by D. K. Hood
“Ten minutes.” Jones turned and headed back down the passageway.
Kane stood. “I’ll move my vehicle. It’s going to be a long night.” He finished his coffee and moved to the sink to rinse his cup.
“David?”
He glanced at Jenna over one shoulder. “Yeah?”
“I like having you around.” She smiled at him.
He turned from the sink, placed one hand on her shoulder, and squeezed. “Thanks.”
Thirty-Nine
The forensics team moved like a well-oiled cog. Three hours after arriving, Sarah’s body was loaded onto the chopper and the team had completed their investigation. Kane stood beside Alton and listened with interest to the head forensic pathologist, Simon Duvall.
“I don’t believe you’ve contaminated the crime scene, and I’ll use the hair samples we took from both of you for elimination. There wasn’t much to go on. We have Mr. Helms’s body and you’ll have my full report on both victims as soon as possible. I’ll complete a drug screen on both victims as well but from the defense wounds on Miss Woodward, I would imagine she was fully aware of her situation.” He rubbed one shoulder and winced as if in pain. “I’m not positive but I think I discovered a footprint partially covered by blood. Once we get the pictures back to the lab, I’ll have a better idea.” He held out a hand to Alton. “I’ll be in touch.”
“Thank you.” Alton shook his hand and let out a relieved sigh.
“Deputy Kane.” Duvall nodded cordially toward him then headed for the chopper.
Kane stared after him. “He seems competent. Known him long?”
“No, and yes, he is very professional.” The chopper’s engine started and she turned away and raised her voice. “I hope the Blackwater deputies have our gear packed up and ready to load. I’m looking forward to a long hot shower.” She headed toward the house.
Before Kane could follow, a sleek black sports car came around the trees and headed for the house at speed, the back wheels sliding in the ice. Whoever was driving was pissed to the max. The vehicle stopped a short distance away and Mayor Rockford climbed out and slammed the door with such force the side window shattered. So, he’s just found out we brought his son in for questioning.
Kane straightened and rested one hand on his service revolver. There was no way this idiot was going to browbeat Jenna. He moved to block the front door and waited at the top of the stairs. He heard footsteps and Jenna’s voice behind him.
“I was kind of expecting a visit from the mayor. He must be here to complain about our overuse of resources.” Alton snorted. “Oh, that’s right. We have his little boy in for questioning. He’ll be lawyered up by now.”
“Why don’t you leave him to me this time?”
Alton walked away as Kane stood his ground and glared at the mayor. He moved down the steps.
“Mayor Rockford, I believe? What can I do for you?”
“You can release my boy, that’s what you can do.” Rockford’s face turned a deep crimson. “Having too much to drink is one thing, but dragging him from hockey training is another matter. If you wanted to question him over the incident at the Cattleman’s Hotel, I’d have brought him to the station myself first thing in the morning.”
Kane lifted his chin to look down his nose at the irate man. “Your son hasn’t been arrested. He is helping us with our enquiries and can leave whenever he likes. He hasn’t been charged but I would like to question him.”
“Where is Sheriff Alton? I’m not speaking to a subordinate.” Rockford waved a pudgy hand toward the door. “Go get her immediately.”
Kane smothered the urge to pick the man up by his expensive tie and throw him back into his luxury car, and gave him his well-rehearsed look of death. “She’s busy.”
“Not too busy to speak to me. Remember who signs her paycheck.”
“I’m afraid you’ll have to take your turn, we’ve been a little occupied these last couple of days.” Kane shrugged. “I’m sure we’ll get time to question your son first thing in the morning.”
“What exactly do you want to know? I’m sure I can clear up any misunderstanding.”
“It is routine enquiries and your son and his friends agreed to come in to answer a few questions. Unfortunately, the sheriff and I have been too busy to get back to the station. I’m sure you understand?” Kane rolled his shoulders in a nonchalant, lazy manner, which ignited a flash of rage in the other man’s eyes. “If you’ll excuse me, it’s been a very long day and I have to pack up our equipment.” He turned to go and the mayor grabbed him by the arm.
