After a shower and a change into clean comfy clothes, Cassidy collapsed onto the sofa. The scrapes and bruises stung, but she’d gladly accept the aches when she considered the other possible outcomes.
Doug had driven her and Kyle back to his house since Kyle’s truck was toast. The quiet ride seemed odd, but the reality of what happened had set in. Her own thoughts replayed the scene and how close they’d come to death. For someone who prided herself on order and perfection, how had her life spun so far out of control?
Jason’s pregnant wife, Melanie, the local county coroner, strolled into the living room and held out an ice pack. “Thought you might want this.”
“Thank you.” Cassidy took the bag from her and sank deeper into the couch. Now that the adrenaline had faded, the bruises she’d acquired tumbling from the vehicle seemed to have multiplied.
“Here, I figured you could use some caffeine too.” Melanie handed her a can of Pepsi.
She accepted and took a sip. The bubbles coated her throat and soothed her battered nerves. “This is perfect.”
Melanie smiled. “You looked like you needed a little sugary comfort.”
“What about you?” Cassidy pointed to the yellowish liquid in Melanie’s glass. “That does not look like caffeinated goodness.”
“The one bad thing about pregnancy. No caffeine. Besides, I’m sticking with ginger ale. My stomach’s been a little queasy today.” Melanie braced one hand on the arm of the other end of the couch and lowered herself onto the cushion. “The guys will join us soon. They’re in the kitchen arguing over who’s going to win the next football game or some such nonsense. I think they’re bleeding off the stress from the attack and what could’ve happened without saying so.”
“I haven’t known them long, but I’d say that sounds right.”
“My guess is that it won’t take long before they’ll plan what to do next to protect you.” Melanie took a sip.
“I can’t believe they’re willing to help me. I’m sure Kyle hasn’t had nice things to say these past few months.” The fact the team hadn’t glared at her and told her to leave continued to surprise her.
Melanie set her glass on the end table and shifted to face her. “He hasn’t said much at all. Granted, I’m new to the scene, but I was here when his fiancée died. She was your partner, right?”
Cassidy fiddled with the bag of ice on her old burn scars. The heat from the garage apartment fire and the truck explosion had left her old injury an angry red. “Yes.”
“And I’m guessing that happened at the same time?” Melanie pointed to her arm.
“Yes.” Her answer barely above a whisper.
“Want to talk about it?”
Not really. But Cassidy supposed it might do her good to confide in someone. Her mother and father had passed away years ago, and now her best friend and her cousin were both gone. She had no one left to talk to about all the personal stuff. She got along great with her coworkers, but it wasn’t the same as a family or a best friend.
She picked at the hem of her oversize T-shirt. “I led the raid that killed Amber.”
“And let me guess, Kyle blames you.”
Cassidy’s jaw dropped. She jerked her gaze to Melanie. How did she know that?
“Oh, please. If I’ve learned anything about these guys, it’s that they feel deeply. They won’t admit it, and ergo, they have to blame someone for the hurt.” Melanie retrieved her glass, lifted it and shrugged. “And sometimes it’s to hide their own guilt.”
“Maybe it was my fault. The last few seconds before the explosion... Everyone says the same thing. Amber breached early.” Cassidy scraped her teeth across her lower lip. “I’ve read the report, but those last moments are a blank. If I could remember...”
“But you don’t want to relive it.”
Unable to speak, Cassidy shook her head.
“Look. You probably don’t know this, but I’ve been where you are. Not being able to remember—not wanting to remember. The idea of opening that wound is terrifying.”
Cassidy couldn’t disagree with that last statement.
“But sometimes it’s healing.” Voices drifted in from the kitchen, and Melanie glanced over her shoulder, then back to Cassidy. “If you ever need a listening ear, I’m here for you.”
Cassidy blinked back the tears threatening to fall. Maybe she should ask Melanie for advice. She hadn’t had a confidante in six months. The gesture gave her hope that life might return to normal—someday. “Thank you. I really appreciate that.”
