She smiled and cupped his face. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.”
Ever so slowly he lowered his mouth to hers. Her lips had barely parted beneath his when he pulled away. If he didn’t leave now, he never would. “Call if you need me.”
He crossed the room to the door and opened it, hesitating in the threshold before turning toward the room. Riley was already focused, unblinking, on the wall of photos, muttering to herself, working through potential theories. He would like to stay, to hold her in his arms tonight, to help her, but she needed to work alone, in the quiet, away from any distractions, and she wouldn’t forgive herself for not focusing every ounce of energy on finding the murderer.
Thayne shut the door and shrugged on his coat as he made his way to his car. He ignored a twinge of regret that he wasn’t with Riley. When he got to his car, a light flickered off on the side of the B&B before brightening once more. He’d have to remind Fannie to change the exterior light bulbs the next time he saw her.
He let his gaze travel to the window in Riley’s room. Her shadow paced back and forth, and he tamped down the sense of unease that threatened to suffocate him. He’d experienced the same feelings prior to a particularly risky mission.
The discomfort had to stem from Riley and their conviction that there was a killer roaming Singing River. If Thayne had learned one thing about human nature, it was that a killer would do almost anything not to get caught. Even if it meant killing again.
The sheriff drove away. Finally.
For a moment he couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. The scent of pine itched his nose. He’d almost sneezed. He would have given everything away.
Much too close.
He’d believed Singing River to be the perfect hunting ground. A new sheriff and deputy, a low crime rate. A sheriff’s office with only five personnel.
Riley Lambert hadn’t factored into his equation. She didn’t belong here. When she’d flown to DC, he’d assumed she wouldn’t be back.
He’d become impatient to kill the Jordans. A mistake he wouldn’t make again.
He stuffed his rope, picklock kit, and ski mask into his black bag. His loose ends wouldn’t cause any more trouble. One way or another.
The midmorning sun bathed Riley’s car in warmth despite the near-freezing temperatures. Madison sat in the passenger’s seat, huddled in a bulky coat, woolen mittens, a scarf, and a hat. She looked ready for a blizzard. Riley smiled and took a long sip of coffee. After dropping her sister off at the hospital, she’d need to jump-start her brain before arriving at the sheriff’s office.
Her smile slowly faded. She couldn’t remember when a night had gone worse. She’d used every trick she knew to help her see past the obvious, but the truth was, there were no details to be uncovered. She could speculate and give Kim Jordan a dozen or more reasons for wanting to disappear—from financial troubles to an abusive marriage to witnessing or even committing a crime. Without more information, short of asking everyone in town to be fingerprinted, she was stuck.
The woman the FBI brought in to solve the unsolvable had only one idea left, though it felt more like assuaging her curiosity than a solid lead. Her gut just wouldn’t let it go. She needed to search the no-man’s-land between the Riverton and Blackwood properties.
“You look like hell,” Madison said from the seat next to her.
“Gee, thanks, Maddy.”
“I’m serious, Ri. Thayne didn’t stay, and you didn’t sleep all night. Is this what you do on every case? Is this how you found me? Because you can’t keep it up. You’ll burn out.”
“A twelve-year-old girl is in trouble. How can I sleep when I know that?” She yawned. Clearly she needed more time to wake up. “Come on. I used to love to listen to you tell me stories. I bet Chloe will, too.”
Riley pulled the SUV into the hospital parking lot. She took Madison on a quick tour of the small facility before leading her down the main corridor. Cheyenne stood just outside Chloe’s door, peeking into the room with a gentle smile on her face.
Quietly they joined her. She placed a fingertip to her lips and eased open the door about halfway.
Helen sat in the chair next to Chloe and held her hand tightly. Lincoln hovered at her side. She wasn’t holding a book in her hands but was speaking softly.
“The thawing lake was cold, and a flock of beautiful birds descended down to the lone bird. Drawing courage, the duckling swam out into the pond, uncertain if these majestic birds would reject him, but knowing the risk had to be worth it.”
