Staying down low, just in case someone was out there watching the house—someone besides the deputies—he slipped into the kitchen, got a couple of apples from the fridge and headed back to the bear cave.
“Want one?” he asked Mallory as he relocked the dead bolt on the door.
“No, thanks.” Her previous cheerful demeanor appeared to have vanished.
“Something wrong?”
She frowned. “Maybe.”
“What’s up?” he asked as he sat down.
“Alex is gone.”
“Gone? You mean, like he has the day off?”
“No. According to the newsroom receptionist, Alex got fired.”
“Fired?”
She nodded.
“When did that happen? Was it because of the story the other newscaster read last night?”
“I have no idea. It was like pulling teeth just to get Gina to admit that he’d been fired. And I used to think she was a friend of mine, too. But I have a feeling my name is mud there now. Thanks to Brock.”
“Did you try to call Alex?”
“I only have his work number. Of course, that doesn’t work.”
“What about the story you were sending him? Do you think he got that?”
“That’s what’s really worrying me.” She grimaced. “If Alex got fired, someone else would have access to his computer...his email...who knows who might’ve read it? And because it’s from me...well, I’m pretty sure that I’ve lost my job, too.” Her chin quivered slightly. “And I know that seems small in light of everything else. But it’s all so unfair. It’s like no matter what I do or how hard I try to figure it all out, this thing doesn’t go away. It doesn’t become more manageable. It only gets worse.” She started to cry. “It feels so hopeless.”
He went over and wrapped his arms around her. “I know it sounds like a cliché, Mallory, but things really do look the darkest before the dawn. And just because Alex is gone doesn’t mean that you can’t share your story with someone else. What about your idea to send it to another news station? Imagine if another station broke your story for you. Wouldn’t that be cool? I mean it’s a pretty big story. I’d think any station would be thrilled to get their hands on it.”
She sniffed. “It is a big story.”
“So why not share it with the competition?”
“Okay.” She nodded. “I will.”
“Do news stations watch their competition’s news shows?” He took a bite of the apple.
“They sure do!” She turned back to the keyboard. “And Brock will be fit to be tied when he hears Channel Two News telling his story.”
Logan heard his phone ringing and when he checked the caller ID he saw it was Deputy Griggs. “Hey, Griggs,” he said. “What’s up?”
“Good news!”
“What’s that?”
“We caught Perez’s other accomplice.”
“Really? You’re certain?”
“Yep. His name is Damien Sanders. And there was a second vehicle. Another SUV, registered to Sean Forney, the guy in jail. This proves these three thugs were linked. Sanders, Perez and Forney. Forney’s rig was parked off Harner Road, pretty deep in the woods. Amazing that he was even spotted.”
“Harner Road’s not too far from here.”
“That’s right. Anyway, this SUV is just loaded with evidence, too. Maps of the forest. GPS to the Myerses’ house. Might take us a few days to work our way through everything. But we got him locked up on probation violations. And it looks like Sean Forney has links to the mob. Probably why he’s keeping his mouth shut. We found illegal firearms as well as a small packet of cocaine. We’ll set the bail pretty high.”
“Good to know.” Logan tapped Mallory on the shoulder. “They got the third guy,” he whispered.
“And one of the deputies said that he’s pretty sure that same SUV was at the hotel—about the same time as the break-in to Mallory’s room.”
“So it wasn’t just a burglar.”
“Maybe not. We’ll figure that one out later. But I thought you’d want to know.”
“This is good news, Stan.”
“We even spotted some arson stuff in the SUV. Some kind of incendiary device. It was like hitting the jackpot.”
“That’s great!” Logan gave Mallory a big smile.
“So, you kids don’t need to be too concerned now.”
“Right...”