Melanie smiled. “I have a feeling that you and I have a lot in common.”
Before she could respond, the guys came in and joined them.
“Sit down. You’re hobbling worse than Judith’s boyfriend, Harold, after his knee replacement surgery.” Jason pointed Kyle toward the recliner and gave him a gentle push.
Kyle grimaced as he sat and leaned back. “Stupid tree.” He stuffed the throw pillow behind the small of his back.
Keith and Doug chuckled and found extra chairs to pull into a circle with the couch and recliner.
“You better hope that ibuprofen kicks in before Dennis sees you, or you’ll end up with a hospital stay.” Keith grinned.
The front door clicked shut. “Did I hear my name?” Sheriff Dennis Monroe waltzed in, laptop tucked under his arm.
“Nope. Not at all.” Kyle’s upbeat tone amused her.
“Liar.” Doug coughed out the word, and Kyle scowled at him.
Dennis clapped a hand on Kyle’s shoulder. “Are you sure about that?”
Kyle cringed and groaned.
“That’s what I thought.” Dennis shook his head and muttered, “Why is it my detectives act like children?”
“You know you love them.” Melanie grinned and rubbed her pregnant belly.
“Don’t remind me.” The sheriff took an open seat. “I’ll deal with Kyle later. Mel, how are you feeling? Charlotte wants an update.”
Melanie smiled. “Ready for Baby Cooper to make his or her appearance.”
“When do you go on maternity leave?”
“Three more days. Good thing too. I can’t reach over the little one anymore.”
Dennis chuckled. “I’ll tell Charlotte to expect a call for breakfast soon.”
“Yes, please.”
“Perfect. Now, let’s talk about the interviews.” Dennis propped his ankle across his knee.
Cassidy found it fascinating that the sheriff took care of his deputies and asked about their significant others before focusing on work. The man truly was an amazing boss. She wondered what it would be like to work for him.
Relieved to put emotions aside, she jumped at the offer to discuss the case. “We talked with Ms. Perkins about her son Aaron’s drowning. She’s still adamant about him always wearing a life jacket. I believe her. But you already know that.” She refrained from adding anything about a serial killer.
“Kyle, what do you think?” Dennis asked.
“The woman was convincing. I’m leaning toward it not being an accident. But he had a trauma as a child and saw a therapist, so we need to consider that. We have a lead on a friend that went boating with him the day before, but his office admin said he was traveling today. Law enforcement never interviewed the friend. With it seeming like an accident, we don’t think they did much digging. I’d like to see what the friend says about Aaron’s habits and mental state. Plus, if we could find his body, it might clarify our questions.”
Keith halted his coffee cup halfway to his mouth. “Mental state? Are you thinking suicide?”
“Not really, but I’d like to rule it out,” Kyle said.
The sheriff scratched his jaw. “I’ll put in a request for the divers to do another search once spring arrives. Until then, I’d like a little more information from people who knew Aaron to corroborate Mrs. Perkins’s claims. Keep digging into that case. What else do you have?”
Kyle shifted, his movements stilted. “Mr. Morrison had nothing major to add to his witness statement on the shooting. He did mention the impression of the shooter being a homeless man. As for his hit-and-run, nothing new there. However, we had a twist that I hadn’t seen coming. Aaron’s friend Robert Hansen works for Morrison.”
“When did that happen?” Jason squeezed Melanie’s hand.
“About a year ago,” Kyle said.
“Interesting timing.” Keith tipped back and rocked on the two legs of the chair.
“Makes sense, though. Hansen went to college with Aaron. They both majored in computer engineering.”
Cassidy scrunched her forehead. The picture on the mantel bothered her, but the why eluded her.
“Want to let us in on what has you scowling?” Melanie asked.
She blinked and scanned the group. They all stared at her. “What? Did I miss something?”
Dennis rested his elbows on his knees. A position she’d come to recognize as his serious pose. “I asked if you had another impression about Mr. Morrison.”