“Just you wait one minute.” Mayor Rockford increased his grip. “You are on my payroll and I demand respect. Remember I can have you removed from office with a stroke of my pen.”
Kane stared at the man’s hand for a long minute then slowly lifted his gaze to his face. He noticed Rockford’s anger change to uncertainty and drew in a deep breath. “Respect goes both ways. If you touch me again, we’ll have a problem, and trust me, you don’t want to have a problem with me.”
“Are you threatening me?” Rockford dropped his hand and stepped back.
“No more than you’ve threatened me.” Kane kept his gaze steady on his face. “I do my job and the only person I have to please is Sheriff Alton. She hires and fires, not you. Now, sir, Sheriff Alton needs my help. If you’ll excuse me?” He turned, marched up the steps, strode into the house, and shut the door behind him.
“By the look on your face, I gather he insulted you?” Alton flashed him a white grin then walked from the kitchen carrying a carton piled with food.
“Nah, he threatened to fire me, is all.” Kane chuckled. “He does look like a pig and he snorts when he’s angry. I had a hard time to stop from laughing at him.”
“What’s his problem?” Alton rested the carton on one slim hip.
Kane opened the front door for her and glanced outside; the light had faded to black “Rowley pulled his son in for questioning. He’s on the warpath. I don’t think it will be the last time we hear from him.”
Forty
Jenna drove her truck inside the barn at her ranch, glad to see the headlights of Kane’s SUV close behind her. Although the sensor lights around the property had activated on their arrival, unease hung over her. It was common knowledge she lived alone, and the accident and double homicide had her nerves on edge. The near miss may have been an accident but her skin prickled at the notion murders may have been committed as a personal message. She heard a tap on the window and snapped back, reaching for the weapon at her waist.
“Are you okay?” Kane gave her a quizzical stare. “You’ve been sitting here for a while.”
Her hand moved from the butt of the pistol to the catch on the seat belt. She opened the door and tried to force a smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. It’s been a long and eventful day. I was trying to get my head back on.”
“I’ve had a good look around the place. The way you have set the lights and the lack of trees would make it difficult for someone to hide.” Kane waved toward the electronic barn door. “The barn is like Fort Knox. You would have made sure it’s impenetrable, right? That just leaves my place and your house. We can do a quick recon then I’ll unpack what’s necessary. We can unload the other boxes in the morning.”
“Good idea.” She moved to jump down from the seat but he grasped her waist in his large hands and lifted her from the truck. “You didn’t have to do that, I’m quite capable.”
“Yeah, I did.” He gave her a crooked smile that reached his eyes. “You’re out on your feet. We’ve been running on adrenalin all day and now comes the drop.” He shut the door and placed one palm on the small of her back. “I’ll drive you to my place and unpack the pies and perishables, then we’ll go and make sure your place is secure.”
“Great idea, thanks.” She walked outside. Her attention lingered on every shadow as she depressed the button to close the barn door. “I have to admit, after what’s happened, living alone doesn’t seem such
a good idea anymore.”
* * *
Kane had seen the look of a hunted person many times and wondered what threat lurked in Jenna’s background. She was running from someone and he did not have too much confidence in her cover story. He had considered her to be ex-special ops by the way she moved and handled a crisis, but now he was not so sure. If he failed to obtain intel on her from his contacts, and they went straight to the president, then she was in deep cover. If so, she likely had the same plastic surgery as him, and in his case removal of tattoos connecting him to the marines. His cover was solid, impenetrable, and only three people on earth knew his name and location. He moved through his house, checking each room, then collected the box of food and his personal bag from the SUV. He removed the scanner and swept the house, then smiled at Jenna. “All good.” He noticed her shoulders sag and pointed to the well-stocked wine rack under the kitchen bench. “I’ve got an excellent bottle of Pinot Noir and steaks in the freezer. How about allowing me to cook for you tonight?”
