Line of Duty

by Christy Barritt

  “We stopped by to check out those footprints,” Luke said.

  “Come on in.” Jaxon stepped aside to let Luke in.

  “My deputy is going to take pictures.” Luke stomped some of the snow from his feet on the mat there before closing the door.

  He nodded at Abby, who was still decorating in the kitchen.

  Flour dusted her forehead and shirt. The look was actually adorable, not that now was the time to notice things like this. But Jaxon had seen a different side of her this morning, and he liked it.

  Luke held up a bag. “I also brought by a few of your things from the cabin. I thought you could use them.”

  “That’s fantastic,” Abby said. “Thanks so much.”

  Jaxon turned back to Luke, sensing there was a deeper reason for this visit. “Did something else happen?”

  Something about his brother’s demeanor indicated there was more to the story here. Ordinarily, Luke would just send one of his deputies to document the evidence here.

  So why had Luke himself come?

  Luke shifted. “There is a new update that I wanted to let you know about.”

  Based on his brother’s stiff tone and actions, he was in professional mode. This had something to do with Abby. Jaxon felt certain of it.

  He braced himself for whatever he was about to find out.

  “What’s going on?” Abby rubbed her arms, her apprehension evident.

  “I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been trying to get in contact with your friend Renee to confirm your alibi for the day of the murder,” Luke started.

  Jaxon felt himself tense as he waited to see where this was going.

  “Okay . . .” Abby rubbed her arms more vigorously.

  “We haven’t been able to get in touch with her, but I made some more phone calls this morning. I discovered she was a victim of a home invasion.”

  Abby gasped beside him, and her hand flew over her mouth. “What?”

  Luke offered a tight nod. “It happened the day after you left to come here to Fog Lake.”

  “Is she okay?” The question spilled from Abby, and then she seemed to hold her breath.

  “She’s in the hospital now and sedated. The bullet just missed her lung.”

  “And her husband? Steve?”

  Luke grimaced before quietly saying, “He . . . he didn’t make it.”

  A sob escaped from Abby. She doubled over, and her hands covered her face as obvious grief and shock consumed her. “I can’t believe it. Not Steve. Not Renee. Renee . . .”

  Jaxon slipped an arm around Abby, fearing that she might pass out. How much more could she take? The hits just kept coming.

  Luke leveled his gaze, sorrow written in the depths of his eyes. “But there’s more.”

  More? Jaxon couldn’t even imagine.

  He prayed for strength as he braced himself to hear what else his brother had to say. But mostly, he prayed for strength for Abby.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  “More?” Abby gasped, her thoughts still swirling. Thank goodness, Jaxon stood next to her, holding her up. Her legs felt like gelatin right now. “How could there possibly be more to the story?”

  “The man who did this hasn’t been found,” Luke said. “He’s still at large.”

  “That’s terrible,” Abby whispered.

  “Was anything stolen?” Jaxon asked.

  “Some jewelry.”

  She squeezed the skin between her eyes. “Steve’s life was so much more valuable than some jewelry. How could someone be this ruthless . . . ?”

  The way Luke stared at her made her straighten. There was more to this, wasn’t there?

  Her thoughts raced.

  What if the Executioner was behind this? What if that’s how he figured out where Abby was?

  She lowered herself onto the couch as her head began to swirl.

  “What is it, Abby?” Jaxon sat down beside her, his hand going to her back again.

  “The cabin where I was staying belonged to Renee’s cousin. The car is one of her co-worker’s—I paid him cash to use it. What if . . .”

  “You think the Executioner is behind this?” Luke asked.

  She dragged her gaze up to his. “I don’t know.”

  She wanted to ask if he really thought this man would take it that far. But she already knew that answer. This man was dangerous, and he was unhinged.

  “I need to go see her . . .”

  “That’s not a good idea,” Luke said. “I can keep you updated on how she’s doing. The detective is going to keep me in the loop since I need to talk to her.”

