Page 15 of Caught in the Crossfire

Although he’d expected that answer, the news still hit him like a blow to the gut. Mason drew in a careful breath. He couldn’t face prison again. He almost hadn’t survived the first time around. If he was sent back, he would lose Nicole. What woman wanted to stick around and wait for her man to serve out time for murder. Tennessee was also a death penalty state. He could lose his life as well as the woman he adored.

“He didn’t do it,” Nicole insisted.

“You have proof?” Rod demanded.

“I told you the man who hit me wore cologne. Mason doesn’t wear any. Colognes and perfumes give me migraines.”

“That’s not enough.”

“Then get out there and find the real killer,” she snapped. “Don’t assume Mason’s guilty because he has a record.” Nicole grabbed the green can and sipped more of the soft drink as she glared at the detective.

Mason stood. “Nicole needs to rest. The questions can wait.”

The detective scowled. “I have a murder to solve and you’re the prime suspect.”

“Why am I not surprised? I’ll answer questions tomorrow. Right now, I’m more worried about Nicole than you.”

“We’ll go,” Ethan said. “For now. Don’t leave town.”

“Where would I go? You can track anyone anywhere.”

“You have friends with safe houses almost impossible to find. I don’t want to go up against Brent Maddox, but I will if I have to.”

“Think about this while you order his prison jumpsuit,” Nicole said. “If Mason killed Riva, who hit me and shoved Dawn? I know beyond a doubt that it wasn’t him.”

Rod shrugged. “Mason spent years in prison. One of his cell mates or friends could have done the job for him.”

“Are you kidding me?” Nicole’s voice rose. “Maybe I gave you too much credit for intelligence, Detective Kelter.”

“Enough, Nicole.” Mason met her fiery gaze. “He has a job to do.”

“He’s doing a lousy job.”

He couldn’t argue with that, but she wouldn’t do herself or Mason any favors if she continued to antagonize Rod.

“Same restriction applies to you, Nicole,” Ethan said, voice soft. “Don’t leave town.”

Her mouth gaped. “I’m a suspect, too?”

“You’re in love with the man at the top of the suspect list. You want to help him? Think about what happened. Any clue you pass along will help us find the real killer sooner.”

Mason froze. “You don’t believe I killed Riva?”

“In the past two years, you haven’t stepped out of line once. In fact, you go out of your way to be an outstanding citizen. You didn’t kill Riva. Now, we need to find the evidence to nab the man who did.”

Some of the knots in his stomach untied themselves. Thank God. Mason shifted his attention to the detective. “What about you? Do you think I’m guilty?”

The corners of his lips lifted. “My job is to investigate every possibility.”

“What does that mean?” Nicole said.

“I have to follow leads no matter if I believe a suspect is guilty or not.”

A tap sounded on the door and Trent poked his head inside. “Food’s here.”

Nicole groaned, clutching her stomach. “Don’t say that word.”

Ethan glanced at Rod and inclined his head toward the door. “We’ll let you rest. Be vigilant, Nicole. The killer is still out there, and I don’t want you and your friend to be collateral damage.”

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