Tracking Concealed Evidence by Sharee Stover

Author:Sharee Stover
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-11-21T19:40:38+00:00

NINE

Shaylee studied the torn accounting journal page and popped a handful of popcorn into her mouth. Her favorite after dinner snack and healthier than the fast-food burger she’d eaten two hours earlier. The clue was right in front of her face, she just needed to find it. Again, she contemplated contacting Jamey. Maybe he would see something she missed? No, dragging him into her mess was selfish.

The chime of her cell phone sent hope dancing. Jamey? Dugan’s name appeared on the screen. Chewing and swallowing as fast as possible, Shaylee set down the paper and answered, “Sir.”

“Fire investigators have cleared the scene and confirmed that the melted remnants of what I assume was the coffin were destroyed.”

Shaylee dropped onto the couch. “Fantastic,” she mumbled sarcastically. An idea sprouted. “Jamey requested to return to the site to search for what attracted Bugsy there in the first place. She might locate something they overlooked.”

“Doubtful anything is left, but so long as you follow procedure, I have no issues.”

“Thanks.”

“How’s the pup doing?”

She grinned. Animals and children brought out Dugan’s softer side.

“Dr. Keough diagnosed Echo—that’s what Jamey named her—with a sprained leg, but says she’ll heal quickly.”

“That’s good news. I authorized a unit to patrol your neighborhood.”

A knock on the back door jolted her. “Thank you, but really I’m fine. I appreciate the update, Captain. Someone’s here, so I gotta go.”

“Stay on the phone with me while you look to see who it is. Don’t open that door yet.”

Slightly annoyed but grateful Dugan cared about her safety, she hurried to the kitchen and peered through the corner of the closed blinds. Noreen Liddle stood on the patio deck, shifting nervously from one foot to another.

Noreen and her grandmother were longtime friends of the Adler family. However, serving as Baxter’s intern pitted Noreen between loyalty to her employer and her friendship with Shaylee, making their communication secretive.

“It’s just Noreen, and since Baxter’s behind my abduction, I’m sure he’s watching to ensure his plan worked.”

“Adler—”

“I know, I know.”

“Keep me updated,” Dugan said before disconnecting.

Shaylee placed her cell phone on the counter and opened the door. “Hey, what’re you doing here?”

“Can I come in?” Noreen glanced over her shoulder.

“Sure.” Shaylee stepped aside, allowing the young intern to scurry past. Before closing the door, she peered into the darkened yard. “Why the back door?”

“I didn’t want anyone to see me and have word get back to Baxter.”

“Where did you park?”

“Around the corner. I would’ve come sooner, but I couldn’t get away. I heard about the abduction. Were you seriously buried alive?” Noreen pulled Shaylee into a bear hug.

Leaning back, Shaylee asked, “How did you hear about it?”

“Franny,” Noreen said as if that explained everything. In a way, it did. Franny was aware of their friendship and wouldn’t think twice about sharing the information. She wasn’t malicious, but she was the town crier.

“Yeah, but I’m fine now.”

Noreen released her hold and moved to the wingback chair in the living room. “You’re amazingly strong to survive that! Did you see who did it? Have they arrested anyone?”

“I have my suspicions.

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