  “I guess since Renee can’t verify my alibi that I’m still a suspect?” Her voice cracked as she said the words.

  Luke’s jaw flexed, and he shook his head. “I actually checked your financials. I saw that you used your debit card in Georgia on the day you were supposed to be in Minnesota. I feel fairly confident that you are telling the truth.”

  Fairly confident? Abby supposed she had to admire his tenacity. She just didn’t want to be on this side of the investigation.

  “Keep your eyes open. We’re keeping our eyes open also. Okay?” Luke locked his gaze with hers.

  “I will.” She nodded. At least, Abby thought she did.

  As soon as Luke stepped out the door and the lock was latched, she felt like she would collapse. Before she could, Jaxon’s arms went around her, and he pulled her into a hug.

  “It’s going to be okay,” he murmured.

  Abby wished she felt that certain. But she didn’t argue. Instead, she let herself fold into his embrace. It was nice not to feel alone in all this. But Jaxon probably had no real clue what he’d gotten himself into right now.

  Jaxon and Abby climbed out of the sedan Luke had let them borrow while Jaxon’s truck was being repaired. It was time for Harper’s party, which was being held at Boone’s place.

  Jaxon felt the rush of nerves rake through Abby as they walked up the steps to the front door. “They’re going to like you.”

  “I’m not so sure about that,” Abby said. “If I was in their shoes, I would be very skeptical about me being here too.”

  They paused on the steps, and Jaxon turned toward her. “It might take them some time to warm up, but I’m glad that you’re here.”

  She offered a grateful smile, the moonlight hitting her face and making her look warm and friendly. She’d donned an old scarf and hat to stay warm in the frigid temperatures. The overall picture she formed was adorable . . . and enticing.

  “Thank you,” Abby finally said, though her eyes still held some doubt.

  “Besides, you’ll be in good hands here tonight,” Jaxon continued. “The sheriff will be here, the fire chief, and a former Army ranger.”

  His words didn’t seem to comfort her. A frown still tugged on her lips. “I only hope I didn’t bring trouble with me.”

  “Someone would have to be pretty brazen to show up here.”

  She didn’t have to say the words for Jaxon to know what she was thinking: The Executioner was pretty brazen. Jaxon pushed down his own nerves.

  Abby held her plate of cookies closer as Jaxon knocked on the door to his old family home, the place he’d grown up. Boone and Brynlee lived here now.

  A moment later, Luke answered. He already appeared more laid-back in his casual clothing—a long-sleeved T-shirt and jeans. He smiled at Jaxon before extending that same smile to Abby.

  “Welcome.” He stepped aside and swept his arm out to lead them inside.

  Jaxon placed his hand on Abby’s back as he directed her into the house. He felt the slight tremor running through her.

  He understood it. Which made no sense. Except there was something about Abby that captured all his attention. Maybe in ways that it shouldn’t. Romance was the last thing he was looking for. Yet, he couldn’t deny there was something about Abby he was drawn to.

  “Listen, before you join in the fun, I wanted to let you know that we arrested someone.” Luke pa
used in the foyer and lowered his voice as chatter sounded in the distance.

  Abby gasped. “Who?”

  Luke pulled up a picture on his phone. “You recognize this man?”

  “He’s the one from the diner . . . the man who was staring at me.”

  “A friend of Marissa Wilcox’s—she’s the woman who disappeared—one of them IDed him as the man Marissa was last seen with. Name is Will Able. It turns out this guy is an attorney. I thought that career was kind of fitting, considering the fact this man calls himself the Judge, Jury, and Executioner.”

  “I agree,” Abby said. “Are you sure it’s him?”

  “Sure? Not yet. But we’re holding him. Turns out he was arrested once for stalking someone.”

  “That’s . . . good news for us, right?” Jaxon said. “If the bad guy is behind bars, we can all take it easy.”

  “This isn’t necessarily the same guy,” Luke said.

