Page 66 of Caught in the Crossfire

“Is there something you aren’t telling me?”

Mason shoved back from the computer console. He crossed to Nicole’s side and kissed her. “Good morning, beautiful. You know everything I know. I called Zane at Fortress to request assistance in locating the rest of the Fitzgerald family. They have the most reason to cause me harm. Since we aren’t sure whether the poisoning is connected to Riva’s death, I figured we’d be wise to eliminate the rest of the Fitzgeralds from the suspect pool if we can.”

Nicole leaned against him, arms wrapped around his waist. “What suspect pool? Right now, we don’t have any suspects aside from Todd Fitzgerald. Even with a broken arm, he could have dumped ketamine in your drink.”

True. He tightened his hold. “I hope he’s not responsible. His family has suffered enough because of me.”

“You didn’t do anything to incite him. In fact, you’ve gone out of your way to avoid him and his family by staying away from Liberty, and I know you want to go home to see your father.”

“He’s been here several times as has Rio’s family.”

“At some point in the near future, that won’t be enough. Your father is growing older. One day he won’t be able to travel to see you. I want you to have the freedom to go home, Mason. Your father will need you.”

He rested his forehead against hers. “Dad and I discussed this. When the time comes, he’ll move to Otter Creek. In fact, he’s talking about moving in the next couple of years.”

Her eyes widened. “He doesn’t mind leaving the town he’s lived in all his life?”

“After the way the townspeople turned against us, he feels no loyalty to Liberty. His best friend has incurable second-stage cancer, though. When Roy passes away, Dad will sell the house. He’s already doing repairs and considering remodeling the kitchen and bathrooms.”

“When did you talk about this?”

“The night before Riva died. I planned to tell you, but you ended up in the hospital and I forgot about it.”

She peeked at her watch and grimaced. “I need to leave for work soon. Is Dawn awake?”

“For a couple of hours. She had coffee with Linc before he left.” He leaned down, nuzzled the side of her neck, and murmured, “I don’t think we need to give those two a nudge to get together. They seem to be making fast progress all on their own.”

“Are you sure?”

“You’ll have to see them for yourself, but I’d say Linc and Dawn are well on their way to becoming a couple.”

“Yes! Perfect news to start off another day with you.”

Mason released her. “Get your gear together. We’ll leave in fifteen minutes.”

After driving Nicole and Dawn to Pet Palace, he headed for the Oakdale construction site. He and Dean were assigned to work on Building 9.

“Here.” Brian handed over the itemized list. “First thing I want you to do is change out the locks like you did on Building 8. Everything else comes after that job’s done.” His expression was apologetic. “I need the list completed today, Mason. The inspector is coming tomorrow to check this building.”

He eyed the two-page list and mentally calculated the amount of time each task would take. Unless things went quicker than he anticipated, Mason and Dean would be working until well after dark. The hunt for Riva’s killer would have to wait. “Yes, sir.”

“I’ll get started on the list,” Dean said. “When you return, we’ll change the locks, then knock out the rest of the work.”

On the way back from the hardware supplier, Mason’s cell phone rang. He checked the screen readout on his dashboard and answered the call. “What do you have for me, Zane?”

“All the members of the Fitzgerald family are in Liberty except for Todd and one other. I traced the other man’s credit card activity. He’s in Otter Creek, Mase.”

Ice water ran through his veins. “Who is it?”

“Gage Fitzgerald.”

Oh, man. What was the husband of the woman he killed in the accident doing in town?

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Mason’s hands tightened around the steering wheel. Did Gage come to cause him trouble? What was the point? Making him miserable wouldn’t bring his wife and daughter back. If Gage intended to cause trouble, Mason preferred to face it head on rather than be blindsided. “Where’s he staying?”

“The Otter Creek Bed and Breakfast.”

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