“I’m not sure I’ll be very good company.” Alton pulled the knitted cap from her head and rubbed her hair vigorously. “I might fall asleep at the table.”
Kane chuckled. “Then I’ll put you on the sofa by the fire.”
“Okay, that’s a deal.” Alton smiled warmly. The professional mask of a sheriff vanished and Jenna’s true self emerged like a snowdrop in spring. She yawned. “See you after I’ve taken a long shower.”
Kane pulled two steaks from the freezer. “Take your time.” He noticed a shadow cross her face. “Just to be safe, why don’t you give me a call when you’re ready and I’ll come and get you? It’s too cold to walk.”
“I will. Thanks. Are you usually so thoughtful?”
“Ha, most people I’ve worked with think I’m an arrogant pain in the butt.” He led the way to the door. “Sometimes the image has its advantages.”
“It’s all in the image, they say.” She headed purposefully toward his SUV and pulled open the passenger door, then her blue gaze settled on his face. “It’s taken me years to gain respect in Black Rock Falls.” She climbed inside and once he had slipped into the driver’s seat smiled at him. “It must be working. Not many people argue with me.”
Kane drove to her front door and, leaving the engine idling, got out with the intention of opening her door, but she had jumped out and joined him before his feet hit the ground. He followed her to the stoop. “I’ll check inside just to be safe.”
“Thanks, but if anyone broke in, they would have tripped the alarm and it goes straight to my cellphone.” Her lips curled into a smile then she climbed the steps and used her key to open the deadbolt.
Kane noticed the unlit security panel in the hallway at once and dragged her back before she had taken a step inside. He dropped his voice to a whisper. “Get back to the car. Don’t make a sound.” He followed her and reversed down the driveway and into his garage. “The generator we used is your backup power for the alarm system, right?”
“Yeah but the front door wasn’t forced.” Alton’s dark gaze flashed to him. “Maybe I forgot to set the alarm. I was in a rush when I collected the supplies.”
“No, the power to the house is off.” Kane stared at Jenna’s house. “When I came to your place the first time, the front light near blinded me. Now the floodlights lining the driveway are the only ones working. Can we get into the house round back?”
“Yeah, I have a key to the kitchen door.” She gave him a long look. “I haven’t opened it for some time. No need.” She sighed and raised a dark brow. “What makes you think the murderer would risk coming here when you live close by? It doesn’t make sense. I’m sure it’s just a fuse.”
Kane waved a hand toward the driveway. “If there’s nothing to worry about, why all the security? Why bug my house? You did this way before anyone showed up slaughtered. If someone else has threatened you, maybe you should give me a name. No one else in this town will be able to help you like I can. You know this by instinct, same as I know I can trust you. We are the same.”
“So I gathered, but if the person who threatened me discovers my whereabouts, then God himself couldn’t save me.” Alton met his gaze and lifted her chin in defiance. “At first, I thought you’d been sent to kill me. After three years, I’d become complacent, and seeing you, in this black SUV, looking like a professional hitman, kind of tweaked my nerves. That’s why I pointed the gun at you after the accident.”
“Ah-huh.” Kane smiled at her to break the tension. “I thought you acted a little unfriendly and I was trying real hard to be a knight in shining armor. You sure you don’t want to give me this guy’s name? I’m not God but I’m the closest ally you have right now.”
“If I gave you a name you’d be implicated. Just drop it. Please.” She chewed on her bottom lip, making it blood red. “I’ve told you more than I should have already.” She indicated toward the house. “I hope it’s not booby-trapped.”
Kane opened his door. “If the place is rigged, we have zero chance of discovering a trip device or spotting anything unusual in the dark.” He dropped his feet to the ground and turned to her. “I’ll do a recon of the perimeter to make sure no one is lurking around, and we can check the house at first light. Get my rifle and watch my back. If anyone is here, they’ll be on this side of the house and using the shadows around the outbuildings for cover.”