“I’m not saying you should let your guard down completely, Logan. But we feel pretty certain we got our man. And as far as we can tell, it was just the three of them. Perez and Sanders and Forney. We’ve been calling them the Three Stooges. There’s no sign of anyone else involved. And Sanders is on his way to join Forney in the county jail right now. Forney’s not talking, but that’s probably due to his mob connections. We’re hoping we can work the two of them against each other. Hopefully we’ll get a confession out of one of them before the night is over. And thanks to Sanders’s parole violations he’ll be in lockdown for a long time.”
“That’s great.”
“Well, I just thought you’d want to know. And pick up your Jeep anytime you like.”
“I will. Thanks! Mallory is going to be hugely relieved.”
“Hey, you guys should let her dad know, too. Maybe Jim can cancel that red-eye flight out of Chicago and head back to Iowa, save a few bucks, and enjoy the rest of his vacation now.”
“Good idea.” Logan told Griggs goodbye, then replayed the whole story to Mallory.
“That’s fabulous!” First she did a happy dance and then she hugged Logan. “If this Sanders guy confesses, and exposes Brock, I’ll be cleared!”
“And your troubles will be over.” He held her close, breathing in the scent of her hair.
She let out a big sigh as she stepped away. “It’s almost too good to believe. But what if they mess up somehow, what if this Sanders guy slips between their fingers? Or Brock works his magic and gets him set free? Or sends someone else to finish the job?”
Despite all Logan knew about Brock Dennison, and how much he trusted Mallory, there was still a tiny part of him that found it difficult to believe the smooth news anchor was truly behind all the madness of these past few days. Of course, he would never admit this much to Mallory. And he really hoped that it wouldn’t be too long until her theory was proved right. “I don’t think you need to worry about Sanders walking. It sounds like they’ve got him on enough parole violations to keep him locked up for quite a while. And I’m guessing they’ll offer him a deal if he squeals on Dennison.”
Her smile returned. “I’m sure you’re right. It’s just that I’m almost afraid to hope.”
“Well, let it sink in. And Griggs suggested you call your dad right away. Maybe he won’t need to end his vacation so abruptly now.”
“Good thinking.” She nodded eagerly as she reached for her phone. “The last time I talked to him was to tell him about the stakeout. But he’ll be so relieved to hear the latest news. We can finally breathe easily.”
Logan almost pointed out that Griggs had advised them not to let their guard down completely just yet. But she was so happy, he hated to spoil it. Besides she was already talking to her dad. It would be good for her to relax a bit. He went over to look out the high window. Not to look for hidden assailants or law enforcement, but simply to enjoy the dappled afternoon sunlight filtering through the pines. He took in a deep breath. Mallory was right, it was time to breathe easily.
Even so, he would keep his guard up. At least until they got a full confession out of Sanders. And he did agree with Griggs, it seemed highly unlikely that there would be more than three bad guys on their tail. And even if there was a fourth, which just made no sense, it seemed even more unlikely that he’d stick around. With no vehicle to get away or hide out in.
No accomplices to back him up. Possibly no weapons. Not to mention that their mission appeared hopelessly botched. If there was a fourth man, he would probably be long gone by now.
Logan turned to look at Mallory as she talked with her dad. He’d always thought she was very pretty, but with her big brown eyes bright with happiness and her voice so full of hope, she looked more beautiful than ever. It took all his self-control not to go over there and gather her up in his arms. But he wanted to pace himself.
He was no fool. He knew that part of what he had assumed was romance might simply be Mallory’s need for protection. He’d shown up when she was at her most vulnerable. And what about when she tried to send him packing a few hours ago? If Griggs hadn’t asked Logan to remain by her side, he’d probably be history by now. How would she view him when she realized she was truly safe? But, more than that, he knew there was a bigger threat to their relationship. What would happen when Mallory headed back to her apartment and job in the city?
Mallory told her dad goodbye, then turned to beam at Logan. “I guess you were right.” She set her phone down. “It really is darkest before the dawn.”
“How about if we celebrate?” he said quickly, pushing his doubts about their relationship behind him. “Let me take you to dinner.”
