FRIDAY, 1:30 A.M.
CIRCLE S RANCH
Driving Heath’s truck, Liam parked in front of Lori’s chalet—the only way Liam could think of it—and tried to slip inside without disturbing anyone. His boots—yeah, he’d given in and gotten a pair to replace his sneakers so he could fit in—creaked across the wooden slats of the porch. Something caught the corner of his vision.
Heath was sitting on the front porch.
In the dark.
Rocking.
Liam chuckled. “You really should get married and have kids.” He sat in the rocking chair next to Heath and rocked too. Good memories flooded him for a change. He’d always loved rockers when he was a kid. “That way, you’ll have someone else to sit up and wait for instead of me.”
His brother released a heavy sigh. “There was a bomb today. You disappeared. Can’t blame me for being worried, can you? And what do you think they make cell phones for? Why do you even carry one if you’re not going to answer it?”
“I was in the hospital. The signs say not to use your cell.” It was a good enough excuse.
“What? Why were you there?”
“Well, first, I was checking the perimeter of the bomb scene with other deputies. They shooed me away—official business and all that—but I canvassed the area. Looking. Watching. Sometimes those responsible will hang around to watch.”
“See anyone suspicious?”
“Not that I noticed, but I did see Pete in the hospital. He was being treated for an injury related to the bomb.”
“What? Why didn’t you call me? I would have come up to see him.”
“I offered, but he didn’t want me to call anyone. Besides, I was sitting in the truck when I saw him leave the hospital. He isn’t there anymore. We should head back to Emerald M as soon as possible.”
“I don’t know. The state came back to look more closely before the bomb in Grayback, and now the feds are going to want to look at my cabin.”
“How’s Harper?” He was surprised she wasn’t up with Heath, still looking at the images she’d taken. Or maybe she had already handed those over to the sheriff.
“Exhausted. She finally went to bed a few minutes ago. She’s been up working on documenting the images from today.”
“So what happens now, Heath? She was taking pictures today. Offered to stay and work as a crime scene photographer. Kind of eerie that all that happened right before the bomb.”
He scowled. “Make your point.”
“I thought she was leaving. Is she staying or going?”
“I’m not exactly sure what’s going on in her head.”
“What do you want, Heath? Do you want to make a life with her?”
“I thought I wanted her to stay, which, on the one hand, is selfish of me. She acted like she wanted to stay . . . for us. But that was before the bomb today. And I think she let the pictures get to her, so I don’t know where her head is. Or her heart.” Heath sighed. “She’s a natural, Liam. You should have seen the pictures she took.”
“Did you?”
“Yeah. Moffett came out to look at them. It’s too chaotic out there now, and Taggart wants to hold these close for some reason. But Harper”—Heath stared off in the distance and shook his head—“she kept looking at pictures. She let the scenes, the tragedy, get to her. It tore me up seeing her like that.”
“Maybe she’s too sensitive. Isn’t calloused enough for a job like that.”
“I understand now why the events of her childhood, along with years on the job, brought her down. If she insists on working as a crime scene photographer, I don’t know if I’m the one to ride those waves with her.”
And that’s exactly why Liam stayed away. He was more like Harper than he wanted to admit. Working for the DEA had hardened him in some ways and left him broken in places he’d prefer remain intact.
“She wants to go back to take more pictures tomorrow,” he said.
“That’s not happening. I saw the ATF and FBI Mobile Command vans. They’re already here. Seems like someone put a rush on it.”
“Wow. Didn’t take them long to decide this wasn’t merely a gas explosion.” Heath blew out a long breath again. “In that case, she might very well head back to Missouri. She has some big event she had hoped to attend with Emily. I’ll encourage her to go.”
“Go with her.”
“What? I can’t do that. I’m needed here.”
“I’m telling you that you should go to the event with her, Heath. Whisk her off her feet. Be her prince charming. I’m the last one to offer romantic advice, but you’re my brother. I love you and I want to see you happy. It’s . . . I have a feeling about this girl for you. Don’t you?”
“So what are you going to do? I recommend surprising her with tickets to the event. Maybe airline tickets too. That way, she can’t possibly say no.”
Heath arched a brow. “I look forward to hearing about where you learned how to be such a romantic.”
Liam wished he hadn’t said anything to set off Heath’s radar. He pursed his lips, waiting for Heath’s response.
“I’ll think about it. Satisfied?”
Good. Liam nodded, glad the matter was settled.
“I found something else out today. Something Taggart is going to want to know—but it’s not related to the bomb. He’s going to be distracted. But maybe you can ask him if you can investigate as long as it doesn’t interfere with you attending that event with Harper and making it special.”
Heath gave him an odd look as if he didn’t know Liam at all. There was much Heath didn’t know about him.
“What is it?” Heath asked.
“Chad contacted me. John Smith inadvertently left his address.”
Liam dug the paper out of his pocket and handed it over.
Shock rolled through Heath.