“Sorry. I zoned out there for a second.”
“Want to share with the class?” Jason grinned.
“Mrs. Morrison had a picture of her husband and his business partners from when they started their company that caught my eye. They were young. I almost didn’t recognize John Morrison.” Her teeth scraped her lower lip. “I know from searching the website that he’s the sole owner now. The other partners looked familiar, but why?”
The taps of a keyboard filled the otherwise quiet room. Doug looked up from the laptop. “That’s because you know them. Well, you know of them.” He tapped the screen. “Try Aaron Perkins and Sandy and Michael Hughes.”
Kyle jolted. “Our drowning victim and the couple shot in the carjacking?”
“The same,” Doug said.
Cassidy’s jaw dropped. “I’ve done a web search on the start of the tech company and never found any reference of their names. It just stated friends.”
“Someone didn’t want the names connected. Whoever it was had mad computer skills and buried the original information about the company. It’s there, but it took some serious digging.”
“Mr. Morrison never said a word about the three of them.” Cassidy tucked a flyaway strand of hair behind her ear. “We found out Aaron worked there, but not that he was a partner.”
“Makes you wonder why he didn’t mention it.” Dennis exhaled. “I think we’d better do a deep dive into Mr. Morrison.”
Doug waved a hand like swatting a fly. “I’ll take that assignment.”
“It’s yours.” Dennis jotted a note on his pad of paper. “Next.”
“I’d like to know what Jason found out about our homeless guy who Morrison saw at the scene of the shooting.” Keith took a swig of the Pepsi he’d brought from the kitchen and set it on the floor next to his chair.
“He had no recollection of the crime. The officer said he was high at the time, so it’s not surprising he has no memory of it,” Jason said.
Cassidy grabbed a notepad from the coffee table and scribbled down questions and thoughts. “How was he when you talked to him? High or sober?”
“Sober. He says he’s clean and has been for three months.”
“Do you believe him?” Dennis asked.
“His Narcotics Anonymous sponsor stayed with him during the interview. The man vouched for him. I have no reason to doubt he told me the truth.” Jason shrugged.
Cassidy’s mind whirled. “Could he have shot Sandy and Michael?”
“It’s possible, I guess. The officers recovered the weapon. The killer threw it into the car after shooting Mr. and Mrs. Hughes.” Jason shifted to face Melanie. “And before you ask. No prints were found.”
Melanie scrunched her nose at her husband. “Fine.”
“I reinterviewed two out of the three families on my list. The other family was out of town.” Keith referred to his notes. “I also revisited the officer who wrote the report on the strangulation victim you assigned me. She told me that the scene had a weird vibe. Her words, not mine. But the sparse evidence left them without a suspect. She also worked the drive-by shooting in the same area. The official statement says possibly gang related. She disagreed but had no proof to refute the report.”
“Does the officer think it’s the same killer?” Doug asked.
“She didn’t go as far as to say that. But when I asked, she shrugged and said it had crossed her mind. No evidence, but a strong gut feeling from a seasoned officer...” Keith let the words hang in the air.
He continued to fill everyone in on the interview he’d conducted with the second victim’s family.
Cassidy’s mind wandered. She hadn’t heard about the officer’s concerns, which added to her theory. Did Keith’s area and her and Kyle’s area link together like she’d thought? But the association between Morrison, Perkins and the Hugheses grabbed her attention. Would Mr. Morrison lie about the shooting and the hit-and-run? Not unless he was the killer. Was it possible? She heard Doug’s voice, but his words didn’t register. If the homeless man shot the couple, the link between the cases and her serial killer idea disintegrated. She guessed it was conceivable Morrison had other reasons for not admitting his connection to the others.
“I’m starting to agree with Cassidy.”
“What?” She jerked her attention to Doug. Had she heard him correctly?
“I said I think you’re on to something with the cases being connected.” Doug tilted his head. “Why are you surprised?”
