Smoky Mountain Investigation

by Annslee Urban

  Dave’s gaze moved from the card in his hand to Kylie and back again. After a seeming eternity, he cleared his throat. “Well, if you don’t know Mr. Crosby, the killer may have planted this, too.”

  “Planted what?” She was almost afraid to ask.

  Dave tugged a small photo from the wallet’s plastic sleeve.

  Squinting at the picture, it took a moment before Kylie recognized her own high-school graduation photo.

  Kylie stared, dismayed, as her blood turned to ice, sending an unwelcome shiver dancing up her spine. “Why is this happening?”

  Nick shook his head. “Don’t let this get to you. Think of it as the predator’s calling card. He’s letting us know he was responsible. One more clue. That’s what you need to remember.” His voice was low, but firm.

  Tears of disbelief nearly blinded Kylie. Stunned, she nodded.

  Logically, that statement sounded reasonable. Emotionally, nothing did.

  * * *

  Late that same evening, Nick sat at his brother’s kitchen table, his hand cupped around a mug of coffee. As he looked over the updated flowchart on the table in front of him, a menacing ache filled his chest. He still had no conclusive evidence.

  Serial killers were smart, crafty and patient, so the lack of clues shouldn’t surprise him. He set down his nearly empty mug and lifted a hand to massage his left temple. There had to be something he was missing. And that something was driving him crazy.

  So far the only fact he was certain of was that there was a maniac out there who had access to Kylie.

  Chills marched down the length of his arms as that thought rooted in his mind. It had to be someone she knew. One of their high-school classmates could be the culprit. Or even a friend from church, a coworker or a neighbor. Then again, there was her editor.

  Nick applied more pressure to his temple, rubbing vigorously. Or the man in the moon.

  He bumped a fist against the table. Facts. He needed facts. Something to zero in on. He hated maybes and at the moment, that was all he had. He shoved back from the table and rose. The back of his chair smacked into the wall.

  “Still nothing?”

  The softness of Kylie’s voice had its usual calming effect on him and the evening suddenly got brighter.

  Nick swung his head to the doorway and stared at her, bundled in her chenille robe, the hem of silky pajama pants brushing against her ankles. She had scrubbed her face clean, wet curls framing her face. He drew a deep breath, feeling strangely rejuvenated at her relaxed demeanor and simple beauty. She was a sight to behold.

  “Slow progress.” He worked up a small grin.

  When her lips parted into a smile, his heart warmed a little more.

  Rising, he strode toward her. “With all the chaos since I’ve been here, I haven’t had a chance to tell you how beautiful you still look.”

  Kylie shook her head, tugged the sash on her robe. “Oh, Captain Bentley, you are definitely sleep deprived.”

  “Nope. I noticed the moment I saw you. You haven’t changed at all.”

  The twitch of humor at the corners of Kylie’s lips slowly turned into a full-fledged grin. “Well, outside of a few extra pounds, maybe.”

  In all the right places. Nick caught himself before that comment slipped out.

  “Actually, you look pretty good yourself.” Kylie braced one shoulder against the archway wall and crossed her arms. The collar of her pink robe inched up, nestling lightly at the base of her neck and complimenting the cherry flush on her cheeks. “Although I’d hoped that by now you might be touting a nice burly paunch. Or at least have a few wiry hairs protruding from your ears or nostrils.”

  He laughed, completely understanding. A big wart on her nose might have been just the thing to keep his haywire emotions on track. But then again...probably not. He cleared his throat and refocused. “Sorry to disappoint you. Give me a couple decades, and my midsection and extraneous whiskers should be thriving.”

  Laughter gleamed in her crystal-green eyes. That was another thing about Kylie he remembered, the way her whole face lit up when she relaxed. Genuine pleasure. Her eyes twinkled first, and then her smile turned lethal.

  His heartbeat kicked up in response. He tore his gaze away from her face with more effort than he cared to admit. No other woman had affected him like that.

  Dangerous soil, that was what he was treading on.

