Killer Exposure

by Jessica R. Patch

  “Well, anything but that. How about down-home cooking? The Blue Bass café has a lunch-plate special on Sundays.”

  “Deal.”

  After buckling up, they headed to the Blue Bass café. Inside they found a booth in the corner. Greer grabbed a high chair and strapped Lin inside, then gave her some toys to occupy her. After ordering drinks and a one-meat-and-four-vegetable plate for Locke and the baked chicken and dressing for Greer, he leaned in. “I liked your church.”

  Greer smiled and dug through the diaper bag, pulling out a jar of carrots. “Good. I’m glad you did. I’m sure if you didn’t travel so much—and you wanted to—you could find a good home church.”

  “Three out of twelve months isn’t a lot, Greer.”

  “Sometimes you travel more and you said you wanted to travel all year round. Just go where the wind takes you.” She turned to Lin, who was bouncing in her seat and eyeing the jar of mush as if it was roast beef and mashed potatoes laden with thick gravy, which happened to be part of Locke’s lunch-plate order.

  “I know I said that but it looks like the wind blew me into my daughter’s life. When I’m not traveling for legit work, I’d like to be around to see her. We need to talk about this. It’s not going to go away.”

  Greer spooned in a bite of carrots and Lin lapped it up. “You don’t have to change your life for us, Locke.”

  That was the third time she’d made a comment similar to this. Like she was hoping he’d take the out she was tossing him and opt out of being a dad. If he stuck around, he was probably doomed to fail, but looking into Lin’s little face—his very own image—he couldn’t run for it. Wouldn’t. “I want to.”

  “You say that now,” she grumbled and gave Lin another bite. She was definitely a healthy eater. She’d almost cleared the jar and was banging on the tray, mouth wide open in anticipation of another bite.

  Locke’s dander rose but he inhaled and counted to five. “I do say that now. And I mean it now.” He huffed and opened his mouth but was interrupted by Deputy Crisp and Deputy Garrison.

  “Hey, how did the rest of the photo shoot go?” Adam asked.

  “Well...could’ve been better.” Greer told him what happened. “I’ll turn in the report today.”

  Adam glanced at Locke but didn’t speak. “I’m glad you’re okay. My offer still stands.”

  “We’re all good,” Greer said.

  Deputy Garrison harrumphed. “Just watch your back, Greer.” He glanced at Locke, a measure of disdain in his eyes. No doubt Locke looked like the deadbeat dad who didn’t care if he was in the picture or not.

  Wait.

  It hit him full-force. Greer’s dad had flown the coop when she was little. Did she think Locke would, too? He itched to get to the bottom of this but the deputies didn’t seem to mind infringing on their privacy. Adam seemed happy to, and Ben...well, he kept a wary eye on Locke, which stirred up a dose of irritation. Dude didn’t know the whole story. What happened to not judging books by their covers and all that jazz? And the same could go for Greer if that was the connection she was making between Locke as a father and Greer’s own dad. He might royally fail, but he wouldn’t abandon his daughter. Not ever.

  * * *

  After lunch at the Blue Bass and letting Lin get a nap in, the day was over half-gone and Greer still hadn’t been able to wrap her brain around Locke accompanying her to church and that he liked it. He’d gone to protect her, so he wasn’t obligated to tell Greer he’d enjoyed it.

  Greer hadn’t been as faithful to God and church in her early twenties. Some might have even called her a prodigal. And Locke, too, for that matter. But now that she’d gotten her life back on track and God was in the center, she wanted Lin to have a godly father. Dad hadn’t been big on religion or relationship, but Mama had always taken her and Hollister to church.

  Playing house and church with Locke had given her a measure of comfort she couldn’t afford. In a few days, he’d be leaving. Lin would quickly forget. Greer, not so much. Last night had been like old times. Racing against the weather together and eating at a greasy spoon in the middle of the night, adrenaline running through their systems. Too many emotions she’d forced into seclusion had sprung loose in her heart and opened her up for upcoming misery.

