. Rayna says the same thing.” Now Parker drank his coffee, carefully considering his next words. “Okay, I know this is going to sound weird, but Serenity told me she believes Nicole is still alive.”

  Instead of ridicule or derision, Sam took a moment to think about what Parker had said. “Serenity is often right,” he finally said. “Though I have also known her to be wrong. I can promise you this. Rayna and the deputies working for her will do their best to find Nicole and bring her out alive.”

  Parker sat back. “I know. Rayna seems very competent. And I’ve met Larry, even looked through some of his files. I have complete faith in their abilities.”

  Sam’s bright blue eyes narrowed. “I assume you’ve seen the news stories on Rayna.”

  “I have.” Though it still pained Parker that Rayna hadn’t trusted him enough to talk to him about her past, he could also understand her reluctance. After all, it wasn’t as if they were building something permanent.

  “What’s up with you and Rayna?” Sam asked. Luckily, the waitress arrived just then to take their order, saving Parker from answering.

  They ordered eggs, bacon, toast and hash browns. She refilled their coffee cups.

  “I’m pretty hungry,” Parker said once she left, hoping Sam would forget about his earlier question.

  “Me, too. Now you and Rayna. Are you dating or what?”

  “I’m only here until Nicole is found,” Parker protested. “I don’t have time to date anybody.”

  “That’s not answering the question,” Sam chided. “Every time I spoke with you on the phone, all you talked about was her.”

  Sam had a point. But Rayna wasn’t something Parker wanted to analyze, never mind discuss. “She’s a great cop,” he said. “I have the utmost confidence in her ability to find Nicole, but... I think I’m going to go ahead and organize my own search.”

  Judging from Sam’s frown, this wasn’t the answer he’d been expecting. Luckily, their food arrived, giving Parker a brief reprieve.

  Bo
th men tucked into the breakfast, eating with a similar sort of single-minded intent. They finished roughly at the same time, pushing back their plates. Sam gave a satisfied sigh.

  Parker took a sip of his coffee and waited. He had a pretty good idea what was coming next.

  “Does Rayna know about this?” Sam finally asked.

  “Not yet. I don’t know if she’ll approve or disapprove, but I figure as long as I stay out of her way—”

  “I have a better idea,” Sam interjected. “Why don’t you ask her if you can ride along while she’s working the investigation? Whether with her or one of her people. As long as you don’t interfere, I think that would be a lot more helpful than you stirring up trouble on your own.”

  “I’ve already ridden along with Rayna.” Parker’s mouth twisted. “I wouldn’t stir up anything.”

  “You may not think so, but if someone from Dallas, an outsider—that would be you—starts going around questioning townspeople, there’s bound to be some bruised egos and hurt feelings. Hell, you might even get shot.”

  Certain his uncle had to be kidding, Parker waited for Sam to laugh. Instead, Sam leaned forward, clearly serious. “You don’t understand these people. I do. I’ve lived in this town almost all of my life. I can ask Rayna if you can do a ride-along if you’d like.”

  Privately, Parker thought Sam might be making a big deal out of nothing, but there was the possibility the older man had a valid point. “Sure,” he finally said, downing the last of his coffee. “But if she says no, I’m going to start on my own.”

  “Fair enough,” Sam agreed. “I’m going to see her this morning. I’ll let you know what she says.”

  * * *

  Using the department text and email system Mary had developed a few years ago, Rayna sent a message to her entire staff scheduling a meeting first thing that morning. Sam must have still been on it because he’d called and asked to sit in. Of course she said yes.

  He showed up before she did, waiting in the parking lot for her to arrive. Once inside, they walked together back to the conference room. She allowed the first ten minutes of the meeting for people to express their delight at seeing him.

  Finally, she marched to the front of the conference room and cleared her throat. “Everyone, please take a seat.”

  Everyone seated and silent, she listed the known facts in the serial killer case. She talked about Nicole, showed them clips of the video and began outlining a plan of action.

  “While the FBI is analyzing the phone, we’re going out and questioning the citizens. I don’t want you to make anyone feel like a suspect, though internally I expect you to consider them one until proved otherwise. I’ve made everyone a list of people I’d like you to talk to, along with geographical areas where you’re going to be knocking on doors.”

  One of the newer officers protested. “But won’t this type of thing offend our citizens? They’re not going to like knowing we consider everyone a potential suspect.”

  Larry and Sam exchanged a look that clearly said Rookies. By a herculean effort, Rayna managed to keep her own face professional and expressionless.

  “Your job is to take measures to make sure no one feels like a suspect,” she reiterated. “Routine questioning, doing our job, dotting our i’s and crossing our t’s.” She let her gaze drift over her small group of officers. “Keep this in mind, folks. Though it’s difficult to consider, we most likely have a murderer living among us—worse than that, a serial killer. He—or she, though they’re hardly ever female—will kill again. Our job is to stop him before he does. And if by some miracle, our missing person Nicole Wilson is still alive, we need to rescue her before she is killed. Questions?”

  The usual flurry of questions started. Most of them made sense. One or two of the newer officers appeared to resent the FBI for being involved in the case. Rayna quickly nipped that notion in the bud.

  “The FBI is our partner in this investigation,” she reminded them.