Her shoulders slumped. “No one has agreed with me so far, and my department thinks I’ve lost it. I guess I expected you all to brush off my theory.”
Doug placed his laptop on the coffee table. “I hadn’t planned to, but I looked into one of the other victims that didn’t fit into the cluster, similar to Cassidy’s cousin. The file says the woman committed suicide, but after talking with her family and friends, I’m not sure I agree with the findings. Nothing in her life points to that, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen that way. Families tend to defend their loved ones. I just have a lot of questions.”
Cassidy’s spine melted into the couch. They hadn’t dismissed her belief. “I can’t thank you enough for continuing to investigate. I really do think this is something bigger than it appears.”
“I’m not fully bought off on one person being responsible for all these deaths, but I believe the ones we’ve reopened aren’t what they seem.” Doug rubbed the back of his neck. “And the possibility of a connection... I’m not ruling it out.”
“I’d say we have reason to keep investigating.” Dennis’s gaze landed on her. “I’m sorry we can’t fully agree with your serial killer theory.”
She wanted to hug the man for not ignoring her opinion. “As long as you’re willing to keep investigating, I’m grateful.” She glanced at Kyle, desperate to ask his opinion. But the man appeared ready to drop, so she’d keep the question to herself until later.
Keith crossed his arms over his chest. “Let’s pull Amy in and have her analyze the photos from each crime, and see what her photographer’s eye finds.”
“I’m going to have to put your wife on the payroll if we keep pulling her in on our cases,” Dennis grumbled. But Cassidy figured the sheriff only protested for the sake of protesting.
Keith smiled. “As much as I’d love her working with us, she kind of has her hands full with Connor and her own business.”
Melanie chuckled. “No doubt. The woman barely has time to breathe.”
“I’m hoping she’ll slow down a bit and take it easy in the near future.” Keith’s gaze dropped to Melanie’s belly and back up.
Had anyone else noticed where his eyes had gone? Did he and Amy have news, or was he thinking about the future?
Cassidy cleared her throat, and the group turned to her. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Melanie, I have a question about my cousin’s case.”
“Go for it.”
“The preliminary statement indicated Laura’s blood alcohol level. Did you look at the full report?”
Melanie struggled to grab her messenger bag off the floor.
“I’ve got it, babe.” Jason retrieved the bag and handed it to his wife.
“Thanks. Your son or daughter is making it hard for me to move.”
Jason splayed his hand over her nine-month-pregnant belly. “I guess I’ll have to talk with him or her about that.”
A weight landed on Cassidy’s chest. She wanted what Melanie had. A husband. A helper in life. Someone to cherish her. Her father had loved her in his own way, but treasured her? No. The man had pushed her to excellence and had demanded perfection.
She swallowed and willed back the tears threatening to fall. A scan of the room spoke volumes. Dennis and Keith smiled. Kyle closed his eyes and gave a slight shake of his head. But it was Doug who broke her heart. He looked away, refusing to watch the interaction. So many emotions. All for different reasons.
“Give me a second to read through the file.” Melanie flipped through the document. The rest of the room stayed quiet, waiting for her to finish. “Huh.”
“What is it?” Kyle asked.
“The labs came back, but due to the officers closing the case, I doubt anyone rushed to look at them.”
“And?” Jason prodded.
“Laura’s BAL was high. Very high. But her stomach contents indicated no alcohol.”
Dennis stood and moved behind Melanie. “How is that possible?” He leaned over her shoulder to read the file.
Melanie pointed at the paper. “See?”
“May I?” Dennis held out his hand.
“Of course.” Melanie gave the sheriff the file.
Dennis studied the report for several minutes. “I want Laura’s case officially reopened. Kyle, you and Cassidy go to the impound lot and take another look at the car. I want new pictures of the interior and exterior. Go through that thing from top to bottom.”
“Anything specific we’re looking for?” Kyle asked.