  “What?” Jaxon asked. “You think we have two killers on the loose here?”

  “I’m just saying we found another pattern of murders that fit these.”

  Abby’s grip clenched Jaxon’s arm. “Where?”

  “Minnesota. Four women have died over the past fifteen years. They were all people who’d done something wrong. Two cheated on their spouses. One was a prostitute. One accused her husband of being abusive.”

  “You think this guy is the Executioner?” Abby asked.

  Luke grimaced. “I’m thinking it’s a good possibility.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  The party was in full swing by the time Jaxon and Abby joined the crowd.

  Jaxon introduced Abby to his sister, Ansley, and Ansley’s boyfriend, Ryan. She had already met Harper, the guest of honor. She’d also met Boone. Boone’s wife, Brynlee, greeted them too.

  The scent of steak floated in the air, making Jaxon’s stomach rumble. His family had always liked to cook and eat together.

  It was good for them all to be together. Jaxon had missed family times like this. When he was younger, he’d craved going back in time, back to when his mom and dad were both still around.

  Before his dad had cancer.

  Before his mom left.

  Those days had seemed so perfect. Jaxon knew that beneath the surface things were rarely perfect. But those childhood days had seemed idyllic.

  As he and Abby stood in the kitchen, Brynlee stopped by with a cookie in hand—one of Abby’s cookies.

  “You made these?” Brynlee held up a half-eaten treat.

  “I did,” Abby said.

  “Well, they are beautiful.”

  “Thank you.”

  “They’re tasty too. I heard the Coffee Cafe in town was for sale.” Brynlee gave Jaxon and Abby a pointed look. “Maybe you guys could get dibs on it and start your own business.”

  Funny that she said that since Jaxon and Abby had just been joking about that earlier. But Jaxon hadn’t really considered opening a coffee house. He’d only played with the idea of starting a coffee business.

  The idea of working with Abby was strangely intriguing, however.

  The next two hours seemed to fly by. Though Jaxon could tell Abby was nervous, she loosened up as the night went on. She even smiled and laughed.

  Could Abby ever fit in with his family?

  The circumstances right now made it hard to gauge the answer to that question. But he’d surprisingly found himself intrigued by their time together—that was, when danger wasn’t following their every move.

  If Jaxon was smart, he’d put those questions out of his head.

  But as he picked up one of the cookies that Abby made, he realized he could see Abby in his life for a long time.

  The party hadn’t been as painful as Abby had feared it might be. Jaxon’s family was surprisingly nice, although they were notably guarded. She couldn’t blame them given everything that had happened.

  As Jaxon went downstairs to play pool with his brothers, Ansley wandered up next to Abby.

  Of all the people here, Ansley made Abby the most nervous. The woman was edgy, confident, and obviously protective of her brothers.

  “I’m glad you could come.” Ansley paused near the dessert table but didn’t pick up anything.

  “Thank you for having me,” Abby said, trying to squelch her nerves.

  Ansley leveled her gaze with Abby. “I can see the way Jaxon looks at you. He likes you.”

  Warmth spread through Abby at the words. Certainly, she hadn’t heard correctly. Jaxon was simply a good guy who was trying to do the right thing. He’d be silly to like someone in her situation right now.

  “I really appreciate everything he’s done for me since I arrived here in town,” Abby finally said.

  “Don’t hurt him.”

  The breath left Abby’s lungs at the stark words. Ansley hadn’t come over to be chatty. She’d wanted to make a point.

  Abby raised her chin. “Don’t believe everything you’ve heard about me.”

  “Look.” Ansley raised her hands. “I’m not one who’s quick to judge. For my whole life, people have judged me. Sometimes I deserved it, and sometimes I didn’t. But I didn’t come over here to talk down to you or act self-righteous. I like you. I can see that Jaxon likes you. I just don’t want to see him get hurt.”

  “I don’t want to see him get hurt either.”

