Treacherous Mountain Investigation by Stephanie M. Gammon

Author:Stephanie M. Gammon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-06-09T12:27:29+00:00

TWELVE

“It’ll take two hours to reach Denver.” Liz’s seat belt cut into her as she leaned out the open window, watching planes fly overhead. After a few moments, she settled back in her seat and turned to Riggen.

“I reserved an extra room at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco. They placed you across the hall from me.”

He didn’t respond. Just stared.

She plucked at her sleeve. “The Kimpton is unique. You should enjoy it.”

He continued staring. Rocking back and forth, she stuck her hands under her thighs. “What?”

His phone buzzed in the cup holder, but he ignored it. “When will we tell Lucas who I am?”

She stared at the phone. It rattled around, knocking an old French fry to the floor. Her stomach growled. Picking up the fry, she tossed it outside. “Do you really want to discuss this now?”

Officer Jones lounged in his police SUV, waiting to leave. She’d rather not have this conversation with an audience. Then again, she’d rather not have it at all.

Swift conviction plunged between her desire to avoid any conversation that might make Riggen a real part of her life and the sight of his heart in his eyes. She sighed. “I want to trust you.”

“But?”

“What happens to Lucas when you leave again?”

He winced. “Last night I told you I want to be there for you, that includes Lucas. I don’t plan on disappearing again. Ever.”

“You didn’t plan on it when you gave me an engagement ring.” She squeezed her hands together. “I want to believe you. I do.” She narrowed her eyes. “I’m not over what you did. I guess I’m saying I’m not ready to tell Lucas.”

Color flared up Riggen’s neck to his face then vanished as swiftly as it had come. He was white as the clouds, but he simply nodded before turning to start the truck.

The buzzing in the cup holder began again. He grabbed the phone and hit Speaker, setting it back into the holder as they pulled out of the lot.

“Good news and bad news.” Rosche’s voice battled with the clunk of the engine.

Riggen pulled into traffic. “Let’s hear the good news.”

“Pikes Peak Chocolate has security cameras.”

“Catch anything?”

“A woman handing Lucas the toy.” Rosche’s excitement danced across the connection. “Liz’s back is to Lucas. You were busy ordering. The woman was in and out so fast, even the camera almost missed her.”

“ID?”

“You’ll never guess who it is.” Rosche didn’t give them the time. “Kris Dupree.”

Silence followed the theatrical unveil. Riggen shot Liz a look. “Did you bring her in?”

“Can’t find her.” Rosche’s tone was more subdued. “We’re waiting for a warrant to search her place.”

“Thanks for letting me know.” Riggen reached toward the cup holder but Rosche’s voice stilled it midair.

“No problem. But you haven’t heard the bad news yet.”

“That wasn’t it?”

“Nope. I went to the jail. Our guy’ll only talk to you.”

Riggen slowed at a red light, his face a picture of confusion. “Me? I’m heading to Denver.”

Liz reached over and squeezed his arm. When he focused on her, she mouthed, We have time.

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