Cheyenne eased the door closed. The hospital was just starting to come to life. “I don’t have much time, but Chloe’s responding very well to Gram.” Her eyes glistened with hope. “I remember snuggling up in bed with Gram and listening to her tell the story of ‘The Ugly Duckling.’ I could see the images in my mind. I didn’t even know Hans Christian Andersen wrote it until I was in junior high. To me, it was always Gram’s story.”
Riley touched Cheyenne’s hand. “I’m glad she’s having a good day.”
“Me too. She can’t really learn new things these days, but something from the past—well, it’s a window into the Gram I miss the most.” She cleared her throat and looked past Riley. “I’m so glad to see you, Madison.” Cheyenne gave her a huge hug. “You look well.”
“I’m fine. I came to read to Chloe once your grandmother’s finished.”
Cheyenne focused exclusively on Madison as if Riley weren’t even present.
“After you’re finished here, would you like to have lunch with me?”
Oh good. Thayne must’ve spoken with his sister about Riley’s concerns for Madison. Maybe she could wheedle out of Madison what was going on in her head these days.
Her sister smiled, brighter than she had since she’d been back. “I’d love to. Do you know what I’ve been craving? Blackberry pie.”
“Great. The diner it is. I haven’t been cooking much lately, anyway. Dessert first.”
While Cheyenne and Madison set up a time, Riley nodded her acknowledgment to the deputy guarding the door and peered into Chloe’s hospital room. The girl looked peaceful, and something else. Riley turned and clasped Cheyenne’s arm. “Are Chloe’s eyelids moving?”
“We think she’s dreaming. It’s our first really good sign since I pulled her off the ventilator. Gram is magic.”
Gram’s soft words drifted their way: “And they soared into the sky together. For the first time ever, he felt safe and loved.” The story ended, and Helen glanced over at Lincoln. “Could I have some tea, my love? I’m not used to telling stories these days, and my throat’s a bit dry.”
Lincoln gave her a sweet kiss on her forehead and left to do her bidding. Helen shifted in her seat and whispered to Chloe, and began another tale. He paused in the hallway, a wide grin splitting his face. “Did you hear her? She remembered the entire story.”
Cheyenne kissed her grandfather on the cheek. “A moment to cherish.”
“Moments of clarity,” he said and disappeared down the hall toward the small lunchroom.
Thayne used the phrase often. The Blackwoods lived for those moments of clarity. Riley hoped they continued for a long time.
When Helen’s sweet-toned voice went quiet, Riley glanced through the doorway. Thayne’s grandmother stood and bent over Chloe’s bed. She whispered something into her ear and patted the girl’s hand once more before walking toward the door.
“I’m finished,” she said with a smile at Cheyenne, looking straight past Riley without a flash of recognition. “Where’s Lincoln?”
“Getting you tea from the lunchroom,” Cheyenne said. “Aren’t you thirsty?”
Helen shrugged. “Not really. I need to go to my book club meeting. I’ll find him.” She wrinkled her forehead and looked first right and then left. “Which way?”
“Madison, you know where the lunchroom is. Could you keep Gram company to find Pops?” Cheyenne asked. “I need to check my patient.”
“Of course,” Madi
son said as Cheyenne disappeared into Chloe’s room.
Riley’s sister fell in step with Helen.
“Are you new to town, dear? You have a nice smile. I think I like you.”
“I like you, too, ma’am.” Madison linked arms with Helen and gave Riley a wink before they disappeared around the corner.
Cheyenne exited the hospital room with a frown. “Her vitals are excellent. If she’s not awake by the end of the day, I’m calling in a consultant, maybe transfer her to a larger hospital.”
The words quenched that flicker of hope within Riley that had risen with Chloe’s improvement.
“Okay. I’m heading to the sheriff’s office to meet Thayne. I want to go to the cabin your father told us about last night. It’s a long shot, but maybe something will pan out.”
“Good luck. I’ll work with Madison.”
“Thank you.” Knowing Cheyenne would talk to Madison eased Riley’s concern.
After hurrying out of the hospital, she drove to the sheriff’s office. Once she entered the building, she greeted Alicia and strode over to Deputy Pendergrass’s desk.
“Tell me you have a break in the Jordan case, even if it’s a bread crumb.”
