Page 96 of Security Breach

“Why would I hold out?”

She stared at Jon a moment before turning her attention to David. “You’re next. Sit.” Blair stabbed her finger in the direction of the chair beside Jon. When he complied, she said, “After I notify Agent Jordan of Wells’ death, how long do I have before the feds descend on me like a plague of locusts?”

“If he’s still in Nashville, about 90 minutes.”

Jon snorted. “Less.”

Blair flinched. “Great. Give me your side of the story before I contact him, David. Afterward, you’re free to go. Don’t leave town until this mess is either cleared up or off my plate.”

“No guarantees. I might need to move Emma.”

“When the feds take over, your location won’t be my problem.” Mischief gleamed in her eyes. “On second thought, go where you want. I don’t mind being a thorn in the side of the FBI.”

David and Jon chuckled, then David said, “If Wells’ death is related to the Hunt Club, Gigi could be in danger. These teams don’t leave witnesses behind.”

“She didn’t see anything.”

“Doesn’t matter. She’s a loose end.”

“Is she still on the premises?”

“Owen took her to the hospital. He’ll stay with her tonight and let you know when he needs to leave.”

“The feds might shut down her B & B while they process the scene,” Jon murmured.

“He’ll take her to the Rocking M.” In fact, the more David thought about that idea, the better he liked it. The ranch had good security, and some of the hands were former military.

“Excellent idea.” Blair picked up her pen again and flipped to a new page in her notebook. “Tell me everything from the beginning, David.”

He recounted his arrival at the B & B with Jon, their conversation with Wells, and the time they left the house. “You witnessed our departure, Blair.”

“Yeah, yeah. Neither one of you looked as though you were sporting injuries. Too dark for me to see blood on your clothes.”

David’s eyebrow rose. “We haven’t changed clothes. You want what we’re wearing?”

“You have a spare set of clothes with you?”

“Hazards of the job. I’m sure you have a Go bag in your cruiser.”

“Yeah, all right. Point taken. If you don’t mind the inconvenience, I’d appreciate it.” She smiled. “I’ll have the clothes transported to the state crime lab immediately.”

He and Jon retrieved their bags from the SUV. After changing, David gave Blair the clothes sealed and labeled in bags. “I want to see the crime scene and body now.”

She waved him on. “Go. Agent Jordan will be breathing down our necks soon.”

“We’ll leave before he arrives.” Talking to Jordan could wait.

At the library, Jon remained in the hall while David accepted protective coverings for his feet and hands, and walked inside the room he’d left hours before.

Careful to stay in the cleared path, he greeted the coroner. “What do we have, Gordon?”

The older man stood. “Blunt force trauma to the back of the head and multiple stab wounds. The ME will give an official cause of death, but I’d say the vic bled out.”

Since neither Gigi nor the guests heard anything, the killers must have knocked out Wells with the blow to the head, then finished the job with the knife. David’s jaw tightened. The scene reminded him of the Tucker crime scene photos. Was this Marty’s handiwork?

“Are you investigating?” Gordon asked.

David shook his head. “It’s Blair’s case.” At least for now. “I’ll get out of your way.” In the hall, he peeled off the gloves and shoe coverings. “Let’s go,” he murmured to Jon.

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