Page 60 of Creed

“I can’t lie to you.” Lorna chuckled. “But seriously, think about it from Creed’s perspective, or even mine. We’ve waited three long years to learn anything about who killed Mac and now that they have a name, they’re going to do everything in their power to bring him to justice. It’s not easy being with someone in law enforcement of any kind, but you have to understand they have a job to do and they won’t stop until it’s done. Remember when I first married Mac? I was always angry at him for leaving on cases and we argued constantly about it, but eventually I realized he was risking his life to protect innocent people and their livestock. And in the end, he paid the ultimate price for it. All of them could have lost their lives that night, Abs.”

Abbie’s smile faded as she processed Lorna’s words. “I feel awful now. Thanks a lot.”

“You’re welcome,” she said, causing Abbie to laugh despite herself.

“I’ll apologize to him.”

“And stand by him,” Lorna added sternly. “How do you think he felt when you accused him of being obsessed with a case that nearly cost him his life?”

“Oh my God! I hate you right now.”

“No, you don’t. Call me later. Love you.”

“Love you too.” Abbie hung up the phone and took a deep breath, her head spinning with guilt. Lorna was right. Abbie shouldn’t have said what she did to Creed on Saturday night and now she wouldn’t be surprised if he never spoke to her again.

She stood up from the table, tossing the rest of her salad into the trash. She needed to focus on work and make things right with Creed. She’d send him a text during her next break and hope that he could forgive her for her hurtful words. As she returned to the station desk, she couldn’t help but wonder if Creed’s goodbye that night had been meant for now or forever. She prayed it wasn’t the latter.

Chapter Ten

Creed lifted the binoculars to his eyes and scanned the sprawling property, but it seemed deserted. Frustration gnawed at him. He had been hoping to catch Pedigo and Cartwright in the act. It was bad enough that Pedigo had a penchant for stealing, but the fact that Cartwright, a well-respected businessman, was involved made no sense to Creed. The man had wealth and status; why stoop to such low levels?

Just then, his phone began to vibrate in his pocket. He fished it out and saw that Dave was calling.

“Dave?” he answered.

“Is Doyle with you?”

Creed glanced over at the agent sitting beside him in the truck.

“Yes,” he confirmed.

“Good. After talking with Reece, I did some digging and it looks like Sanchez could be our guy.”

Creed sat up straighter, feeling a surge of adrenaline. “What? Are you sure?”

“About ninety-five percent certain as of now. His mother-in-law is Cartwright’s sister, which is the only connection I can find between him and anyone here. It took me a while because they’re half-siblings. Same mother, different father, so the last names are different.”

“Son of a bitch,” Creed cursed.

“I also looked into his finances and there have been some suspicious deposits over the last few years. He was on the brink of losing his home, and suddenly he’s not. Livestock agents may make decent money, but not enough for this kind of lifestyle. Something doesn’t add up.”

Creed clenched his jaw, relaying the information to Doyle who visibly tensed at the betrayal.

“What do you want to do, Dave?” Creed asked.

“For now, we need to be sure. You continue your surveillance out there while I handle things here. I won’t assign Sanchez to any cases for a few days and we’ll go from there. The good thing is, none of our colleagues know that your memory has returned except for a select few. He may have told Pedigo that you survived, but if he thinks you’re still suffering from amnesia, it could work in our favor.”

“True. Alright, I trust your judgement. You’re the boss,” Creed said with a wry grin.

“Damn straight, I am.” Dave hung up.

Creed tossed his phone onto the dashboard and rubbed his temples, feeling a surge of emotions. “I can’t believe it might be Sanchez.”

“How long has he been in your department?”

“About five years, maybe more, I think. I always thought he had our backs. Damn it. I was sure Reece was wrong, but his informant never lets him down.”

“Reece?”

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