  “And they have access to a lot of technology we don’t,” Sam interjected.

  “Are you coming out of retirement to work this case?” Larry asked. Rayna couldn’t tell if he sounded hopeful or worried.

  Sam shook his head and looked at Rayna, as if asking her thoughts.

  “I’m actually glad Larry asked that question,” Rayna said. “You’re certainly welcome to assist us if you’d like.”

  Her statement made Sam guffaw. “I think I’ll hang around town for a bit,” he allowed. “I can be a consultant if you need me. But no, my days of actively working cases are over.”

  She eyed him. “I’m about to go out and talk to a few people.” Holding up a sheet of paper, she tilted her head. “I have my own list.”

  The gleam in Sam’s blue eyes told her he was intrigued. “I think I’ll ride along with you,” he said. “For old times’ sake.”

  Knowing better than to laugh out loud, she nodded instead. “Let’s go.”

  “Wait.” He grabbed her arm. “I need to ask you something. What do you think of letting Parker ride along with you instead of me?”

  “Parker? Why?”

  “Because he’s thinking about doing his own investigating. Even though I warned him riling up the townspeople wasn’t a good idea. It’d be better—and less destructive—to allow him to be a small part of the official investigation. Even if all he does is observe.”

  Heaven help her, but her entire body flushed. She had enough difficulty keeping her thoughts straight on their chance encounters. Deliberately spending hours with Parker would be a challenge, to say the least.

  But Sam did have a point. The good citizens of Getaway were friendly, but didn’t take well to outsiders getting in their business. She’d learned that the hard way when she’d first arrived in town.

  “I don’t have a problem with that,” she finally allowed. “As long as you promise to keep him from doing anything disruptive.”

  Now Sam did chuckle. “Rayna, I’m afraid you’re on your own with that one. I’m only riding along with you today. I don’t get back to town often enough. The rest of my time here I plan to spend visiting.” He winked. “I’m hoping I can get your mother to join me.”

  Though she’d just reached for the door to push it open, she swung around. “Wanda?”

  “Do you have more than one mother?” He shouldered past her without waiting for an answer.

  Dumbfounded, she followed. He unerringly went to her squad car, waiting impatiently for her to unlock it. It once had been his, so he knew it well.

  Inside the car, she contemplated starting the ignition and trying to pretend she hadn’t heard his comments, but couldn’t do it. “What did you say to make my mother cry last night when you were at the house?”

  He shook his head. “That’s none of your business.”

  “Fair enough.” She took a deep breath. “Then tell me this. Do you have the hots for my mother?”

  He didn’t even crack a smile. “What if I did? She and I are of similar ages and she’s a beautiful woman.”

  “Mom doesn’t really date,” she protested, even though she’d been after her mother for months to get out there and meet some men.

  “Maybe she just hasn’t met the right person,” Sam suggested. “Would you really mind so terribly?”

  She had to think about that. “I don’t want her to be hurt, Sam. I think you’re an amazing guy and all that, but you’re not going to be here long. What if you two start seeing each other and then your leaving breaks her heart?”

  “I think your mother is old enough to make that choice for herself,” Sam chided gently. “Why don’t we leave it up to her?”

  “You’re right.” Pushing the button to start the engine, she shifted into Reverse and backed out of her parking spot. “But so help me, Sam. If you hurt her...”

  “I won’t.” He touched her arm. “If you w
ant to worry about someone getting their heart broken, worry about me.”

  His cell phone rang. Sam answered, listened for a moment, and then said they were leaving. “That was Parker,” he explained. “We might as well pick him up on the way.”

  Her heart skipped a few beats, though she managed to give a casual shrug. “Roger that.”

  Sam waited until they were away from the station before he spoke again. “What’s going on between you and my nephew?”

  Rayna frowned. She saw no reason to lie, since Sam knew her well enough to see right through her. “That’s kind of personal, don’t you think?” she asked instead.

  Her response made Sam chuckle. “So there is something going on. Parker dodged my question, too.”

  “Sam, you remember what happened to me in Conroe,” she warned.

  “That’s what you’re worried about?” His incredulous tone had her glancing sideways at him. “Parker isn’t a criminal. You can’t even compare the two.”

  “I didn’t know what Jimmy Wayne was doing the entire time I dated him. Not only did I feel used, but I felt stupid and naive. It’s difficult for me to trust anyone after that.”

  “Again, Parker isn’t anyone.” He smiled. “Granted, I’m prejudiced. That boy has been through hell. Two tours in Afghanistan and to this day he doesn’t like to talk about that.”

  Not sure what he wanted her to say, she settled for a nod.

  “He’s got some skills, too. Ever since he was a teenager, he’s loved working on cars. He has the touch. I told him if he were ever to set up shop, he’d have people lining up from all over the country.”

  “Sam, why are you telling me all this?” she asked. “I get that you’re proud of Parker, but it feels almost like you’re trying to sell me on him.”

  His unabashed grin was pure Sam. “Maybe I am. Just in case there might actually be something going on between you.”

  Because she knew how Sam could be like a bulldog once he got something in his head, she figured she might as well answer.

  “If there is, it’s just two adults having a little fun when they can.” She shrugged. “No harm in that. I’m able to keep both parts of my life completely separate.”