  Ansley stared at her another moment before nodding. A moment of understanding passed between the two of them.

  “The girls and I are about to start a game of spoons,” Ansley said. “Do you want to play?”

  Abby released the breath that she held. “I would love to.”

  Halfway through their game, the doorbell rang. Before Harper could answer, Luke appeared and stepped protectively in front of her. Abby couldn’t blame him. With everything that was going on right now, everyone needed to be careful.

  Abby’s understanding was that the entire family was already here, and she wondered who else might be stopping by.

  When Luke opened the door, Abby felt herself go weak.

  She blinked, certain that she was seeing things.

  But she wasn’t.

  Patrick Finnegan stood on the stoop.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Abby felt herself going into shock. She couldn’t move. Couldn’t speak.

  She could only stare.

  At Patrick.

  He looked so normal with his broad shoulders, neat brown hair, and engaging eyes.

  But he was anything but normal. He was a cheater . . . and maybe a killer.

  Jaxon nudged himself in between Abby and the man she’d once thought she loved, and he found the words she was unable to speak. “What are you doing here?”

  “Abby, I just want to talk to you,” Patrick said over Jaxon’s shoulder.

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Luke’s voice hardened as the relaxed family man persona disappeared. “How did you know to come here?”

  Patrick didn’t seem to hear him. “Please, Abby. I really need to talk.”

  Abby took a step back, trembles wracking her body. As she did, Ansley put an arm around her shoulders.

  “You need to get out of here,” Jaxon said. “What gives you the right just to show up like this?”

  “Abby . . .” Patrick continued to peer at her, almost as if he didn’t see anyone else. The gleam in his eyes showed that familiar look of desperation. Abby had seen it many times before.

  But Abby had never expected Patrick to show up here.

  Her thoughts continued to race.

  The Wilder family had practically taken her in, and again she had brought danger to their doorstep. The only one who could solve this problem was her. She couldn’t let the men do all her dirty work.

  She stepped out of Ansley’s embrace and toward Patrick. “I’ll talk to him.”

  Everyone in the room seemed to go quiet for a moment before talking all at once.

  “That’s a terrible idea.”

  “I don�
��t think you should do that.”

  “We can get rid of this guy for you.”

  “No, really. But I want Jaxon and Luke to be with me.” Abby could be smart about this.

  The two men looked at each other, and then finally they nodded.

  “Fine,” Luke said. “We’re talking on the porch.”

  Abby pulled her coat over her shoulders before stepping outside with the man. She felt Jaxon’s gaze on her. Finally, he reached for her, resting his hand on her lower back. Just that small touch gave her a burst of courage.

  Jaxon was nothing like Patrick. Patrick had pretended to be someone he was not. And there was nothing about Jaxon that seemed fake. He seemed to be willing to put himself out there, for the good and the bad.

  She was going to need all the courage she could get right now. She pulled her gaze up to meet Patrick’s. “What are you doing here?”

  Jaxon watched the exchange. Abby seemed truly shocked about Patrick showing up, as if she had been taken by complete surprise.

  This guy had some nerve just coming here. The thought of it caused a surge of outrage to rush through Jaxon’s veins, but he kept the emotion in check. Getting angry would not solve anything right now.

  “I had to find you.” Patrick’s eyes looked red, and white stretched around his pupils. A thin layer of sweat covered his skin. “I need to talk to you.”

  “I told you.” Abby crossed her arms. “I don’t want to talk to you anymore. We’re done.”

  “I’m not ready to give up on us.” Patrick started to reach for her, but he glanced at Jaxon and dropped his hand. “Can’t you see how much I care about you?”

  “You were married,” Abby said. “I would’ve never, ever gone on a date with you if I had known that.”

  “My marriage with Theresa was in trouble. She was talking to her high school ex. We were practically divorced.” His hands flew in the air as he tried to drive home the words.

  “But you weren’t.” Abby’s voice cracked. “Now I have to live with that every day of my life.”