Smoky Mountain Investigation

by Annslee Urban

  Tears glistened in Kylie’s eyes. She withdrew her fingers, but she stayed where she was. So close he marked every breath, the rhythm of her respirations, the measured beat of her pulse against the hollow of her throat.

  “Life is too short, too precious. You have to let go,” she whispered, her passion evident. She almost had him sold until more memories crowded his mind, haunting reminders.

  His heart gave a thump. “Conrad’s life was snuffed out before he was even a man. How can I let go of that?”

  “It’s not your fault.”

  “Then whose fault is it, Kylie? You don’t blame God. Someone has to be responsible.”

  She huffed softly. “There’s a maniac on the loose. He’s the culprit, not you. Can’t you understand that?”

  “I’d like to understand. I’d like to place the burden on him and let go of that night. But I can’t.”

  “So you’re willing to give up everything, your life included, just to remain a martyr?”

  That sounded harsh. Still, Nick had to admit there might be some truth in what she said. But if forgiving himself was the only way to find happiness, he was sure to die a lonely man.

  He brushed a lone tear from her cheek. “Not a martyr, Kylie. Just a guilty soul.”

  And baring his soul tonight gave him an odd sense of freedom. At least when it came to Kylie Harper. He’d carried that burden too long.

  “I was like you once, Nick.” Kylie sniffed. “After Conrad died and you left, I was hurt, too. For months I cried with guilt and regret while the rest of the town managed to heal. Finally, God gave me the peace that I longed for. That’s when I forgave myself for something I wasn’t responsible for in the first place.”

  Nick listened to her words. She made it sound so easy.

  “You believed once, Nick.”

  His faith had slipped away along with his dreams of a future with Kylie. God was a part of a past that no longer existed.

  “Please, for your own sake, get right with God. Let Him heal you. Let Him give you back the life that you’re sacrificing.” She paused, moistening her lips.

  Nick couldn’t stop himself. He slipped his arm around her waist. Kylie inhaled, but instead of pulling away, she leaned closer. He caught the scent of her sweet perfume.

  Ignoring the warning bells in his brain, he slid his thumb up over her chin and back into her hair. On a shaky sigh, Kylie parted her lips, but didn’t speak.

  Still cupping her face, he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, then on the tip of her nose. As his lips hovered over hers, he whispered, “You know I’ll always care—”

  Kylie’s hand came between them. She pressed her fingers over his lips, halting the words. “Don’t say any more, Nick. You have no plans for a future here. No future with me.”

  The whistle of the teakettle lit the air and shattered the moment.

  Pulling away, Nick turned and switched off the stove.

  When he turned back to Kylie, she was busy with the popcorn, pouring it in the bowl.

  Regret and sorrow hit like a sucker punch in his gut. He mentally kicked himself for letting his guard down and crossing the line of their friendship.

  Inappropriate and pointless. No matter how hard he tried, he could never be the person he once was.

  * * *

  As midnight rolled around, Kylie shifted her position on the love seat, trying to stay focused on the movie, which was quickly becoming an unbearable undertaking. A cute love story about reunited lovers. Just what she didn’t need tonight.

  She blew out a sigh.

  An action adventure or thriller sounded better all the time.

  True love only happens in the movies. She ignored the cynical thought. She hadn’t completely given up on love, but also couldn’t ignore the man on the next sofa, who was more prepared to run than pick up the pieces of their life and start all over again.

  A gentle snore escaped Nick. With arms folded across his chest and feet propped on the coffee table, he looked way too relaxed for someone with so many regrets.

  And those regrets were making her life miserable.

  Shaking off the dark thoughts, Kylie centered her attention on the movie, but not before a wave of emotion burned in her eyes.

  Nick held the guilt of Conrad’s death like a man trying to hold up a burning building, clinging to the very thing that would destroy him.

  And she couldn’t help him with that battle he fought within himself.

  A fist tightened around her heart. She needed to keep that fact in the forefront of her mind. She couldn’t change Nick Bentley.