  Seeing her finally unwind catapulted him back to their high-school years. A time of youth and love and dreams of a future together. When they had both believed that nothing could tear them apart. But Nick had learned the hard way that life could change at a moment’s notice, altering every plan and every direction.

  “About this morning, Nick.” Kylie’s smile faded and her expression turned somber. “I said some things that probably sounded unappreciative. Please don’t think that I am. I do appreciate your help. I just don’t want to be a burden to you.”

  “A burden?” Nick shook his head and moved a step closer. “Don’t ever think that. We’re in this together.”

  Color drained from her face. For a moment, she simply stood there and said nothing. Finally, she mumbled, “In it together? Like the night Conrad died?”

  Conrad? “I don’t understand what you’re getting at.”

  Her gaze clung to his. She caught her bottom lip with her teeth. “Never mind. It doesn’t matter.”

  It did matter. The wary look in her eyes told him that. Just seeing that distress dredged up old feelings that he’d buried deep in the furthest reaches of his being. Conrad’s death had left a mark on so many, but the pain flaring in Kylie’s gaze belonged to Nick.

  “What is it, Kylie?”

  She said nothing, simply stood there with a troubled cast to her delicate features.

  Then it hit him. “Do you think I blame you?” He narrowed his eyes and pointed a thumb back at his chest.

  “You should,” she answered in a matter-of-fact way. “I wheedled you into sneaking out of camp that night.”

  One step more and Nick stood toe-to-toe with her. So close he could see specks of gold in her eyes and the little tremor in her lip. He wanted to kiss her. He really did. Fortunately, good sense prevailed. “Kylie, I never blamed you and still don’t.”

  She gave him a doleful look. “You had second thoughts about hiking to the overlook. Because of my selfishness you went against your instincts and came with me.”

  Nick’s heart twisted at the misperception. “Kylie, I learned a long time ago that a man makes his own decisions.”

  “However, sometimes those decisions are made out of duty.” She lifted her lashes and glared at him.

  He frowned, not liking the direction of her thoughts. He already carried enough guilt for the both of them. “I made the choice, Kylie. My choice. My responsibility.”

  “Very noble, Captain.” She hiked up her chin. “However, that nobility turned into a curse. You took claim to a burden that didn’t belong to you.”

  Nick scratched his head. “That’s a bit overstated.”

  Kylie met his eyes, the intensity in her gaze unmistakable. “Nick. You didn’t kill Conrad. After years of beating myself up with shame, I finally came to grips with the fact that my childish antics didn’t put Conrad in his grave. By God’s grace, my guilt was lifted and I’m desperately trying to move on.”

  “I’m happy for you. No point in staying locked in the past.”

  There was a heartbeat of hesitation before she responded, “When are you going to let go of the past, Nick?”

  He swallowed, feeling as if a clenching fist had hold of his larynx. She didn’t understand. Couldn’t understand.

  Hurt flashed briefly in Kylie’s emerald eyes before he saw the sheen of unshed tears. “You blame yourself. You blame God. Maybe I should spend the rest of my life accepting the blame.”

  A beat passed and before he could respond, she shot up her hand. “No, wait. You’ve got guilt covered. And that’s the part I hate.” She swallowed, glance
d away.

  He hated that, too. Gently, he caught her chin with his fingers and turned her face to look at him. “I think we’re getting off track. There’s a killer on the loose, a stalker. That in itself evokes a lot of emotions. Let’s put what happened ten years ago behind us and concentrate on today.”

  Kylie blinked, and then nodded. “You’re probably right. But I hope you’ll make use of your own advice about not holding on to the past.”

  “I’m working on it.” Nick dredged up a smile. As he caught her gaze again, he saw a glimmer of hope in her eyes. Her confidence inspired him, but that didn’t make letting go of the past any easier.

  TEN

  The very next morning, around eleven o’clock, Kylie had high hopes of a nice peaceful brunch with Nick. But instead, as they sat on a lobby bench and waited for a table at the Egg Masters Café on Main Street, she mentally counted the curious glances from across the room. Nick didn’t seem to notice. He had his nose stuck in a menu.

