Page 53 of In the Arms of a Hero

“What kind of ammo was used?”

“An FMJ. That’s why there was an exit wound, and possibly tells us how far out the shooter was.”

“What the fuck, Sam? Jesus, this makes no sense. And from a boat? Lucky shot or someone with experience, like a fucking sniper?”

“We don’t know, and I’m sorry as fuck to say that. I know you’ll talk to Andy, but I can tell you that Ryan has his officers patrolling the inlets, questioning the fishermen and everyone they can to see if anyone heard or saw anything.”

He had finally pushed Andy and Ivy to go home once they knew Belinda was out of danger. He’d had a short conversation with Andy earlier but hadn’t heard from him since he’d been out on the water.

“I had an idea and hope Belinda is okay with it,” Sam began, sparking Aaron’s attention.

“What?”

“Since her camera was found on the floor of the wedding reception area, I claimed it to keep it safe. But it dawned on me that she was taking a ton of photographs from all different angles. I downloaded the pictures from yesterday’s wedding. There are a little over seven hundred shots, and I have some deputies at the station combing through them. Especially the ones that include the water in the background.”

Relief flooded Aaron, who was both irritated at himself and grateful that Sam was thinking logically. “Man, I have to get my head in the game. I never thought of doing that.”

“You need to give yourself a break. You focus on Belinda and let us handle the investigation.”

“I’m almost home. I’m going to shower and change, and then I’ll stop by the station before I?—”

“No, don’t. You can’t do anything to help here. You need to be at the hospital.”

“What about our other case? The murder of Bill Gaston?”

“I’m working on that, too. We’ve got plenty of people willing to jump in and assist. Now, tell me how your girl is?”

Hearing Belinda referred to ashis girlsent an ease through his tense muscles. “She’s awake. Groggy at first and then became more lucid. Asking questions. Was scared as shit that others were hurt, but then confused at why someone would shoot into the gathering.”

“When will they release her?”

“Probably tomorrow, which blows my mind.”

“Yeah… hospitals are influenced by insurance companies who want to cut costs.”

“Her sister is with her now, and we’re going to trade later. She’ll head home when I get back there this afternoon.”

“Then that’s where you need to be. Go home, clean up, rest, eat something that didn’t come from a hospital vending machine, and then go back to be with her.”

“I’ll get her settled back in her place tomorrow. Bess is in the apartment next door, and during the day, she’ll be downstairs in the bakery, and then I’ll come in after work.” He continued before Sam had a chance to disagree. “I would never leave her without anyone, but Ivy and my dad have also offered to stay with her during the day.”

“Just letting you know that Hayley has also volunteered to stay with her. She can work anywhere with her laptop, so it’ll be no problem. Just put her on the rotation.”

“Jesus, Sam,” he sighed aloud. “Thank you, and thank Hayley for me. I’ll feel better knowing she has people to help when I get into the station to see what we can dig up.”

“I hear you, but remember, you can only actively work on the Gaston murder investigation.”

“Yeah, but being at the station means I can find out firsthand what is going on with her shooting investigation.”

Sam sighed. “I get it, partner. I really do. Take care, and I’ll call if anything comes up.”

Disconnecting, Aaron arrived at his building and jogged up the steps. It wasn’t a great apartment, but it served his needs… a place to crash, hang out, eat, and entertain when he needed. One day, he hoped it would be a place to bring Belinda. Right now, he was desperate for a shower and a chance to nap for a few hours before returning to the hospital.

Aaron met Bess outside of Belinda’s hospital room. She looked exhausted, with dark circles under her eyes. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the side of her head. “She will be fine, and we’ll find whoever did this. Do you believe me?”

Bess sniffled but nodded her head against his shoulder. She stepped back and swiped her fingers underneath her eyes to wipe away the tears that trailed down her cheeks. “Yeah. We Crowder girls might look like marshmallows, but we’re really tough on the inside.”

He chuckled. “I know you are. Go home, take a long, hot bath, and get some sleep. I’m going to stay with her.”

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