  Closing her eyes, she lifted a prayer for God’s mercy in his life.

  “Is the movie over already?”

  Kylie’s eyes blinked open. Straightening in her seat, she glanced over at the TV, surprised to see he was right. “I guess it is.”

  “So you were dozing, too?”

  Biting her lip, she looked back at him. “Just resting.”

  Actually pouting, but she’d spare him that information.

  “That good, huh?” he asked with a coltish grin.

  A story about love, joy and a happy ending. A little too good at the moment. “It was enjoyable. I’ve just had a long day.”

  “No kidding.” Nick dropped his feet to the floor, tilted forward and picked up his full mug of now-cold chocolate. He took a sip.

  Kylie stared at him. “I can heat that up for you.”

  “No thanks. Chocolate is chocolate.” He gave a satisfied sigh.

  Kylie shook her head. What was it about men that one moment they could be heavyhearted, bare their souls, and the next moment they were carefree and amusing?

  Here she was still mulling over the conversation they’d had in the kitchen and Nick’s thoughts were already on new things. Probably his next grand adventure to who knew where.

  Kylie drew in a cleansing breath and let it out slowly. No wonder men found women so complicated.

  “So tell me about the movie.”

  Nick’s question pulled her back. She blinked. “Well—” Kylie faltered, her teeth sinking into her lower lip. “It was about love and, well...love.”

  He canted his head. “More sappy than I thought. But I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

  Actually, she wished she could have slept through it, too.

  Nick settled back on the sofa, his drink in his hand. “What’s on your agenda for tomorrow?”

  “After work, I was thinking about going to visit my parents. There’s a direct flight at six-thirty.”

  About to swallow more cocoa, he nearly choked on his question. “What?”

  Kylie shrugged. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen them and I’m up for some beachy sunshine. And I’m sure you need a break.”

  Nick lowered his cup. “We’ve talked about this. You can’t leave. We need to get this stalker issue resolved before you go anywhere.”

  Her stalker wasn’t the only issue she needed to resolve. The ping-pong of emotions she experienced with this very gentleman was quite draining. Maybe not to the same degree as the lunatic in the building today. But close.

  Kylie knotted her fingers in her lap to keep from wringing her hands. Nick was making her crazy. He’d dropped back into her life, turned her emotions upside down and now had the nerve to sit there and act like a friend after nearly kissing her in the kitchen.

  A combination of anger and sadness welled up in her chest. Inhaling deeply for calm, she managed to breathe through it. “I need a break. My parents live in a gated community. Even if the stalker followed, I think I’d be safe.”

  “Not true, Kylie.” A frown marred Nick’s good looks. He sat up and placed his mug on the coffee table. Leaning forward, he rested his arms on his knees. “I told you before, you’re not safe anywhere. It’s best to hang around Asheville and get this thing resolved. Your stalker is bound to get sloppy and I have a gut feeling that we’re getting close to finding him.”

  His prediction should have made her feel relieved. But
instead her heart pinched harder. After the danger was out of her life, Nick would be also. He’d walk away and not look back, just like before. But this time, she feared, the void would leave a permanent hole in her heart.

  She met his gaze, wishing he could read her thoughts. He stared back, concern instead of understanding in his gaze. She swallowed. “You’re probably right. But if this keeps on much longer, I’m out of here.”

  He nodded. “Deal.”

  Not a threat or a warning, but a promise. The more time she spent with Nick, the harder it would be to say goodbye.

  She got to her feet. Exhaustion burned in every muscle. She needed sleep. “I better get to bed.” Tomorrow was a new day. Hopefully, her heart and her head would be more in sync.

  Her pulse slowed. Nothing about her tomorrows looked promising.

  Thanks to Nick Bentley.

  Nick checked his wristwatch, yawning. “It is late. It’s almost one.” He saluted her with his mug. “Sweet dreams. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Kylie trudged to her room, ready to collapse in the bed. If she had one dream come true in her life, she’d wish for Nick to get out of his rut, forgive himself and start over in Asheville.