  If Locke spent his entire downtime here in Goldenville, Greer feared she’d fall in love with him again and become as attached as Lin would—and be dependent on him. Then he’d leave to chase what he loved most, leaving them behind to face fear and loneliness. Greer didn’t want to be his second best. And she sure as sunshine on a summer day didn’t want Lin to feel second best. A girl needed her father’s love and approval. She needed to know he’d move mountains to provide for and protect her. Greer had a gaping hole thanks to Dad tearing out her heart.

  Locke’s laughter and Lin’s giggles floated from Tori’s living room, squeezing her chest. Anyone who didn’t know them would think they were a happy family. She longed for that. More now that it edged her life and teased her heart. She sighed and grabbed the diaper bag. A notification popped up on her phone.

  Pausing at the door, she scrolled through the messages. Sweet! Someone wanted the old coffee table. Hello, sixty-five dollars. That would buy a pack of diapers and a can of formula. She hurried into the living room. Locke was lying on his back, raising Lin over his face in the air. Locke made airplane noises and “flew” her back and forth. She giggled and a string of drool hung from her open mouth. Before it reached Locke’s face, he sat up and wiped it away with his fingers. Such a dad move. Greer felt the pang along her ribs. She was torn. “One day, little lovely, you’ll have to stop doing that. Actually, never stop doing that. That’ll chase all the boys away. No boys for you.”

  Greer leaned against the wall and wished she had her camera.

  “Hey,” he said when he caught her lurking.

  “Hey. A woman from Rolling Hills wants to purchase the coffee table. She’s actually going to be in the area in thirty minutes. I told her we could meet at the park. Care to go by the house and help me load it and swing it over?”

  “Will it fit in the back of your CR-V or should we take the truck?”

  “Either is fine. I’m gonna go let Tori know we’re leaving.” She’d been giving them some space by hanging out in her bedroom.

  “Okay.”

  Twenty minutes later they had the coffee table in the back of Greer’s SUV and were headed to the park. “This is legit, right?” Locke asked. “You’ve done this before? Sold to people in neighboring towns?”

  Greer backed into a spot closest to the entrance, like she told the woman she would in her private message. “A few times, yes. It’s a public website.”

  “What time did she say she’d be here?” Locke asked.

  “One thirty.” Greer scoured the parking lot. “She’s in a maroon Enclave.”

  “Did you charge a hauling-it-from-your-SUV-to-hers fee?” he teased.

  She should have. Her bank account was sad. “No, I figured you’d be a southern gentleman and handle it.”

  Greer hopped out and popped the hatch while Locke unfolded from the vehicle.

  Simultaneously, a crack sounded and a bullet crashed into the metal on her car, driving her heartbeat into overtime.

  “Get down!” Locke bellowed.

  Greer ducked, drew her weapon and scanned the parking lot. No signs of people.

  Another bullet slammed into the trunk lid.

  Greer scrambled to the driver’s side but feared shooting into the woods. There were bike trails out there. Walking paths. She might hit someone.

  Another bullet slammed into the car.

  “Greer. Get in.” Locke had made his way around the SUV and practically shoved her inside the backseat on the driver’s side.

  Locke jumped behind the steering wheel, staying low, and peeled from the lot, the hatch still open and
the table falling out.

  “Greer, tell me you’re okay,” Locke demanded, his voice shaky. He could have taken a bullet shoving her inside.

  Would her own father have taken one for Greer? She didn’t believe for one second he would have, then or now. He wasn’t even around to do it. Her eyes burned. “No—no, I’m not hit.”

  The shooter came from the woods so there was no way he could have gotten into a vehicle and chased them down, but there were so many secrets and carnival workers sticking together—hiding things from them—Greer wasn’t going to take the chance and assume only one person was at that park. She glanced out the rear window. No one seemed to be on their tail.

  She’d never forgive herself if anything happened to Locke. He shouldn’t have signed up for this.