The man scowled at her. “Good morning to you, too. I’ll let you know.” He shoved his chair back and stalked to the back room.
“Okay then.” Riley sent Alicia a what-the-hell look.
“Don’t mind Quinn. He’s having a tough time right now. Personal issues.”
“Aren’t we all,” Riley muttered before knocking on Thayne’s door.
Though on the phone, he motioned her in and said to whomever he was talking to, “Stall for a couple of minutes. I’m on my way.”
Thayne hung up and strapped on his gun. “We can’t leave for the cabin just yet. That was a call from the bank. Dan Peterson is at it again. He’s getting scammed.”
Thayne slammed out of his office door. “I’m heading to the bank; then Riley and I are working the Jordan case. I’ve got my phone if the rest of the town goes to hell, too.”
At Alicia’s wide-eyed stare, he winced. “Sorry. Call if you need me.”
The sheriff’s office went silent, but Thayne didn’t have time for more than that. All he knew was that someone had encouraged Dan Peterson to withdraw all his money. And the man had agreed. He knew one thing for certain: Anyone who had the cojones to walk into a bank and empty out an old man’s bank account was someone Thayne would engage up close and personal.
He passed his deputy’s desk.
“You need backup, Sheriff?” Deputy Pendergrass asked, half standing as if he were ready to go.
“I’ve got Riley. I’ll call you if I need you.”
Pendergrass flopped unceremoniously into his chair. “Right. Take her.” More and more the man was showing signs of discontent. Thayne had taken the job Pendergrass had thought was his, so it wasn’t shocking, and now Riley was here. He felt for the guy. They needed to have a conversation, but now wasn’t the time. He raced out of the building, Riley on his heels. He vaulted into his SUV, and she jumped in with him.
“Call my father. Tell him to meet us at the bank. I don’t know what’s going on, but if Dan Peterson gives me any trouble, maybe Dad can help.”
Luckily the bank was only two blocks away. By the time Riley filled his father in, Thayne had reached the front of the bank. They walked inside.
He could feel the tension the moment he walked in. Thayne quickly scanned the room, identifying threats and exits. A young teller sat behind the counter, frozen. Yvonne from the Cuts, Curls, and Color Salon had plastered herself against the side wall, clutching a bank bag.
“It’s my money and I’ll do what I damned well please,” Dan shouted, slapping his hand on the counter. He glared at the bank manager. “Give it to me now. All of it.”
The con man standing next to Dan took a step back. “I’ll wait outside, sir. Meet you there.”
Before the guy could disappear, Thayne grabbed him by the scruff of the neck. “I don’t think so.” He pushed him toward the wall. “Hands on the wall, feet apart, and don’t move. My FBI colleague has a weapon.”
The guy swallowed. “FBI?”
“Shut up. I’m not talking to you,” Thayne said. He faced Mr. Peterson. “What’s the trouble, Dan?”
Mr. Peterson’s face had turned tomato red. Sweat popped on his brow. “This idiot bank manager won’t let me have my money so I can pay this young man for doing me a favor.” He scowled at Thayne. “What are you doing? Causing trouble as usual. Don’t think you can arrest this nice boy while I’m around.” Dan took a step toward Thayne, and Riley stopped him. He craned his neck to see past her. “Why are you treating him like a criminal?” he yelled.
The shout echoed around the bank, and the stranger winced. “I don’t want any trouble.” He met Thayne’s gaze. “I’ll quietly leave. No harm, no foul. We can call it a misunderstanding.”
“Identification,” Thayne ordered. “Now.”
The guy passed over his license, and Thayne zeroed in on the man’s home base. “Out of state. Based outside of Boulder. Working for the natural gas company by chance?”
The man’s eyes widened and he nodded.
Thayne tapped his radio. “Alicia, tell Quinn I need him at the bank. We’ve got a new overnight guest.”
Dan grabbed Thayne’s arm with both hands. “Oh no you don’t. I’ve got to give that boy thirteen thousand dollars.”
The words froze Thayne. “What’d he promise you, Mr. Peterson?”
