The Pinch by Paty Jager

Author:Paty Jager
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Strong female sleuth, disabled veteran, Native American Fiction, Casino murder mystery, Pacific Northwest Mystery, Mystery with a twist
Publisher: Windtree Press
Published: 2024-02-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

On their way to check on Trent, Dela called Enos. She didn’t think it was a coincidence he’d brought her here this past weekend.

“You have reached Enos Apash, leave a message.”

When the phone beeped, Dela said, “I don't appreciate you disappearing on a weekend you knew there would be a kidnapping and leaving me in the dark. It has also escalated into a murder. Would be nice to have you back here helping me discover which of your employees are on the take. I’m beginning to think it starts at the top with you.” She ended the call and stared out the window.

“That was a bit harsh, don’t you think?” Heath said.

“No. I don’t appreciate being used. And that’s what he did. He knew the kidnapping was happening and brought me here to clean up his mess.” She twisted in the seat to study Heath. “There is no other explanation for what happened and why he has disappeared. And as far as I can tell, Trent is either in on it, or he doesn’t have balls enough to be second to the head of security. I think Sherman would if he’d had training. I know Sidney is.”

“Is that going to be your recommendation? Sidney should be second in command?” Heath asked, turning a corner and slowing down.

“No. If I’m right about Enos, he needs to be removed and Sidney put in his place. Then Sherman as second.” She shifted to peer at the house where Trent lived. “There are two vehicles. I would think his wife would be at work.”

They parked on the street and walked up to the front door.

Heath knocked and they stood on the stoop waiting for someone to answer.

The door slowly opened and Trent peered out. “What are you doing here?” His tone rose an octave as he said, “You’re going to get us killed.”

Heath shoved the door open, pushing Trent into the house. Dela followed and stopped inside the door as her gaze landed on Enos.

“What the hell?” She crossed her arms as Heath walked around her and shut the front door. “Have you been here the whole time? I thought you were at a party for your dad.” Anger pulsed her blood, making a whooshing sound in her head. This was an anger unlike any she’d had before. Never had she felt so betrayed as standing here peering into Enos’s unapologetic eyes.

Heath stood beside her. “Care to introduce me.”

“Enos Apash, this is my friend, Tribal Detective Heath Seaver. He came here to help me discover who killed one of my best friends and find a child you could have kept from being kidnapped. Which caused my friend’s death.”

At least the man jerked from her accusations and his gaze drifted to the floor.

“Mr. Apash, I think it’s time you had a visit with either the Lincoln City Police or the FBI,” Heath said.

“We can’t tell anyone,” Trent blurted.

“I see you’re healthy enough to be at work,” Dela said in reply.

“You don’t understand,” Trent continued.

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