  Once he hit Main Street, he slowed and parked along the street. After surveying their surroundings, he spoke. “We’re safe now, and I know you’re thinking it. I am, too.”

  Greer heaved a sigh, her head dizzy with adrenaline. “Yep. Someone set me up.” She climbed in the front seat with Locke, beating herself up mentally for not thinking it might be a setup in the first place. Even if it did look legit, she was better than this. Smarter than this. But she’d been in such a panic since the attacks and since Locke got to town. Not to mention sixty-five dollars was a big deal to a single mama with an infant. “I feel like an idiot.”

  Locke’s arm came around her shoulders and he tucked her into his chest for support and comfort. “The question is how would a carny know you were posting items for sale on a website?”

  “I also post the link on my Facebook page, leaving it public. Anyone can see it if they visit. I was trying to stretch the reach and sell this stuff. If the shooter was keeping tabs on me, stalking me online as well, then it was a prime opportunity. But I feel like I’m not firing on all pistons and that’s unacceptable. I should have anticipated this.”

  “Greer, don’t beat yourself up. I only questioned it when we got here and didn’t suggest leaving. I think between fear, chaos and utter exhaustion, giving yourself some grace is okay. Humans—even trained officers—make mistakes.”

  Locke always had a way of making her feel better. “I assure you, I won’t be setting anything to public or using the online shop again. At least until we’ve caught this guy. If we can catch him. He’s slippery.” No one would come forward with any solid leads. The carnival would be gone come this Thursday. They’d pack everything in Wednesday night. Be gone by morning and the killer would get away scot-free...or would he even leave? What if he hid out and stuck around until he finished the job? “And I didn’t say it, but we’ve been looking for a guy with a beard and mustache. What if that first night he attacked me he was in a really good disguise?”

  Locke inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. “That would explain no one matching his description and why he stole all your editing software and laptop. Originally, he may have invaded to snoop up on you, but he spied the software. He’s clearly smart, so he probably assumed it was downloaded to your laptop, which is why he took it. He might have pieced together that you could use it to his disadvantage. Edit out a beard. A mustache. Change up his hair and facial features. Boom. You’d be able to identify who he really is.”

  Greer’s stomach roiled. “This broadens our suspect list by a mile. Anyone could be the killer.”

  “Anyone who is skilled at throwing weapons and familiar with the fun house—which might be many carnival employees, but the knife-throwing skill has to be limited.” Locke ran his hand through her hair, showing no urgency to release her from the embrace. “I think it’s time we bring in some reinforcements, Greer. I know you want to be the brave one, and you are, but we aren’t winning right now, darlin,’ and he’s become even more brazen. He hasn’t hurt our daughter, but she’s still at risk.”

  Our daughter.

  First time he’d said that. It had been his daughter since he found out.

  “I want to call my sister.”

  Greer pulled away. “Send Lin away with strangers?”

  Locke shook his head. “I’m going to have her come here. That way we still have her close but can focus on finding this killer. You’re being pulled in a thousand directions. Welcome to my daily brain-world.” He chuckled.

  “I don’t want Jody to think I can’t protect my own daughter.” She didn’t want Locke to think it, either. What if they used it against her somehow? No, they would never. Greer’s deepest fears were running wild.

  “Greer. You’re strong, capable and fully able to keep our baby safe. So am I, but we need to call in backup. You’d do it if you were on duty and things got hairy, you know you would.”

  Locke made a strong point. “What if she can’t come?”

  “She’s family. Family takes care of one another. No matter what. When things are bad, they drop it all to come.”

  Greer’s burning eyes betrayed her and tears leaked. “My mama died. And...my dad left. He was never there for important events and milestones, and he was never there when I needed him. He didn’t even call when Mama died. Didn’t come to the funeral. And I needed him, Locke. I needed my daddy. But he didn’t want or need me.”

  Locke brushed away her tears. “Greer. I’m so sorry. I’m sorry he was a perpetual no-show. He was the one who missed out. Not you, darlin’. And you have Hollister. I can call him. Have him come, too, if you’d like.”