“You might as well draw a target on your back.” Alton slid from the vehicle in one smooth movement and flipped open the back door. “I won’t allow you to put your life at risk. I’ll call for backup.”
“I’m not planning on strolling out under the floodlights. Trust me, I’ve done this a thousand times and under fire, but you’re in charge.”
“Okay, I guess combat experience comes in handy in situations like this.”
“It sure does. Come with me and watch your step.” Kane took her arm and led her to the door at the back of the garage. “If someone is out there, they’ll assume by now we’ve gone back inside my house.” He opened the door a crack. “From here you can see the outbuildings. I’m going to be moving outside the floodlit area. If I flush anyone out, you’ll have them covered with the rifle.” He turned to face her. “I’ll call out if I see anyone hanging around. Stay here in the shadows. If anyone comes out of the dark, press your earring and use the rifle. I’ll be back in five minutes.”
Not waiting for her reply, he pulled his black woolen cap down low on his forehead and pulled up the collar of his jacket to cover his light shirt. He eased his way along the side of the garage and moved in the shadow of the barn to the rear of the other buildings. Moving in stealth mode, he covered the distance without seeing anything unusual. When he rounded the last building and had the back of the house in view, a rabbit dashed across his path making as much noise as a steer before vanishing in the undergrowth. He waited, heart pounding, for any sound of movement but it seemed the place was deserted. From the far north corner, floodlights lit the other side of the house clear to the fence line.
Turning back, he retraced his route rechecking the shadows. When he arrived at the garage, he paused just outside the entrance. “All clear.”
“Thank goodness.” Alton moved to his side, the rifle looking huge in her small hand. “Can you drive me into town? I’ll take a room at the motel.”
“It’s late and we’re both exhausted. Stay with me tonight.” Kane took the rifle and replaced it inside his car then closed the door. “I’ll cook while you take a shower and make up the spare room for you.”
“Okay, but I have to borrow something to sleep in. I can chuck my clothes in the washing machine and dry them for the morning.” She gave him a tired smile. “Thanks, you’re becoming my rock.”
He waited for her to come to his side then locked the vehicle. “I hope so.” He followed her to his front door. “Someone has to keep you safe.”
Forty-One
Later that evening, Jenna curled up on the bed in Kane’s spare room an
d allowed the day to settle in her mind. Satisfied and dreamy from the meal Kane had prepared, her thoughts went to him. She smiled, hearing his light snoring rumbling up the hallway. He had acted cold and dominating at first but she had seen another gentler side to him she really liked. She snuggled under the blankets and closed her eyes. As she drifted into sleep, a thought crossed her mind. Who are you really, David Kane?
The following morning after an early-morning workout and breakfast with Kane. Jenna followed Kane to the back of her house. The snow had not been disturbed and watching the way he meticulously checked every possible area for trip wires or sensor pads reinforced her opinion of her deputy sheriff. He moved like a marine and acted like special ops or secret service. She had noticed the tiny scars on his face, much the same as she had after extensive plastic surgery, and he had certainly suffered a head injury. When he came from the shower with his hair damp, the long scar on his scalp was evident. How he had survived a gunshot to the head without any side effects told her he was one tough cookie.
After spending an hour searching the property for any explosive devices, she watched, redundant, as Kane reconnected the generator backup unit to the house and barn. She shivered and stamped her frozen feet. “What now?”
“I’ll check the connector box inside.” Kane placed one large hand on her back and ushered her inside the house. “Where is it?”
“Next to the back door.” She followed him down the hallway.
“It’s not a fuse.” Kane’s full lips curled into a smile. “You’ve activated the cutoff switch. You must have a faulty appliance. It’s okay now, so it’s nothing you have plugged in at the moment.” Kane strode into the kitchen. “I’ll get your stuff from the car.”
“I’ll help.” Jenna followed him to the front door. “I bet it’s the toaster. A slice of bread got jammed in it yesterday and wouldn’t come out. I had to pry it loose with a knife and I might have bent something down the hole.”
