“It’s a hunch. You can’t exhume a body based on a hunch.” Quinn eyed her holding the picture, but didn’t say anything.
“What if I’m right?” she asked softly. She placed the picture back. “What if she was killed? If so, there’s a murderer wandering around out there maybe targeting his next victim.”
“His victim? Or her victim? Because you think Wade’s stalker has been planning this for a while, don’t you?”
“I don’t know. If she has, then I think maybe when she learned Wade and Justine were going to marry, it pushed her into action.” She pursed her lips, then blew out a low sigh.
“But he didn’t start getting those gifts until recently.”
“I know. I don’t have all the answers because the only person who can give them to me is doing her best not to get caught. I just feel like we’re missing something and Justine’s death may be a part of that. I don’t want to let something slide just because it’s a long shot.” She narrowed her eyes. “I want Francisco to do another autopsy on Justine.”
“What about Justine’s family? How are they going to feel about it?”
“I bet they’ll want answers.”
“Answers to questions that might not need to be asked. You could be opening Pandora’s box all over again. This is serious stuff here, Liv.”
She ground her molars and paused before letting the words release from her lips. “I know that, Quinn. I’m not a novice. I’m not a cop anymore either—at least not in the normal sense of the word.” She narrowed her eyes and locked gazes with him. “But I haven’t lost my cop instincts and I really think I’m right about this.” At his continued silence, she resisted reacting. Instead, she rose and took a step toward him, placed her hands on his desk, and leaned in. “Who sends a suicide note via text?”
“Someone who wants to be found fast?”
She grimaced. “Okay, I’ll give you that one. But to say ‘I’ll miss you’? Is that something a person who is so depressed they’re going to end their life would say?”
Her intensity must have finally penetrated that thick skull of his, because he sighed. Then gave a slow nod. “I don’t know. I’ve never had anyone close to me commit suicide. But I see your point.” He tapped the open file folder on his desk, then shut it. “Guess this can wait a bit. All right, we can fill out the paperwork.”
“Good.”
He lifted a brow. “Good?”
“And thanks.” She shot him a smile and headed for the door. “I’ve got your number and you’ve got mine. Stay in touch.”
He grunted. “Yeah, I’ve got your number.”
After she finished her conversation with Quinn, Olivia made a quick trip home to water her plants and check her mail. She looked around her barren house and felt a pang of loneliness. For the first time in a long time, she’d met someone who made her wonder if her future could be different than the one she’d mapped out for herself. One where she controlled the shots, trusted no one, and worked enough hours that she didn’t have to think about how empty her life was at the end of the day.
For a brief moment, she let herself envision a life with Wade and Amy. Her heart pounded at the thought and her breath caught in her throat. Then she pushed the vision away. She’d pretty much told Wade she wasn’t interested. But the truth was, she was very interested, she was just scared.
Swallowing the sudden lump that had risen into her throat, she pushed all thoughts of domesticity away and called Katie to let her know she was on the way back to the Savage home. “How are you feeling? You need a break? Need to grab some sleep?”
“I’m fine right now. We’re just waiting on you to get here so we can take the boat out.”
“Charlie and Lizzie are on board for the duration. They should be there by now.”
“Not yet, but I’ll keep my eyes open.”
“Good. Thanks. I want everyone there while Wade and Amy are out on the lake. After they’re safely back inside, we can send a few people home to get some rest. Haley is staying through lunch and Charlie will cover for you when you’re ready to leave. If Charlie gets there before I do, make the introductions. Also let Wade know about Lizzie in case he feels like he needs to smooth the way for Amy, prepare her for the additional bodyguard.”
“You got it.”
Olivia hung up and walked out the door. When she pulled to a stop at the top of Wade’s horseshoe-shaped drive, she saw a red Ford truck sitting in front of the house. Charlie was here. She sat in her car while she dialed Sarah’s number at the lab.
She was getting antsy waiting on the results. She needed to know about Maddy’s crime scene. Had they processed the car yet? And the bear left on Wade’s porch, along with the knife recovered from his house. Not to mention she wanted to know if there were any fingerprints on the GPS tracker found on his car. She slapped a hand against the steering wheel and knew if Quinn had heard anything, he would have called, but she wanted answers. Now. She had to call, even though deep in her heart she knew it would be fruitless.
“Don’t have anything yet,” Sarah said in greeting.
“Why not?”
“Because I have other cases ahead of the one you want answers for,” Sarah said with an unamused grunt. Olivia sighed. “But I bumped yours up,” she promised. “I’m getting to it.”
“Okay, thanks.”
“I’ll call you as soon as I have something.”
“This is Maddy, Sarah,” Olivia said quietly. “We need something to help us find the person who did this to her. And Wade.”
“I know, Liv. Soon, I promise.”
Olivia knew she wasn’t the only phone call Sarah would get today begging for lab results. Too many crimes, not enough lab workers or time. She climbed from the car and walked up the steps to rap on the door.