  She glanced at her watch. Twenty-two minutes and counting. Keeping her eyes averted, she picked up a menu and started to peruse the list of options, although she already knew what she wanted to order. Still, she allowed her gaze to rove the laminated pages, trying not to let the spectators distract her.

  Fear and tension had quickened the pulse of this once-quiet city. The recent homicides were big news and had become a hot topic for residents, especially with the possible link to Conrad’s unsolved murder. Since Kylie continued to cover the story, not to mention being the killer’s contact person, her friends and neighbors considered her a key informant. If she even dared to cast a glance at one of the familiar faces, it would be an open invitation for them to start asking questions. Something she’d learned the hard way over the years.

  This was the part of her job that frustrated her most. People assumed she knew more than she reported. Which, in this case, wasn’t correct.

  Outside of investigating her graduating class, the case had added up to zilch. And they’d yet to come up with a possible connection between victims. The investigators and forensic team were working furiously, although still lacking crucial details.

  Kylie shifted uncomfortably against the hard bench. She couldn’t help wondering if one of those curious glances belonged to her stalker.

  That thought tightened her gut and sent shivers along the fine hairs at the base of her neck. More than anyone, she understood the danger of this killer.

  Pushing aside her turbulent thoughts, she glanced at Nick, still totally engrossed in breakfast options.

  “Did you find anything you might like?”

  Nick lowered his menu enough for her to glimpse his dark chocolate eyes. “Are you kidding? I’m trying to narrow it down. It’s been years since I’ve seen this many choices for breakfast.”

  Kylie slapped a hand to her chest, feigning surprise. “What? The military didn’t offer thirty-two varieties of omelets to their soldiers?”

  With a chuckle, Nick pressed his elbow into hers. “Do you think I would have left if they had?”

  Was that all it took to keep him around? A vast breakfast menu? She bit her lower lip, fighting down a sigh, wishing he would stick around. Wishing he had a reason to stay.

  Nick tucked the menu into the metal holder on the wall, then thumped back against the bench and folded his arms. “Actually, my team and I got excited at the sight of a hard-boiled egg. Our tours didn’t afford much in the way of family diners.”

  “Well, then, I guess it’s good to be home.” She slanted a glance at him, crossed her fingers and said a prayer.

  The glint in Nick’s eyes faded and his lips drew into a fine line before he gave a shrug. “It’s good for now.”

  That was what she was afraid of. Her heart sank a little.

  “Bentley. Party of two.” The waitress appeared from around the corner. She grabbed two packages of silverware from a tub beside the register and gestured for them to follow.

  There was nothing fancy about this place. The waitstaff wore blue jeans and T-shirts and the decor ranged from an eclectic collection of weathered farm tables and mismatched wooden chairs to a colorful array of antique paintings on the walls.

  Homey and cozy. She liked that. And having Nick here with her, well...nostalgic thoughts came rushing back. This had been a favorite eatery of theirs. Affordable and good food. A nice combination for high-school students with minimal funds.

  The waitress seated them at a small table in the corner. Kylie sank onto the chair by the wall and noticed Nick’s quick scan of the patrons before he took the seat across from her. The same encompassing glance that he gave when they walked in. He never left his training behind. How could she not feel safe with this man?

  Amid her mixed feeling about having him around, she figured God knew what He was doing.

  The day was shaping up to be good. The pastor’s message about trust and belief had inspired her and Nick had actually managed to stay awake through it all. Maybe the army had softened him some. Maybe someday he’d believe again—

  Stop it! Suppressing a sigh, she unraveled her napkin and placed silverware on either side of her woven place mat.

  Nick leaned forward, planted his forearms on the table. “What are you having?”

  She smoothed the napkin across her lap. “Spinach omelet and whole-wheat toast.”

  He angled his head, his brow crinkling. “Just spinach? A little boring, isn’t it?”

  She shrugged. “A healthy choice and delicious.”

  Then came the chuckle. “Thirty-two varieties of omelets and you want spinach?”

  It still took her breath away to witness the gleam of delight in his eyes when he laughed. “I know what I like.”