  Such a simple dream, but one that tore her heart to shreds.

  FOURTEEN

  Amazing what a little sleep could do. Kylie felt refreshed. Tucking the horrors of the day before in the darkest corner of her mind, she set about organizing her desk in the newsroom. Papers and note scraps littered the top, a plethora of information she needed to sort through. She hardly knew where to begin. With all the latest breaking news, she’d gotten behind on her other projects.

  “Great article. Headline story again.”

  Kylie glanced over her shoulder to find Max stalking toward her, waving the front-page section of the newspaper around like a cheerleader shaking a pom-pom.

  “Every press syndicate in the good ole U. S. of A. wants dibs on this story. Our little newspaper has finally caught the attention of the big boys. Whoop, whoop.” He sounded like a wounded chimp.

  Hoots and whistles from her fellow journalists followed, filling the newsroom. Max indulged them with a mock bow before sending off a saucy salute. “Thank you. Thank you. Although I can’t take all the credit. This wouldn’t have been possible without Miss Harper here.” He made a sweeping gesture toward Kylie.

  Shaking her head, Kylie almost laughed, despite the crazy truth. People were dying and Max was celebrating the news.

  When the cheers and laughing subsided, Max plunked down in a chair across from her desk.

  Although the banter had been in jest, she could almost see his head swell.

  Maybe there was some merit to Nick’s concerns about her boss. He was enjoying the paper’s newfound celebrity status a little too much.

  Even his crooked smile looked a little more dastardly than usual. The last time she’d seen him this happy was when he bought his used Porsche at the sheriff’s repo auction.

  Making good on the misfortune of others. She’d thought he was kidding at the time.

  Kylie glanced over at him and studied his cheeky smile. Maybe not.

  She swallowed. “The town is swarming with media. I can’t believe other newspaper syndicates are willing to pay for my coverage.”

  “You know townsfolk around here are leery about outsiders. Law enforcement is staying equally tight-lipped. You’re right in the middle of the mayhem—every other journalist is reporting from the sidelines. Even we can’t convey all the gory details, but theirs takes a backseat to your bird’s-eye view.”

  “You mean duck-in-hunting-season view, but I see what you’re saying.”

  Max howled. “Good one, Kylie.”

  She wasn’t kidding.

  Frankly, she was tired of talking about the horrors of yesterday. It was bad enough that with every undistracted moment, visions of the ordeal emerged in her head, bringing with them a shiver of panic. For just a little while she wanted to forget, not have the Asheville murders front and center in her mind.

  Jiggling the mouse, she brought the computer out of hibernation mode and then gathered her notes and shoved a pencil behind her ear. Hopefully, Max would get the hint.

  “Well, it looks like you’re busy, so I won’t waste any more of your time.”

  Thank you. “I’m running behind. The managing editor wants two articles before four o’clock.”

  “You better get to work, then. Charlie doesn’t like to be kept waiting. And I know how tough his boss can be.” He winked and slipped out the newsroom door.

  Kylie got busy, excited to redirect her focus on state-fair animals and a ninety-nine-year-old resident’s birthday celebration.

  Thirty minutes later, her coworker Ron pointed to the doorway. “Kylie, I think there’s someone here to see you.”

  Swiveling in her seat, she offered a quick wave to Dave, who stood across the room, craning his neck, a searching look on his face.

  When she caught his eye, he raised his dark brows and nodded, then started toward her. Hope for a productive day was looking a little less promising.

  “Morning, Kylie.” Dave gave a clipped nod. “I’d like to speak to you, if you have a moment.”

  “Of course.” Kylie pushed back her chair and got to her feet. “Is the employee lounge okay?”

  Another nod.

  She led the way through a maze of coworker desks to a small room behind the proofing office. On the way she introduced the detective to several colleagues, downplaying her anxiety about why he’d showed up unannounced. In the break room, the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee greeted them.

  “Would you like to sit down?” She gestured to the chairs around a small table.

