If I Should Die_ A Novel of Suspense - Allison Brennan [45]
Nevertheless, Lucy absolutely trusted Sean’s deep-seated drive to help those in trouble. “You couldn’t turn your back on somebody who needed you,” Lucy said, “and we must do what we can for Tim and Adam.”
“We’re good, right? You and me? That’s my main concern.”
He looked worried. Sean had told her that he needed her more than she needed him, and she didn’t believe it. But for the first time, she saw fear of loss in his eyes.
“Lucy, I’m sorry I overstepped.”
She shook her head. “I overreacted. We agree that Weddle is a problem. Do you really think he could be involved in what’s going on with Tim?”
“I need to call in some help.” He smiled, though the humor didn’t reach his eyes. “You probably thought you’d never hear me say that.”
“You’re right.” She smiled back, grimly.
“I suspect the sniper will try again, when he realizes we’re not leaving, I need Patrick up here to watch our backs.”
“What about the bullet casings?”
“I’ll send those to RCK West. Duke has an interest in this case; he’ll be happy to run them.”
“What about the missing persons reports?”
“Patrick is already working on it; we’re not going to let that go. I promise.”
Lucy nodded. “I’m going to the cabin to take a shower. I still feel dirty from the mine.”
“I’m going to Canton to overnight the casings to Duke.”
“Why Canton? Isn’t that nearly an hour away?”
“I’ll stop by the Sheriff’s Department and follow up on the vandalism report Tim made, check on the arson investigation. Maybe file a report against Weddle. Do you think there’s a crime for being an asshole?”
She tried to conceal her grin. “Sean—” she said in warning.
“I won’t get into trouble, but the only way to find out if Weddle actually reported the vandalism is if I check it out in person. I’ll follow up on the evidence in the mine as well, make sure the sheriff knows it’s down there, find out if Weddle was blowing smoke up my ass about a detective coming in to investigate. You may find this hard to believe, but I can be diplomatic when necessary.”
“True. But there’s a reason Patrick usually handles law enforcement when you’re working a case.”
“I’ll be fine.” He hugged her, but his mind was elsewhere.
Tim walked in and said, “I don’t know why Deputy Weddle acted that way. I tried to talk to him, but he’s adamant that we’re to stay away from the mine.”
“It’s on your property,” Sean said, taking Lucy’s hand.
“My property surrounds it, but the mine itself is still on a ninety-nine-year lease to the Kelley Mining Company. Though the mine used to be in my grandmother’s family, the estate sold it long ago.”
“We should find out who owns the mine, what they have planned, what it’s worth. It could be they have plans for the area that your resort would hinder.”
Tim looked skeptical. “Certainly nothing’s been going on with the mine since I came back from Boston.”
Lucy shook her head. “Except murder.”
FIFTEEN
I kept quiet after my pet cop told me what had happened at the Kelley Mine. I didn’t know what made me angrier: that Tim Hendrickson’s friend was a private investigator or that someone had tried to kill the two interlopers.
I’d taken over my brother’s office, such as it was. Made a few aesthetic adjustments to suit my taste, rearranged the furniture so no one could sneak up behind me through the door or window. Ian had arrived that morning and watched from the corner. He didn’t like Tyler Weddle any more than I did.
“Who fired the shots?” I asked my cop.
Tyler’s Adam’s apple bobbed unsteadily. “I-I don’t know. You made it clear—”
“Yes, I made it perfectly clear that you all were to stand down. I’m giving the Hendricksons time to do the right thing, and I’m confident they will. The fire was a dumb move, but what do I expect from