The sheriff shook his head. “No. But I’ll give up my vacation time if you don’t find evidence that VSPD missed in the original investigation. I’ll take care of jurisdiction issues. I doubt the chief of police will have a problem handing us the case.”
“Will do.” Kyle grinned. “I’d hate for you to lose your time off.”
Dennis chuckled. “Charlotte might make me sleep in the doghouse if I do.”
“We can’t have that.” Kyle turned serious, and his gaze met Cassidy’s. “Don’t worry. We’ll do it right.”
Her heart warmed at his determination on her behalf.
Was it too much to ask for him to treat her like the friends they used to be?
The bruise on Kyle’s back ached, and the cut on his head stung. But only by the grace of God had he and Cassidy survived the drone attack.
After agreeing to continue their investigations tomorrow, Jason took Melanie home to rest, and Dennis followed behind to join his wife and daughters for dinner.
Kyle walked Keith to the door and stood, hand on its edge, as he lowered his voice. “Did you finish your assessment?”
“I did.” Keith grabbed his coat from the hook.
“And?”
“I found nothing that leads me to think someone from an old case or an ex-boyfriend is out to get Cassidy.”
“No one?”
“Nope. I’m still digging, but I think I’m going in the wrong direction.”
“That leaves random, or did she stumble upon something?”
“My skepticism says there’s no serial killer, but she is right about one thing...there are too many holes. There’s something about each case that feels wrong.”
Kyle hadn’t expected to agree, but he’d be stupid not to at least entertain the idea.
Keith zipped his coat and stepped outside. “Call if you need anything.”
“You know I will.”
His friend turned to face him. “I know a bit of what you’re going through, and it’s not easy to ask for help or admit your own struggles. Please don’t make the same mistakes I did.”
The muscles in Kyle’s neck eased. His friend cared. And he appreciated it. “Thanks. I promise I’ll ask for help if I need it.”
Keith gave a quick nod. “Good enough. See you tomorrow.”
“Tell Amy and Connor hi for me.”
A smile graced his friend’s face. “Absolutely.” Keith jogged to his SUV and waved as he pulled from the driveway.
Kyle shut the door, flipped the lock and set the alarm. Not for the first time, he was grateful for the high-level security system Doug had installed.
Since the group discussion, his worry had skyrocketed. Had a serial killer fooled all those law enforcement officers? Would his team be able to stop him? Or was someone else targeting her, and would they find him or her in time to keep Cassidy alive? He’d leave that concern for tomorrow. Tonight, he needed time to recuperate.
He ambled to his seat and collapsed in the chair. His muscles had stiffened, making it difficult to move without thought.
God, I don’t think I’ve thanked You enough for protecting us today. So, thank You again. But if You could make the bruises ache less, I’d appreciate it.
Pots and pans clanked, and “Silent Night” on the radio filtered in from the kitchen. Doug had disappeared in there a while ago, leaving Kyle to finish saying goodbye to their friends. He should go help, but his energy level had hit zero. He wanted to blame his injuries, but worry about Cassidy had sneaked in and taken hold.
“Doug said he’d make dinner while we rest.”
Kyle glanced up and found Cassidy watching him. “He’s a good guy.”
“That he is. A bit quiet and a little serious, but I can tell he’s a good friend.”
“A great friend and partner.” Kyle sighed. “He’s an introvert by nature, but circumstances have played a role in that as well.”
“After what you told me, I’m not surprised.” Cassidy scooted farther into the couch and held a throw pillow in her lap. “Is that why you’re more serious now? Circumstances?”
He opened his mouth then closed it. It was more than that. Now that he sat alone in the living room with Cassidy, uncertainty about what to say had dug in its claws. Dennis had encouraged him to clear the air between them, but doing so meant fessing up to his role on that horrible day. Did he dare go there?
God, Dennis was right. I need to put the past behind me and be the friend Cassidy needs. If You don’t mind, I need Your strength.
