Page 57 of Operation: Reckless Angel

“Do the roads and interstate get shut down often?”

“Just about every time a nor’easter hits us. It’s not unusual to get two inches per hour for as long as twelve hours. And January is our snowiest month. I remember in January of ninety-four. We got forty-four inches of snow. That was the year I got the generator because we lost power three times. I think the power was out more that month than on.”

“I have to say, you are a die-hard. I think I would have moved after that,” Briana said.

“You really need to come back and visit in the summer. Then you’ll understand why I could never move. It’s just beautiful here. The lakes and all the outdoor activities, hiking, boating, fishing, draw a lot of people. What are you doing here this time of year, anyway?”

Briana gave her the same lie about the job interview, but omitted the part about looking at a cabin. This woman had lived here her entire life. She probably knew every owner of every cabin within a hundred-mile radius.

“Is that serious boyfriend of yours willing to move up this way?” Norma asked.

“We’re talking about it. He can work from anywhere.” She took the last bite of the soup. “I really want the recipe for this soup. It is so good.” She hoped to change the subject.

She was successful. They chatted for another hour about everything but Lisa O’Conner’s private life. It turned out Norma Zanders liked to talk about herself more than grilling Briana for information.

Tango

Roth was relieved the snow on the east coast had tapered off to flurries overnight, as predicted. He sat at the gate waiting to board the flight to Portland, Maine. The plane sat at the gate and so far; it showed as on time for departure. That was a good start. Jackson had messaged him that he was on the road and would arrive in Portland at around the same time Roth’s flight was due.

Not a problem. If he had to wait at the airport for a short time, he could get lunch and hopefully text message with Briana. That’s if she wasn’t driving still at noon. He hoped she’d be out of there early and be waiting at the hotel before he landed.

He had sent a text to her when he’d arrived at his gate, but she hadn’t replied yet. He hoped that meant she was already driving, not sleeping, and not being detained by the Sheriff on some fabricated charge because he had indeed seen her watching him. Or worse, dead, and unable to reply. He wasn’t sure why that ominous thought crossed his mind.

Not wanting to put his phone on airplane mode before he was sure she was on the road, when the boarding call came, he dialed her.

“Hello, honey,” she answered with what he knew right away was a false affection in her tone.

“Hi, sweetheart,” he replied. “What’s up?”

“I’ll be getting on the road in just a few minutes. Norma, the woman who owns this beautiful bed-and-breakfast inn, made the most delicious breakfast casserole this morning. She even had all the local law enforcement in to feed them as a thank you for all they do for the community. Isn’t that nice? The people in this area are just the best. I really hope I get that job. After being here, I want us to seriously talk about relocating.”

“You’re getting a bit ahead of us, sweetheart. Please get a move on. I miss you and want to see you as soon as possible,” Roth said, playing along. He figured someone had to be standing very near to her, and she believed they’d hear him on the phone. “Call me after you’re on the interstate.”

“Will do, honey. I love you,” she said sweetly.

“Love you too. Drive safe,” Roth answered.

Briana disconnected the call and flashed a forced smile at the Sheriff, who stood uncomfortably close to her, so close he clearly heard every word Sebastian said. She was glad he played along. “My boyfriend, Sebastian. We’re meeting in New York City.” She took hold of her backpack, which she’d sat on the chair beside her. “I have a seven-hour drive ahead of me. I better get on the road.” Her gaze darted to Norma Zander. “You have a beautiful place here. I’d love to bring Sebastian back up here. I’ll be in contact to make a reservation.”

Norma squirmed her way in between the Sheriff and Briana, who she, of course, only knew as Lisa. She gave the young woman a hug. “You do that. I will always have a room for you. Drive safely.”

With quick goodbyes to the Sheriff and his two deputies, she went out to her van, which had been cleared off and was running to warm up. The Sheriff had insisted she hand her keys to Deputy Kemp, who he instructed to prepare her vehicle for her departure.

She hadn’t wanted to, but declining would have been suspicious. She hoped he hadn’t searched it or planted any bugs or trackers on it, though she doubted that was the case. The Sheriff had no way of knowing she’d still be there when the three of them stopped by for breakfast. And there had been no side conversation, no looks between the men that looked like a signal. The Sheriff didn’t treat her with suspicion per se, but the attention he gave her was unwanted and unnerving.

Once she was on the interstate, she called Sebastian back.

“Hi, sweetheart. You just caught me before I switched to airplane mode,” he answered.

“I’m in my van alone, and just got on the interstate. Thank you for playing along while I was with the murdering sheriff.”

Roth noticed the shift in her. Her tone was cold and all business-like. “I’m glad you’re on your way, sweetheart,” he said playfully, in hopes of lightening her mood. “My flight is just about to take off.”

“I’ll see you at the hotel.”

He was taken aback by her sudden termination of the call. Not even a good bye. He placed his phone on airplane mode and settled back in his seat. Miss Briana Woods was a complicated woman. He’d say difficult or frustrating if he wasn’t so enamored with her. But he could see how anyone not attracted to her would easily lose their patience. But she was a driving force, fearless and eager to stand up for those who needed help. The mission she’d undertaken was admirable.

He thought about her during the flight and how they would keep her out of the investigation. He had an idea that he’d run by Jackson. Ultimately, it was her investigation that she’d asked for his help with, but she was a material witness to a murder. She had to be protected.

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