29

 

Ryan Mattson was dead. He’d been trying to get his life together. He read the Bible and seemed close to believing.

A tear leaked out.

The door opened. Enrique stepped through.

Jamie jumped up and ran into his arms. To her horror, a sob escaped.

His strong arms tightened as one hand caressed her hair. “You’re safe. Just relax.”

“I don’t...I didn’t...I can’t...” She had no power to stop the sobs.

“Don’t try to talk. Just breathe.” His voice was warm and comforting in her ear as he whispered. His hand moved from her hair to slow comforting circles around her back.

Finally, the tears slowed and the crying shuddered to a stop. Still, she didn’t move out of his hug. Instead, she laid her head on his chest.

“I looked for you all afternoon. I knew something was wrong. I even called Marcus, but he told me I was overreacting. He said to give you the space you needed to work.”

She stepped out of his arms. Her words were quiet, meant only for his ears. “I’m sorry I fell apart. Probably the drugs he gave me.”

“Do you need to go to the hospital?”

She shook her head.

“Are you hurt?”

“No.”

Enrique motioned for her to sit. “What’s going on, Jamie?” His voice was soft.

“I was so close to finding Andrew. I know I was. What am I supposed to tell Zink? I let her ex get away again.”

“How do you know that? Did you see Andrew or Michael?”

“I saw his toys. I’m sure they were Andrew’s.”

“Where did you see them?”

“I don’t know.”

“You’re not making much sense, Jamie. What happened?”

“Do you want me to start at the beginning or the end and go backwards?”

“Let’s start at the end. Do you know who the vic is?”

“It’s Ryan Mattson.”

Enrique’s eyes widened as he sat back in the chair. “Why did he come here?”

“According to him he borrowed a friend’s plane and flew here. He just happened to see me when I checked into the motel. I was leaving the motel to meet you. When I opened the door, he got the drop on me. The next thing I know I wake up in a log cabin somewhere.”

“And you killed him to escape?”

“I didn’t kill him. And it wasn’t the same place where they found his body. I’m sure of it. I didn’t know how to explain the situation to them. I wouldn’t tell them anything until you got here.”

“I’m not following you.”

“Don’t feel bad. I’m just as confused, and I lived it.”

“OK, maybe you better start at the beginning.”