Page 69 of The Murder Club

Dom clenched his hands as a furious realization blasted through him. There was no way Kevin’s death was an accidental overdose. This was another twist in the ugly game the stalker was playing with Bailey.

“Let me guess. It’s exactly like the phone you found at the lumberyard,” he growled. “Nothing but texts to Bailey.”

“Exactly,” Zac conceded in grim tones. “The chief was happy to assure me that my stalker was revealed when he found the texts and pictures sent to Bailey. He also assured me that I no longer had to worry about him bothering my citizens.”

“He was murdered,” Bailey breathed.

Zac shoved the baggie into the pocket of his jacket. “I’m going to have the phone dusted for prints, although I have no idea how many people have handled it since it was found. And I’ll try to trace where it was purchased and, hopefully, who bought it.”

“That’s going to take time,” Dom complained.

Zac nodded. “Yeah.”

Bailey wrapped her arms around her waist. “At least we know that Kevin isn’t the stalker.”

“True. A damned shame, considering he was the most likely suspect. Just like Gage was the most likely suspect before he turned up dead . . .” His words died on his lips as Dom realized what he was saying. “Wait. Maybe we’re overlooking the obvious.”

“The obvious what?” Bailey asked.

“He’s still the most logical suspect,” Dom said, holding up his hand as Bailey parted her lips to remind him that Kevin Hartford was dead. “He had access to Kaden’s and Lia’s house during the wedding. He had reason to want his grandmother dead. And the drugs would have affected his mental health.”

“So who killed him?” Bailey demanded. “Or do you think his death was accidental?”

“It’s possible he overdosed.” Dom’s tone made it clear that he didn’t believe that for a second. “Or there might be more than one stalker.”

Bailey gasped in horror. “No.”

Dom flinched, regretting his blunt words. He was thinking out loud, but he should have known he would cause Bailey even more stress.

“I’m sorry, Bailey. I’m just trying to consider every potential explanation.” He held her worried gaze. “What if Gage was involved and that’s why he had a phone? And Kevin was also involved and that’s why he had a phone.”

“They were both texting me?”

“Yes.”

“If I follow your line of thinking, it’s possible Gage killed his mother for her inheritance and Kevin killed his grandmother for the same reason,” Zac added.

Dom nodded. “Then there would have to be at least one more out there who killed both of them.”

Bailey shook her head in disbelief. “A group of stalkers who are also killing their relatives?”

“It wouldn’t be a huge stretch,” Zac protested. “People with all sorts of fetishes find it easy to create groups in chat rooms or on social media.”

“Like the Murder Club,” Dom added. “Only they didn’t want to solve crimes; they came together out of their desire to kill someone who could leave them a fortune.”

“But why include me?” Bailey stubbornly demanded. “And why would one of the group suddenly decide to kill Gage and Kevin?”

“Enough. This is driving me crazy.” Zac moved to give Bailey a hug. “I need to go spend some time with my wife and clear my mind. Maybe then I can figure out what the hell is going on. Until then . . .” He kissed the top of Bailey’s head. “You be careful.”

With a nod toward Dom, the sheriff exited the kitchen, and a minute later they heard the sound of the front door closing.

“That must be nice,” Dom murmured, not bothering to keep the envy out of his voice.

“What?”

“To have someone you can be with to ease your worries.”

A wistful smile touched Bailey’s lips. “Do you think it’s really possible?”

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