Page 63 of Cold Light of Day
“Chief, time is short. What else can you tell me?”
“We’re waiting for ballistics to tell us if the bullet we found in Kenneth Duncan is the same as the bullet found in Monica Nobel and Martin Krueger, but we’ve confirmed that Kenny died months ago. And looks like Monica was within the same time frame. Martin, however, died recently, which seems obvious. Though I don’t know how they could be linked, the similar method used in all three murders tells me I need to connect them. What I know for certain is that we have strangers among us, and not the usual tourists.”
“And what about Sarah?”
“Good question. I would have liked to talk to her to ask why she lied. I don’t know how or if she’s connected to any of it, but her scenario is suspicious.”
“And why can’t you talk to her?”
“She left. I have a burner phone number that I’ve called several times.”
“Give me her number, and I’ll try.”
Autumn narrowed her gaze. “Why would she...Oh. You pulled her from the water and saved her. You’re banking on that.”
“Worth a try.”
“That, it is.” Autumn found Sarah in her contacts and sent the number to Grier. “Listen. Me sitting in this truck with youtalking about an investigation, especially since you won’t allow me to officially hire you, is risky. People are watching. I should say, certain city council members.”
“Then why are you here?”
“You know why. With my career hanging in the balance and not being able to trust at least one person in my own department, I need to use the resources available to me.”That would be you.It was like God had brought him into her life at just the right moment.Would she even be friends with Grier, know him or trust him, if he hadn’t brought her inebriated father home? “I’ll ask you one more time, can we make it official?”
She risked a look at him, and he flashed her a rakish grin as he took in her face. Her eyes, then her lips. Her heart pounded, and she was sure he could hear it. What was she doing falling for a guy she barely knew in the middle of a veritable crime wave with her career on the line? Why couldn’t she and Grier have grown close when her career wasn’t turning into a dumpster fire and she didn’t have a rising body count?
He ripped his eyes away and shook his head as if torn over a serious decision, then finally said, “I can help you, but not on the books. What do you need me to do?”
She figured as much.
“I questioned my father about the shooting at our house, and he told me again that I was in danger. At the time, he was on pain medication and simply could have been in a drug-induced delirium, especially since he said it was his fault.”
“He didn’t dream up the shooter. Nor did you dream up the man you shot or the abduction last night.”
“Don’t you think I know that? I showed him these images.” She brought them up on her iPad. “See if you recognize anyone in this digital lineup.”
He shook his head. “Can’t say that I do. What about you?”
“I believe this man is the man we prevented from breaking into the Lively Moose last night. I believe it’s the same manwho has been following me. I didn’t get a good look at his face, but I got the eyes.”
Autumn brought up the image of the man.
“Did your father recognize him?”
She pursed her lips. “I think he might have, but he didn’t commit.”
Grier stared at the image, tension rolling off him as he lifted his shoulders and released a heavy exhale.
“I’ve asked for Nolan’s help to identify him, and I’ve made all the appropriate communications to the many agencies in search of answers. I’m getting nowhere fast.”
“Tell Nolan this takes priority. This is a very real and present danger. Don’t stay at your house. Stay with your family in town.”
“After last night, I think we can safely say this person is after me like my father believes. I would bring danger to their door. I can’t stay with them again. That man was going to come into the restaurant, head upstairs, and then who knows what would have happened.”
“There’s a strong possibility he’s connected to the man who shot your father.”
“I agree. We need to identify him, then we’ll know more. I’m looking at the possibility that all the shootings are connected. Though, given the time period, it seems unlikely, but I’ll leave no stone unturned.” An ache shot through her head, and she rubbed her temple. “I trust Tanya and Kelly, and my officers too, but Craig has been twitchy lately, influenced by his uncle Wally. I don’t think Craig would intentionally sabotage my efforts, but I’m not sure—and it’s too risky. So I’m treading a thin line here, talking to you. I hope you know that.”
She also hoped he would share his own deep, dark secrets that he was holding back from her. She tried not to feel slighted or hurt on a personal level. And professionally? She’d made the decision to talk to Grier and work through this with him.