“He’s buying me a house so I can get away from my wife.” Dan Peterson’s eyes narrowed. “She tried to kill me. I told you, and you wouldn’t listen. I gotta get away from here, and this young man said he’d help me. No one else will.”
Dan crossed his arms and glared at Thayne. “I’m not moving until I get my money.”
For the first time Thayne appreciated Dan’s dogged stubbornness. Finally, Quinn rushed inside, hand hovering over his gun. “What’s going on?”
“Everything’s under control,” Thayne said and nodded at their suspect. “Get this guy out of here. Read him his rights and book him on attempted fraud.”
“You got it.” Quinn shoved the guy through the door.
“I didn’t do it. The old man offered me the money. I never asked for it.”
Dan’s expression sagged; his eyes darted around the room. He paced back and forth, his movements erratic. Thayne motioned everyone to stay back. He didn’t want Dan to get hurt or hurt anyone else. The old man suddenly kicked a metal display over. The housing clattered as it hit the tiles, and pamphlets fluttered to the floor.
“You gone and done it this time,” Dan yelled. “When you find my cold, dead body tomorrow, you’ll be to blame.” He returned to the teller window and pounded on the counter. “Close my account. I want my money.”
Just as Dan shouted his instructions, Thayne’s father walked through the door. “Dan? I hear you’re making a bit of a ruckus. Look at poor Missy there behind the counter. She’s plumb terrified.”
At Thayne’s father’s words, Dan Peterson seemed to deflate. Thayne let out a long sigh and sidled over to Riley. “What do you think?” he asked, his voice soft.
“Hospital,” Riley said. “Something’s definitely wrong with him. He was normal when he helped us find Chloe. Maybe his wife is overdosing him.”
“I agree.” He cleared his throat. “Dad, could we invite Mr. Peterson to have a cup of coffee with Cheyenne? We were just headed that way.”
“Good idea, son.” His father smiled at Dan. “What do you say? My daughter might spring for a few chocolate chip cookies to go with that coffee.”
Dan studied Carson for a few moments and frowned. “You made me go home to that woman. My daughter was furious. Maybe you’re the one Kate’s been seeing on the side.”
Thayne’s dad shook his head. “We’ve known each other all our lives, Dan. Do you really think I’d risk your friendship doing something like that?”
“Sounds like it’s been a confusing couple of days. We’re gonna talk this out. Let’s go see Cheyenne.” Carson led Dan outside and into his vehicle.
Thayne watched them leave before walking over to the bank manager.
A worried expression furrowed her brow. “Is Mr. Peterson going to be okay?”
“I don’t know, but he has you to thank for protecting his money. You did the right thing calling me.” He glanced over at the trembling teller and smiled at her. “Good job, Missy.”
Her face reddened. “Thanks, Sheriff,” she squeaked.
The manager gave him a quick hug. “Thank you. Let us know how he is.”
Thayne tipped his hat and met Riley’s gaze. They walked out together. He stroked his chin. “I hope Cheyenne can figure out what’s happening to him.”
Riley paused on their way to the car. “Before Mr. Peterson’s incident, I was coming over to ask if you want to go to the cabin between the Blackwood and Riverton properties with me. Maybe I should just head out to the cabin. You can finish up here, and I’ll report in later.”
He held up his finger, motioning her to keep that thought while he placed a call.
“Quinn, we have a situation at the hospital. Dan Peterson had some sort of episode. He needs a medical workup. If he won’t agree, we may need to get his family involved.” Thayne filled him in on the details.
His deputy let out a low whistle. “What a mess.”
“Yeah. I’m heading into the hills to check out a cabin connected to the Jordan murder. Contact me via radio if you need anything.”
“You got it.”
Thayne ignored Riley’s pointed glare as they got into the car. While they headed toward the Blackwood Ranch, he glanced over at her. “You’re quiet.”
“I could’ve done this myself. I’m perfectly capable.”
“I know that, Riley, but Dan’s situation is medical. No one’s hurt and we have Chloe to think about. We both know we’re low on leads . . . unless you’ve done some of your profiler voodoo and solved the whole thing last night?”
Forgotten Legacy Page 11