“That sounds great.” But suddenly her smile faded. “Or not.”
“What’s wrong?” He frowned. Was it already happening? She was going to push him away? “Why not?”
“Well...it’s just that half the people in town are already looking at me like I’m a murderer. That hasn’t changed. And until this whole thing is totally cleared up—in everyone’s eyes—it won’t be much fun being out in the public eye.”
“Oh...yeah, I guess I get that.”
“So, how about I fix us dinner here again?” she offered.
“Sounds good.” He felt his hopes lifting.
“And this time there won’t be a big dark cloud hanging over our heads.” Her face lit up. “And we can even use the barbecue grill without being afraid.”
“And you might not know this, but I have a pretty hot reputation on the grill.”
“Well, I figured you would. I mean, you are a fireman.” She laughed.
“Is there anything you need?” he asked. “I could go town.” Even as he offered this, he had reservations. He still wasn’t quite ready to leave her on her own.
“I think we’ve got it covered from yesterday’s grocery run.” She opened the bear cave door. “No more being stuck in this stuffy room.” She let out a happy whoop as she led the way down the hall. “And we can open the drapes and let some light in here.”
“Sure. Why not?” Logan would still keep a watchful eye on things, but really it seemed as if the real danger was gone. Mostly he wanted to focus on Mallory tonight. He wanted to determine if what he’d been feeling was just his imagination, based on Mallory’s desperate need for help, or something more. He hoped it was something more, but if he’d been deluded and Mallory politely thanked him for his help and sent him on his way, he would take it like a man. Still, it would hurt. More than he cared to think about, more than he’d ever admit.
TWENTY
Mallory tried not to be too disappointed that Channel Two News didn’t run her story on their five o’clock news. But, she told herself, they probably didn’t get it in time to check the facts. And it wouldn’t be prudent to run a sensational story like that without proof. She wondered if they’d run it at ten.
“Want to watch the Channel Six News?” Logan asked.
“No, thanks.” She firmly shook her head. “Mostly I’d like to forget about all of this...for a while, anyway.”
“Works for me.”
“Go ahead and finish watching that ballgame,” she suggested as she put the fruit and green salads into the fridge. Everything for dinner was pretty much ready to go. But looking down at her shorts and the T-shirt that had a salad-dressing stain down the front, she decided to go clean up some. And feeling happy and celebratory, she longed to put on something more feminine for the evening. Unfortunately her clothing selection was pretty limited.
As Mallory was attempting to spruce up in the master bathroom, she suddenly remembered a couple of garments deep in the back of her mom’s closet. “From my skinny days,” her mom had said when Mallory was a young teen getting interested in fashion. But when her mom showed her the items, Mallory had made fun of them, saying how out of style they were. She wondered if she’d be so picky now. And, unless her memory had failed her, there was a bright floral sundress that could be fun.
So with Logan occupied by the baseball game, she snuck into her mom’s walk-in closet. Hopefully Mom hadn’t tossed her old clothes. Digging deep, Mallory discovered Mom’s old wedding gown and an interesting tweed suit and there, hanging on a padded satin hanger, was the bright-colored sundress, looking surprisingly fresh and clean—as if it had rarely been worn.
She changed into the dress, and to her delight the bodice fit rather nicely. She went to the full-length mirror and realized it was actually a very pretty dress. She knew her mom would be thrilled to know Mallory liked it and wanted to wear it. So much so that Mallory ran to get her phone and, taking a quick selfie, sent it to her parents’ phone. She could just imagine her mom showing it around to the aunts and cousins.
Then, since it was still pretty warm outside, she pinned her hair up in a messy bun and even borrowed a pair of her mom’s earrings. Just simple gold hoops, but they felt fun and seemed to go with the vintage dress. Her mom would be pleased!
“Wow,” Logan said when he spotted her walking into the kitchen. “I didn’t know this was a formal dinner.” He strolled in, carefully looking her over. “You look beautiful.”
