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“I need to talk to Noel.”

I growled my answer. “Yeah, well, she’s not available. If you have something to tell her, it can go through me.” I was harsh, which I didn’t give a shit about. My hackles were raised. There was something terribly wrong. I could feel it all the way into my bones.

“There’s a chance she’s in danger. Just have her call me.”

“Listen, you asshole. She’s lived in the shadows her entire life because of what she was forced to endure and it took your department fucking years to bring that suspect into custody. So don’t act like you can wait to share some news with her. I need to know. Now!”

“Jesus, buddy.”

I hissed in a threatening way. “You won’t like me if I’m crossed. Talk.”

“Fine. Christ. You need to warn her.”

“About what?”

He hesitated. “A copycat killer. James Jones groomed a man to take his place. The evidence was just found inside a hiding place in the man’s house. I can’t believe we missed it.”

“Meaning what?” Every muscle bristled. “Who is this asshole?”

“His name is Joel Baxter. He’s a goddamn member of the justice department. He flew under the radar this entire time. And the new guy has every intention of finishing what James started. Noel’s life is in imminent danger.”

CHAPTER 24

Noel

Fear in and of itself was crippling.

So much so that after sending the text, I’d paced the floor for what seemed like hours. I hadn’t been shocked that I’d been right about Abbot Bronson, Kage’s grandfather.

But had I done the right thing by sending it to Kage or would he be so angry the fence I’d just tore down could never be mended?

Max was thumping his tail and the slight sound continuously brought me back to reality. Not that I wanted to face the music when Kage returned. But I did wish he’d return. “I don’t know what I’m doing any longer, Max.”

He shifted slightly, cocking that sweet head of his.

“There you go again looking at your mommy dog like she’s an idiot. Maybe I am.” I’d spent some time on Saldono and his regime, including what I could find on when Antonio was killed. One thing I’d noted from every newspaper article written, every limited broadcast on the crime, was that it was obvious the reports had all been coached. They were almost identical.

The entire crime itself had been one big, planned operation. But why have Kage take the fall? The answer hadn’t been that difficult to find. All I’d needed to do was advance my search for an additional couple of years, finding out that both the district attorney and the mayor had been up for re-election the next year. Lo and behold, what did they use for one of their main platforms? Crime control.

It was funny how politics were played. I wasn’t good at them, but I had a feeling my next book would be full of conspiracy theories. I half laughed as I glared out the window, the wind already whipping to the point I could almost smell another snowstorm coming in. What if Kage didn’t get back in time?

Oh, for God’s sake. I wasn’t helpless. I’d survived worse than a horrific storm before.

And entirely on my own.

“Come on, Max. I think it’s time for a cup of hot coffee.” Oh, who was I kidding? Wine was in order. At least we had some of that and Max’s dogfood. He followed behind me as I headed into the kitchen. I made certain his water bowl was full before finding a clean wineglass. I had to search before I found the right bottle of cabernet.

I continued thinking about how Saldono had obviously bought off the two political powers and if I had to guess, I’d also say half the police force as well.

Not that I could go spouting that off to anyone. My career would go down the tubes in a matter of seconds. Speaking of which, I needed to get back to writing a book.

After pouring the wine, I headed into the living room, happy I’d managed to stoke the fire so the flames added a nice warmth to the moment. I’d actually started to fall in love with the cabin and could imagine having a hideaway retreat for writing in the future.

If I had a future.

Oh, my brain was churning far too fast.

One thing I kept repeating in my mind. Kage could be as angry with me as he wanted but I planned on pushing the bar with his conviction, begging Zoe for her continued help if necessary. She wasn’t exactly low on the totem pole inside her office. She knew the players, the good guys versus the bad ones. We’d even had a couple of discussions when I’d racked her brain about attorney procedures in a crime situation for my research.

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