Charlie opened it. In his midtwenties, Charlie Lee was good-looking enough to take a woman’s breath away. Fortunately, Olivia was immune. However, she had to admit it amused her to take note of the jealous glances she received from other women whenever she and Charlie went out in public together. “Hey, handsome.”
Charlie hugged her. “It’s been a while.”
“Yeah. I know.” Although his tone had been neutral without any accusation, Olivia couldn’t help the tug of guilt. “How is the family?”
He lifted a brow. “They’re fine.” Which she would know if she bothered to call. She heard the unspoken words, but again, there was no accusation. She grimaced.
Wade stepped into the foyer. He blinked when he saw her. “Hey.”
“Hi.”
“Have you eaten? Joanna and Martha are in the kitchen. There’s plenty if you’re hungry. Charlie, you’re welcome to stay.”
Her stomach growled as though on cue. She smiled. “Guess that’s your answer, thanks.”
Charlie grabbed a small bag by the door and gave her and Wade a nod. “I appreciate the invitation, but I’m going to scout the other side of the lake and make sure everything is a go to take the boat out.” He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
“Stay in touch,” she said.
“Of course.” And then he was out the door.
Wade eyed her. “Thought you were going to get some sleep. I can tell you didn’t.”
She grunted and walked toward the kitchen. “Careful with all that flattery, Wade, it could turn a girl’s head.”
He caught her hand and spun her around, his eyes intense, determined. “Has anyone turned your head?”
And just like that, nerves attacked her. She swallowed hard, careful to keep her expression neutral. “Why do you ask that?”
“You’re so closed off,” he said quietly. “Do you ever let anyone in?”
She thought about offering a flippant answer, but stopped it before the words left her lips. He deserved better than that. “No, not often.”
“Why?”
She sighed. “I think you probably can figure that answer out. People are unpredictable, they change with the wind. One day they want you, the next they
don’t.” She gave a slight shrug. “I suppose when you get hurt enough, eventually you push away the source of that hurt.”
“People.”
“Yes.”
“What was his name?”
“C.J. Garrison. We dated for about two months before I broke it off when I realized he just couldn’t handle my work in law enforcement. But he’s not even the reason I have a hard time opening up to people. I think it’s just my past and the way I had to grow up. From one foster home to the next. The only reason I think I turned out halfway decent is because of the Lees.”
“I’m sorry.” He glanced at the door Charlie had just exited. “And your family? Why do you push them away too?”
She stiffened and pulled her hand away from his, just now realizing he was still holding it.
“What’s Charlie to you?”
So, he’d heard the exchange. She sighed. “Charlie is Shana’s brother—and mine too, he says. But I’ve never really . . .” She shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“You’ve never really accepted them as your family,” he guessed.
She fidgeted. Uncomfortable and wanting to run away from the conversation, but unwilling to do so. Which she found strange.
“I see.” He stared at her for a few more seconds, then looked away before nodding. “Thanks for telling me.”
Olivia rubbed her eyes, then felt his hands on her shoulders.
He steered her toward the kitchen. “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to eat and then hit the water.”
She nearly wilted in relief. She didn’t have to tell him anything and yet she found she wanted to. It was a new sensation. A bewildering dilemma and one she wanted to spend some time thinking about. When she wasn’t trying to figure out how to keep her client alive while staying off the water.
The watcher lifted a hand against the sun and smiled. Right on time. Wade, Amy, and Katie headed for the boat. Would they find it? The little gift that had been left? Maybe. The watcher shifted on the seat and ran a probing gaze down the shoreline. Cops were out in abundance. That Olivia sure had a lot of friends willing to do her favors.
A short laugh escaped. If only she knew it didn’t matter how many people she had watching and protecting and working to find Wade’s stalker—they’d never figure it out.
If only she knew.
It was time for Wade to die. It looked like today would be the day.
[27]
MONDAY MIDMORNING
Olivia stood on the shoreline. It was hot and she was sweating, but the discomfort was worth putting up with to have the best vantage point of the surrounding properties from her spot near the dock. The water lapped at the edge of the manmade beach. She held the binoculars to her eyes and swept the area behind the boat. She caught sight of several of her people keeping watch.
Two other volunteer officers stayed in a smaller craft right next to Wade’s but could be on Wade’s boat within seconds if they were needed.
Her phone rang and she pressed the button on the Bluetooth device in her ear. “Hello?”
“It’s Quinn.”
“How’s it going?”
“I’m up at the hospital with Maddy.”
Hope sprouted. How she’d wanted to go visit, but she simply couldn’t take the time away from Wade. “How is she? Is she awake?”
“Not yet, but the doctors say she’s not as far under as she has been. She could wake at any time, so that’s good.”
“Any activity around her room? Like someone trying to get to her?”
“No.”
“Huh. Interesting.”
“We’ll keep watching. Either the person doesn’t think she’ll wake up or she’s not worried about it.”
“If it’s the latter, it means Maddy definitely didn’t see who attacked her.”
“Yeah.”
“What else do you have?” she asked.
“Justine’s family immediately agreed to the exhumation. I went by their house myself and talked to them. Told them what you suspected. Justine’s mother broke down and sobbed, saying she knew it wasn’t a suicide.”