  Nick picked up a menu, glancing at it again. “I guess that would make ordering easier. I’m trying to decide between the jalapeno-and-taco-meat omelet and the mighty meat lover’s.”

  “Difficult choices.” She smiled, but her churning abdomen couldn’t afford any surprises. “I’m in the mood for something familiar and predictable.”

  “Familiar and predictable?” Lowering his menu, he raised an eyebrow. “Like Asheville?”

  “Yeah. Although lately—” she looped a stray lock of hair behind her ear “—not so predictable.”

  “Hopefully, that will change soon.”

  “Let’s hope so.” She nodded and then asked, “What about you?”

  “Me? I don’t know.” He gave a small yawn and leaned back in his seat. “It’s been years since familiar and predictable have been part of my vocabulary. I’m not sure what I like anymore.”

  Kylie fought off another sigh. She knew exactly what she liked and she was staring at him right now.

  When breakfast was about over, Nick motioned to the waitress. “Could we have refills on our drinks, please?”

  Balancing plates in her hands, she nodded. “Someone will be there in a moment.”

  “Did you enjoy your meal?” Kylie really didn’t have to ask as Nick shoveled the last of his omelet into his mouth.

  He swallowed his bite. “A meat-lover’s omelet and buttermilk biscuits. What could be better?”

  “Spinach and wheat toast.” She tilted her head and met his eyes, egging him on and enjoying the grin that erupted across his jaw.

  “You guys need refills?” With a coffee carafe in one hand and a pitcher of water in the other, the hostess, Lindsay Potter, stopped at their table.

  Before Kylie or Nick could answer the question, the woman’s jaw dropped. “Nick Bentley?”

  Glancing up, he said, “Guilty as charged.” Although not looking too guilty.

  “It seems like forever since I’ve seen you. Do you remember me?”

  Nick gave a tight grin. “Lindsay Potter, right?”

  Lindsay nodded, her eyes all for Nick. “I was just thinking about you when I heard about your brother’s accident. I wondered if you’d be coming around.” She took a step closer and slid a pitcher on the table.

  Nick gave a
lazy shrug. “I’ll be around to help out for a while.”

  “That’s awesome. We’ve missed you around here.” Lindsay beamed, fingering a lock of her blond hair, piled high, ringlets spilling down. She was still attractive and voluptuous. Her figure-hugging jeans attested to that, accentuating her long legs and every curve.

  “Thanks. It’s always good to be missed.”

  If missing him was good, Kylie won the prize. Absently, she smoothed hair from her face, wondering what it would be like to be blonde. Lindsay had been prom queen, head cheerleader and the most popular girl in school. Intimidating then...and now.

  “Nick, I gotta tell you,” Lindsay went on with a flirty giggle. “You really look great.”

  Brother. Kylie sank against the wooden back of her chair and turned her gaze to the scenery out the window.

  “It looks as though you’re doing well yourself,” Nick responded.

  Another giggle from Lindsay. “Thanks. I’m doing just fine, even better now that you’re here. While you’re in town, let’s plan to get together sometime.”

  Kylie whipped her gaze back. Lindsay wasn’t really asking him out?

  The look of anticipation on Lindsay’s face told her different. And with Kylie right there—Nick’s old girlfriend. Some nerve. Even in high school Lindsay had hit on him a few times, and for all Lindsay knew, she and Nick could be dating again.

  Kylie swallowed. But that wasn’t the case.

  A pause, then a shrug from Nick. “I don’t know, Lindsay. I’m pretty busy.”

  Was he even considering it? Kylie fought not to cringe. Of course he was. He was male, after all. He hadn’t died when their relationship fizzled. He’d probably had a list of romances since then. Kylie being the least of them.

  “Come on, Nick. Surely you have a night or two free.” Lindsay gracefully shifted her weight.

  If she moved any closer to Nick, Kylie would just—do what? Nick was a friend, nothing more. He could see whom he wanted. Do what he wanted.

  Dragging her gaze away, Kylie wadded up her napkin and dropped it on her plate. Jealousy wasn’t usually an issue for her, but the heat swarming through her body certainly showed that wasn’t the case now.