The apology teetered on his tongue but refused to fall. Come on, man up and say it. He sighed. “Cassidy.” Wow, this was harder than he’d imagined.
She tilted her head. “Yes.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have blamed you for Amber’s death. Since you commanded the raid, it made it easy to place the responsibility on you. I never should have done that.” The guilt gnawed at his gut. He needed to explain why. But the words soured in his throat.
Cassidy’s jaw dropped, and she stared at him. “I—I’m not sure what to say. Thank you for that. It couldn’t have been easy.”
A humorless laugh escaped. “Not at all. But there’s more.”
“Kyle. We had a great friendship before Amber’s death. I haven’t forgotten that. I hope you haven’t either.”
“Maybe for a moment—a nine-month moment.” He smiled.
“If I could, I’d bring Amber back to you. But I can’t.”
“I know. Deep down, I’ve always known. It’s my own guilt that kept me from acknowledging that.”
Cassidy picked up the hot tea Doug had brought her when the others left and cradled the mug in her hands. “Want to talk about it?”
Did he? He owed it to Cassidy to come clean. “I might have played a role in Amber’s death.”
She lifted her cup to her lips and froze. “And how do you think you did that?”
Kyle ran a hand through his hair. “Remember how I said hateful words to my parents before they died in a car accident?”
She took a sip of her tea and nodded.
“I did the same thing with Amber that day.” He swallowed hard.
Tears swam in Cassidy’s eyes. “I know.”
“If I had kept my angry words to myself... Wait, you do?”
“She was my best friend. Of course she told me about your argument.”
Kyle cringed. “I said things I regret.”
“Making her choose between her job and having kids? What were you thinking?” Her words held no bite but a kindness he hadn’t deserved.
He lowered his head and ran a hand through his hair. “I’d spent the night before consoling a Valley Springs PD officer’s children. She’d made a normal traffic stop, and an oncoming car clipped her as she walked back to her cruiser.” He blew out a long breath.
“Did she make it?”
“Yes. And she’s recovered and is back at work. But it shook me up thinking about Amber and when we had kids.” He pinched the bridge of his nose.
“I wanted to clock you for hurting my best friend, but it all makes more sense now.”
He hoped she understood, but still, it was no excuse for what he’d done. “It was my fault, not yours, that Amber died.”
Cassidy straightened in her seat. “Why on earth would you say that?”
“Because my angry words had to have taken her focus off of the job.”
She shook her head. “Kyle. Amber knew you loved her. She told me that morning that she was worried about you. You hadn’t explained, and she wondered what had happened.”
“What if it took her focus off the raid? And that’s why she breached early?”
Cassidy stared at her hands. “I don’t know the reason why she did it, but I’m confident her concentration was on the job.”
“That helps my guilt a bit. But I want to know why.” Kyle hated asking Cassidy. She’d been through enough pain.
“Someday the final pieces will fall into place. The memories are buried in here somewhere.” She tapped her temple. “I just can’t go there—not yet. It’s too real. The times I’ve tried—I feel the heat on my skin. Smell the fire.” She shook her head and took another sip of her hot tea.
The agony she endured that day had left scars, physical and emotional. He refused to cause her more pain. “Can we try to find our way back to our friendship?”
“I’d like that—a lot. I’ve missed you.”
Kyle’s heart beat a little too fast for her simple words. “Me too.”
Amber would be proud of him for letting go of his anger, but would she be happy that his feelings for Cassidy had risen above a friendship?
His gaze locked with hers. Did she feel the pull between them too?
Doug poked his head into the living room. “Dinner in five.”
“Thanks. We’ll be there.” He forced himself to look away from Cassidy. He stood and held out his hand. “We don’t want to keep Doug waiting.”
She accepted his gesture and rose to her feet. “I’m glad we talked. I hope it helped.”
“It did.” A little too much.
He glanced at the keypad by the front door, confirming he’d engaged the security system.
The task of keeping Cassidy alive had an all-new meaning, and he refused to fail.