  Hollister had a million things going on and she didn’t want to involve another person she cared about—no matter how strong and skilled they were. “No, it’s okay.”

  He tipped up her chin. “You may not have your father, but you have a whole host of townsfolk and church people who care about you and would bend over backward to be there for you. You said it yourself. You do life with them. I’ve seen it.”

  Greer touched his scruffy cheek. “I’m glad you’re here, Locke.”

  “I am, too.”

  He held her gaze then slowly dipped to her lips.

  A horn in the distance broke the mood. Locke blinked and licked his bottom lip. “Sorry. I—”

  “No, it’s all right.”

  But it wasn’t. Nothing was. And Greer wasn’t sure when it would be again. Locke cranked the engine and backed out of their parking space. As they pulled on to her street a small silver sedan sat in her driveway. Out on the porch, Hollister paced.

  Well, she may not want to involve anyone else, but her big brother was here, anyway. Just like Locke said. Family dropped everything to help.

  She stepped out of the vehicle. “What did I tell you?”

  “Doesn’t matter,” Hollister said. “I’m here. If for nothing else than to clean out this garage and the attic.” He glanced at Locke as he rounded the car. “Locklin.”

  “Hollister.”

  This was about to get interesting.

  NINE

  Locke stood in front of Greer’s picture window, chewing at his thumbnail and bobbing his leg. He had entirely too much nervous energy coursing through his muscles. He’d called Jody and given her the crime-related news, then he’d asked her to fly in and help, and she’d said yes before he ever had the chance to tell her it was to babysit her niece, not to go all Wonder Woman on a killer. She’d said, “Say no more. Evan and I will be on the first flight out.” He gave her the address and that was that.

  Then he’d had a conversation with Hollister on the way to pick up Lin. Between the three of them, and Jody and Evan on the way, they felt having her at the house for a while wouldn’t be dangerous. Hollister had informed him that Greer had finally come clean about not telling Locke about Lin and that his stay was indefinite. The more protection for Greer and Lin, the better, plus there were things around the house that Greer shouldn’t have to handle alone. Then after hanging out a while, Hollister had left to visit a few old friends. Mostly he was giving them space for when Jody and his brother-in-law, E
van, arrived. Guess he trusted Locke to keep Greer safe or he wouldn’t have left at all. And that felt good even if he hadn’t been doing such a hot job. Greer had a few bruises and cuts to prove it.

  Jody had called when they rented a car and, according to the time, she was about ten minutes away from Greer’s home.

  “Coffee, Locklin?” Greer softly asked.

  He glanced at Greer standing barefoot in the kitchen doorway. “No, thanks.” He didn’t need the added caffeine. Lin smacked her exersaucer with a plastic block and bounced up and down. They should make those for adults.

  “She’s going to hate me, isn’t she?”

  “Jody? No. Besides the last person she hated, she married.” He grinned. “No worries.” She already had enough.

  “You seem worried,” Greer said.

  He wasn’t, but he was puzzled. “Greer, can I ask you a personal question? Like seriously deep.”

  Greer nodded and sipped her coffee, her wary eyes trained on his.

  “You said your dad wasn’t around when you needed him. That you didn’t want me in and out of Lin’s life. She needed to be able to count on me. Do you...do you think I’ll be a bad dad because I’ll be like yours?” That wasn’t fair.

  Greer toed the carpet, looked anywhere but at him. Lin bounced like she’d never get to do it again. Locke crossed the room and dipped down to make eye contact with Greer. “Do you?”

  A car in the driveway caught their attention.

  Jody and Evan.

  This conversation wasn’t over. Just on hold. “How do you want this to go down?” Locke asked.

  “How do you?” Greer’s eyes held fear. Uncertainty.

  “I’ll go out there alone. Then bring them in to meet Lin.”

  Greer grabbed his elbow as he headed for the kitchen. “I should do it. I kept Lin from you. From your family. I should have to face the music.”