  Dave shook his head. “No, thanks, I’ll stand.”

  Kylie grabbed a cup from a dispenser on the wall. “How about some coffee?” She glanced over at him; his demeanor was hesitant.

  “No, thank you.”

  Her body went rigid. Dave had come here with news and it didn’t look good. She swallowed. “Do you mind if I have some?”

  “That’s fine.”

  Whirling around, she started to fix her drink, hoping Dave’s visit wouldn’t further rock her day. “Any word on the forensic reports from the bullets?”

  “They came back this morning. The ammo recovered was three nine-millimeter Luger cartridges, used in a Glock 17 handgun.”

  Kylie turned back and leaned against the counter, stirring her coffee with a plastic spoon. “That’s good news, isn’t it? You can see how many guns like that are registered around here and maybe—”

  Dave gave a shake of his head before she even finished. “The Glock is the most popular revolver in America. They can be easily obtained with a license and without. Criminals pick them up every day on the street.”

  Her stomach quivered. “Are we still at square one with this guy?”

  “That depends.”

  Kylie stopped stirring her coffee. “Depends on what?”

  “You.”

  “Me?” Using the spoon, she aimed it at herself, sending droplets of russet liquid dribbling onto her shoe.

  He gave an affirmative nod. “You never gave me those names I asked you for.”

  “Names?”

  He sent her an unamused glance. “Names of possible love interests.”

  Her brain finally jumped into gear. “Oh, yes. Of course. I haven’t had a chance to get one together yet.” Before he could remind her how important it was, she added, “But I plan to work on it soon.”

  Dave’s face was impassive, not that unusual for him, but today his deadpan stare seemed to indicate she hadn’t done enough to help them get the case solved. Surely he didn’t think she enjoyed the chaos?

  Kylie tossed the spoon into the trash. “I’ll try to have the list to you by tomorrow.”

  “That will be good.” His expression softened. “It’s one avenue we haven’t explored yet. Focus on high school. Maybe some guy that’s kept in touch or goes out
of his way to impress you or be around you.”

  “Okay.” Kylie nodded, her mind drawing a blank. “Hard to believe this criminal is so good at being...well, a criminal.”

  Dave furrowed his forehead. “You still don’t have a gut feeling about anyone?”

  She gave a quick shrug and sighed. “No. Although,” she amended, lowering her voice, “there is my boss, Max. He wasn’t at the camp with us ten years ago, but he’s well versed in the town’s history and is really enjoying the notoriety of the story at the moment.” As she reiterated Nick’s suspicion, Dave lifted his brows and narrowed his gaze on her.

  “Interesting. It’s good to see that you’re considering possible suspects.”

  “Actually, he’s someone Nick is considering. I’m trying to keep an open mind.”

  “And what about Nick?”

  She gave a short laugh. “I don’t think anyone is safe from his scrutiny at the moment.”

  “That’s not what I meant. I want to know what you think of Nick.”

  Kylie stared at Dave while shock and concern churned in her stomach. What was he getting at?

  “Kylie?”

  She blinked, then hesitated. “Well, I think Nick has been a great help to the investigation.”

  Dave’s brows lifted and in that moment, she noticed his green eyes, nearly the shade of her own. She’d never paid much attention to them before. Then again, Dave rarely looked anyone in the eye. Now as he held her stare, her nerves skittered. The switch in his demeanor meant one thing—he felt strongly about something he wanted her to consider.

  Then it hit her.

  “Dave, you don’t think—” Kylie stopped short, reeling at the insinuation in his features. “You can’t possibly think Nick is involved with the murders.”

  Dave’s gaze didn’t waver. “Nick’s been away from Asheville for ten years. He’s a trained soldier and not immune to killing. He has access to intelligence information, making it easy to keep an eye on you over the years. He comes back and people start dying.”

  “If that were true, why would Nick take the time to kill other people when he has direct contact with me? He doesn’t have to lure me anywhere. I’m staying in his brother’s home.”