Page 43 of Relentless

Barrett help Liam to his feet. A moment later, he was restrained with his hands in front.

Liam glanced at Simon who gave a slight chin lift in acknowledgment of his silent order to keep Piper safe. His attention shifted to Piper who watched him with wide eyes, worry in her gaze. He winked at her and allowed the detectives to lead him from the clearing.

He guided the two officers to the cave. He inclined his head toward the entrance. “Gavin’s about fifty feet from the entrance.”

Barrett frowned. “How do you know his name?”

Here’s where things would become dicey. “Piper knew him well. He called her and said he was leaving something for her in this cave.”

“How well did she know him?”

“They used to date. She hasn’t seen him in three years.”

“He wanted to see her and she came running?” Barrett looked skeptical. “Sounds like their relationship wasn’t over.”

Liam sighed. Just what he’d figured the cops would say. “Look, I didn’t know about Gavin James until a few hours ago and I’ve never seen him until I found him in the cave.”

“You expect us to believe that?” Kerrigan shook her head. “You had the motive to kill this poor sap. Your girlfriend was going back to her former lover, leaving you in the dust. You decided to take him out and end the competition for her affection once and for all.”

“My weapon hasn’t been fired which you’ll find out when you test it. Gavin’s been dead longer than I’ve been in Copper Ridge.”

“We only have your word for when you arrived.”

“You’ll investigate and confirm my arrival time.”

Barrett glanced at his partner. “Wait with McCoy. I’ll check inside and see what we have.”

Kerrigan stepped a few paces away from Liam and, with her hand on her weapon, motioned for him to move further from the cave entrance.

Barrett returned a moment later. “One shot through the heart. Small-caliber weapon. We need the crime scene team and the coroner.” He glanced at Liam. “Let’s go. We need to be closer to the resort to get a cell signal.”

Liam retraced his steps to the clearing and crouched by Piper’s side. “You okay?” He didn’t like the pallor of her face.

She nodded.

“Get away from her, McCoy,” Kerrigan snapped, weapon in her hand.

Simon snorted.

Liam’s lips twitched. “Just making sure Piper was all right.”

“You can’t talk to her. Sit on that rock.” The detective indicated the large rock fifteen feet away from Piper.

He knew things moved slower in law enforcement than he was used to with Fortress, but by the time the coroner pronounced Gavin and the other shooter dead and the crime scene team moved in to do their job, Liam was fed up with watching Piper shiver in the cold night air. Part of the trembling was from shock.

Liam clenched his teeth, wishing yet again he had Matt here to help Piper. “Barrett.”

The detective walked over. “What is it?”

“Have one of the officers take Piper to the resort or the station. She’s cold and in shock.”

Barrett glanced at the woman who visibly trembled. He turned back. “What about you? Aren’t you going to demand I send you to a more hospitable environment?”

“Doesn’t matter about me. Take care of Piper.”

The detective crossed the open space and spoke to the officer with Piper. A moment later, she stumbled from the clearing with the officer’s hand around her arm to steady her.

Although Liam didn’t want her out of his sight, she needed to get warm. When Barrett returned, Liam asked, “Where did he take her?”

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