She felt her cheeks get warm. “It was my mom’s dress—back in her premarriage, prechildren days. Before she put on the weight.” She gave a little twirl, making the full skirt flow out. “But it’s kinda fun.”
“And it’s stunning on you.” Logan waved down to his dark blue fireman’s T-shirt and khaki shorts. “I feel decidedly underdressed.”
“You’re just fine,” she assured him. “I simply felt like celebrating.”
He moved closer, his eyes still fixed on her. “You make me feel like celebrating, too, Mallory.”
She could tell that he was about to take her in his arms—and she was ready for it—but a flash of something bright and white caught her eye out the kitchen window. “What?”
Logan turned in time to see the sheriff’s department cruiser coming up the driveway. “Huh? Wonder who that is?”
“Maybe it’s Griggs,” she said hopefully. “Maybe he’s got more good news for us.”
“Yeah, maybe.” Logan nodded. “But just in case, how about if you wait in here while I go out to see what’s up?”
“Yeah...okay.” Mallory felt a familiar rush of panic as she watched Logan going out to meet the car. As he strolled down the driveway, a myriad of thoughts began to race through her head. Had Sanders or Forney gotten away somehow? Escaped from jail? Were there more accomplices? Perhaps they were in danger right now and didn’t even know it. The cruiser stopped, but instead of Deputy Griggs getting out it was Trent Fallows. She frowned. What was he doing out here?
She watched as Logan and Trent conversed. Judging by their expressions, there was nothing too serious going on. Except that she wasn’t sure she could judge by their expressions. Logan was good at keeping a calm demeanor despite any circumstances. And Trent was impossible to read.
After a few minutes, Logan came back into the house. “What’s up?” she asked, trying not to sound overly fearful.
“Nothing really. The sheriff’s department just felt that they should send a deputy out here to keep an eye on things tonight.”
“And they sent Trent?”
“Until midnight. Griggs wi
ll take over after that.”
“But there’s not really anything wrong?”
“No.” He shook his head. “Just routine.”
She took in a deep breath. “So we can still relax?”
“Absolutely.” Logan grinned. “Should I start up the grill?”
She glanced at the kitchen clock, surprised to see it was nearly seven. “Yeah, sure. Why not?” She got the plate of seasoned chicken from the fridge and sat it on the counter, watching as the cruiser moved over to one side of the driveway, partly obscured by a clump of pines.
“I asked Trent to park out of the way,” Logan told her. “So we can at least imagine we’re not being watched.”
“Thanks.” Mallory frowned out the window. Was Trent really here to make sure they were safe? Or was he here because he still believed she was behind all these hideous crimes? She thought about asking Logan about this, but most of all she just wanted to put the whole thing behind them. At least for tonight. She was so ready for a break.
Mallory went to the windows that overlooked the deck out back. She watched as Logan fiddled with her dad’s rusty old gas barbecue, bringing it to life. How was it that guys just intuitively knew how to do that?
She smiled to herself as she admired Logan from this angle. Such a nice profile. This guy was definitely easy to look at. She honestly didn’t think she could ever get tired of that face. But what would happen to their relationship when she returned to Portland? As much as she hated to admit it, that was troubling her. A lot. Now that this thing was coming to an end—or at least she hoped it was—she got the feeling that she and Logan were coming to an end, too. It was almost as though they’d been playing a game. Or were actors in a fast-moving film...and the credits were about to roll.
As Logan put the chicken breasts on the grill, she wondered just how interested he was in her. Oh, he’d certainly appeared interested. And those kisses...well, it wouldn’t be easy to say goodbye to that. But what if he’d simply been enjoying playing the role of her protector? What if he’d only stuck around to keep his promise to her dad? Or he simply liked the excitement? Even if he was looking for something more, was it the kind of something more that would last a lifetime? Or, like most guys these days, was he just looking for a temporary relationship?
Perfect Alibi Page 17
