Page 38 of No Good Deed

She huffed out a breath. “That’s different. I think that’s easier to see. It’s not violent on a personal level. I suppose I can imagine a lot of people being able to do that. Which is depressing.”

Marcus handed her a large notepad and a pen. “Why don’t you just start noting down names. Start with people you worked with most recently, and then add others as you think of them. Don’t worry about sorting them or putting them in order. Just try to get as many names down as you can.”

And then they’d have to go over the list to find whoever had created the spreadsheets. The person who’d tried to hurt her. A shudder ran through her as she picked up the pen.

CHAPTER 14

A Good Defense

Troy wanted to wrap Piper up and keep her safe in a bubble. Protect her from having to imagine her former coworkers as criminals. Mostly, he wanted to protect her from whichever jerk had hurt her.

What kind of person crashed into a car to get back a USB?

Someone desperate. He’d tried mugging her, breaking into her office and her home. What did the spreadsheets mean? They needed to figure out the code to protect Piper.

Tessa, out at Midnight Lake, was a zoologist, but she also contracted with the FBI for analysis work. She could sort patterns, numbers, and data like no one else Troy had ever seen. “I think we should talk to the people out at Midnight Lake. Tessa Flores is an analyst, and there are several former FBI agents who might have some experience with this kind of thing.”

Piper sagged into his side as if the weight of the case was too hard for her to bear. After a slow breath, she straightened again. “I can’t imagine this is something that involves the FBI.”

“They’re not current FBI. They’re friends with lots of experience. They’d be happy to help.”

Marcus chuckled. “Honestly, I think they’d be annoyed if Troy didn’t bring this to them. We’ve become a pretty good team over the past year.”

Troy agreed. “We’ve helped them out with a few problems they’ve had. They’d all be more than happy to return the favor."

“But it’s not your problem. It’s mine.” Her voice was soft and sad.

Troy didn’t care that they weren’t alone. He turned to face Piper and cupped her face with his hands. “First, they would do it for anyone who needed help. We all would. Second, you’re not alone. Not anymore.”

She studied him with a solemn expression for a long moment. “If you’re sure.” But her eyes were still sad.

She turned back to the paper she’d filled with names. There were three pages of names. “I wrote down everyone I could think of, but some of these people were short-term clients or staff members who have moved on. Should I eliminate them?”

Marcus shook his head. “Let’s not scratch off anyone yet. How about you add a mark beside them?”

She sighed. “It would be easier to categorize them on a spreadsheet.”

Troy laughed. “Now you sound like Tessa and Tansy.”

That earned him a ghost of a smile.

The chime for Phail General sounded, so Troy kissed Piper’s cheek lightly. “We’ll figure this out. I’ll be back in a few.”

Troy helped a couple of customers get lightbulbs and baking soda, all while trying to figure out the next steps. He knew what he wanted. To use all the resources at his disposal to keep Piper safe. He wished they’d had time to visit Midnight Lake without the pressure of this discovery. That way, Piper wouldn’t feel as awkward with his friends. She’d met a couple of them at the diner but didn’t know any of them well.

On impulse, he called Addison Syrette. She was a single mom and an author of children’s books. She and her daughter Nina had moved to Phail a few years back. Addison always kept her background private, but he sensed she could use some extra money. He also figured Nina might have fun. The twelve-year-old was bright and friendly. And she was always asking questions about running a business.

“Hey, Addison, it’s Troy Phail. I have a weird favor to ask. I need someone to watch the store for me for a few hours. I’d pay you both, of course. Nina has asked enough questions, I’m sure she could run the place by herself. And I’m rambling. It’s okay to say no.”

Addison laughed. “Let me ask my partner.”

A few seconds later, she was back. “Nina says it sounds like fun, so we can help you. We can be there in about ten minutes. Does that work for you?”

“Perfect. Thanks.”

Troy moved back to the deputy’s office, where he found Piper and Marcus going through the list of people she’d written down, making notations beside them. “Any ideas?”

Piper shrugged, but Marcus nodded. “We’re making notes about the jobs and personalities of each man, but it’s draining work. Why don’t you take a break? That’ll give me some time to sort things out and talk to the police back in Illinois.”

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