“Wow.”
“I’ll submit the paperwork and mark it top priority for Francisco. We should get approval either tonight or first thing in the morning.”
“Great. That’s great. Thanks, Quinn. Keep me updated.”
“Sure.” Olivia disconnected the call and kept watch on Wade’s craft. She ignored the sweat rolling down the middle of her back. God, we haven’t talked in a while and I know it’s my fault, but just . . . keep them safe. Please.
The events of the weekend threw a pall over the day for Wade. He wanted to keep checking in with security, make sure they were alert and watching, but he knew Olivia was doing that and everything else she could to keep them safe. Every once in a while he’d catch a glimpse of her pacing the shoreline. Still, he couldn’t help watching the surrounding area a little more intently. But Amy needed the relaxation as much as he did, and he was determined to enjoy the time with her. On the other hand, he couldn’t stop thinking about Olivia.
She’d told him some pretty personal stuff, and as a result, some of her barriers had come down. And while he could see that scared her to death, he was glad she’d been able to bring herself to do it. He looked forward to more conversations with her, more learning what made her tick, more exploring the attraction he knew was mutual. If they could both knock the remaining barriers down. Did he really want to open himself up to the possibility of getting his heart broken again?
Maybe.
He glanced around. Olivia had called in the big guns and security was tight. Katie and Haley were with him and Amy. Olivia stayed on the shoreline attached to a radio, her eyes on the area. She’d called in several of her off-duty friends who relished the idea of picking up a few extra bucks for some protection duty. Two other bodyguards, Lizzie and Charlie, had shown up, and Wade found himself liking them as well. He felt like he and Amy were in good hands. They’d kept them alive this long anyway. Joanna sat next to him and sipped a soda. “Thanks for letting me come along.”
“Sure. Always happy to have you.”
“Too bad Martha had that headache. She thinks she’s coming down with a sinus infection. I told her the sun would do her good, but she didn’t seem to think so.” Joanna shrugged and stood. “I’m going to get in the water with Amy.” She grabbed a float and tossed it overboard, then jumped in with elegant grace. Wade heard Amy giggle and the two start up a conversation.
Haley appeared from the cabin below in shorts and a T-shirt. She was an attractive woman, but Wade couldn’t help wishing it was Olivia on the boat with him. Haley settled in the chair next to him. “Katie’s at the back of the boat watching behind us.”
“The stern.”
“What?”
“That’s what the back of the boat is called.”
“Oh.” Haley laughed. “I’ve never been around boats much but should have known that, I guess.”
He smiled. “I’m just being picky.” Amy’s wet head appeared before she turned around and jumped off the ladder back into the water. He kept his eyes on Amy but voiced his question to Haley. “I notice the accent. It’s very pretty. Irish?”
“What. Callaghan didn’t give it away?”
He smiled. “Yes, but a surname for a woman doesn’t necessarily mean she was born with that name.”
“Very true, but I was. I grew up in Ireland.”
“How did you wind up over here?”
She shrugged. “My mum married an American when I was seventeen. He brought us here.”
“You like it here?”
“Yes, I do. I miss Ireland, of course, but I’ve been an American for the past fourteen years, so it’s home too.”
He nodded. “Do you mind if I ask you a question about Olivia?”
“You can ask.”
He heard the unspoken, but I might not answer. “Why doesn’t Olivia like water?”
Haley took a sip of her water and then placed i
t in the chair’s holder. “That’s probably a question you should ask her.”
“I haven’t had a chance, but she said she and water just didn’t get along.” He flicked a glance at her and saw her grimace.
“No, they don’t.”
“And you’re not going to tell me why?”
“It’s not my place. If she wants you to know, she’ll tell you.”
He lifted a brow. “Of course. I didn’t mean to pry. I didn’t realize it was a confidence.”
Haley sighed. “It’s not so much that it’s confidential, it’s . . . Olivia is a very close-to-the-vest kind of person. Sometimes I don’t know what’s okay to talk about and what isn’t.”
“So you don’t say anything.”
“Exactly.”
He smiled at her. “She’s blessed to have a friend like you.” Haley relaxed a fraction and took another sip of her water. Amy turned a flip off her float. “Way to go, kiddo.” Joanna clapped and wiped the water from her face. She shoved her sunglasses back on her head. Amy pushed her hair out of her eyes and grinned at him. He gave her a thumbs-up, then glanced at Haley. “You read up on me, my family, and my past before you took this job, didn’t you?”
“Of course.”
“So you know about Justine.”
“Yes.” He heard the soft sympathy in her voice.
He turned his gaze to see Olivia pacing along the shoreline, her steps never faltering, her watchful gaze moving from one area to the next. They were out in the middle of the cove, surrounded by shoreline and green sloping grass with patches of trees and shade strategically placed on the various properties. “Olivia seems to think Justine’s death was murder. What do you think?”
Haley hesitated as though weighing her words. He waited her out. “Olivia is one of the smartest people I know,” she finally said. “If she has a reason to suspect murder, then I would listen to her.”
Always Watching Page 17
