Page 107 of Crosshairs

“Add to that a diary she’d found previously that had definitely gone missing,” Linc said. He explained how Miss Cora had found her ancestor’s diary that was the basis for a book she was writing to clear her great-grandfather’s name.

“I still don’t understand,” Nate said. “Why would something over 150 years ago be important enough to risk getting shot and jail time?”

“To the right person, a diary from this era could be extremely valuable,” Linc said.

Nate shook his head. “I thought about it all the way here—I think McClain was after you tonight, Ainsley. And I don’t think it was his first attempt.”

“I don’t even know the man. What could his motive be?”

“That’s what we’ll have to find out.”

55

Adog barked a street over as Maddox surveyed the Chamberlain house from the spot he’d picked out yesterday in Mrs. Johnson’s yard. Cop cars lined the driveway.

Ainsley Beaumont had at least nine lives, and she’d about used up all of them.

Three hours ago, he’d seen the man who’d been sticking to Beaumont like a tick drive away and then return to the house on foot. Then there’d been nothing until he’d watched a man sneak from the wooded area behind the property and enter the house through the basement.

Maddox had thought maybe he wouldn’t have to risk his neck after all. His money was running out—he’d already pawned his tent. It no longer mattered how Ainsley Beaumont died, just that she did. His heart had about stopped when he heard the gunfire, and then sirens. Unfortunately, it’d been Beaumont who came to the door and let the paramedics in.

Looked like the intruder had drawn the short straw, and once again, she’d cheated death. But not for much longer. With this break-in, it made sense that everyone, including Beaumont, would think the intruder was the one who had been trying to kill her. She would drop her guard. Maybe get rid of the sidekick. Maddox didn’t relish tangling with someone who had biceps like the guy hanging around her.

Without thinking, he lit the last joint he’d bought from the guy back at Rocky Springs. It hadn’t been hard to score a couple of dime bags—he’d smelled marijuana at the campsite and at first thought it was the kids in the tents next to him. And it had been, but he quickly realized they weren’t selling but were getting it from the guy in the camper.

He should’ve been more careful with his money, but he hadn’t thought it would take this long to get rid of Beaumont. Maddox pulled in a slow, deep draw, and held it in his chest. Tension eased away. Halfway into the second draw, he stopped. While he was too far away for anyone to smell the scent, in the dark the red glow could give him away if anyone looked toward the Johnson property. Maddox took one last puff, licked his finger and thumb, and squeezed the tip. He’d finish it later.

He needed to get out of here anyway. With all the cops milling around inside the house, he couldn’t get to Beaumont. Maybe he ought to just pack it in and find a place to spend the night. Except he didn’t have the money even for a cheap motel room. Maybe he’d go back to Rocky Springs. No one would notice if he slept in his car.

Suddenly the Chamberlain front door opened, and Ainsley Beaumont hurried down the porch steps. A perfect opportunity.

With the suppressor on his rifle, no one would hear the shot, giving him plenty of time to get away. He raised the rifle, his finger on the trigger, and lined her up in the crosshairs of his scope.

Raised voices drew his attention away from Beaumont, and he lowered the rifle. He hadn’t seen the cop. Or the woman getting out of her car. That nosy reporter. He folded the rifle and slipped it in his backpack. There would be a better time.

56

Gran and Cora would be appalled when they learned the manager of the coffee shop they frequented dealt in drugs. “Did McClain ever sell direct to anyone?” Ainsley asked. Her phone buzzed with another text. Gran.

“I never could catch him,” Pete said.

“Is there any way we can find out who’s selling to the high school kids?” Linc asked.

Both the sheriff and chief gave a negative response. “And don’t think we haven’t been trying,” the chief said. “But the kids won’t give up their source.”

“Maybe that will change with what’s happened to Hannah and Drew. And maybe when Drew wakes up, he’ll be willing to give us some names,” she said and checked her watch. “It’s almost one. Why don’t I walk across the street and calm my grandmother down? She’s blowing my phone up. I’ll let you know if she’s up to talking to you tonight.”

“I’ll get an officer to meet you and walk you across,” Pete said.

Ainsley hurried out the front door. Sarah Tolliver had her back to Ainsley and appeared to be arguing with the officer getting out of his patrol car. Probably the one who was supposed to walk her to Gran’s. With so many police cars on the street and officers milling around inside, she should be safe enough to cross the street. Ainsley ducked her head and made it across without being noticed.

A lamp glowed in Gran’s living room, but that didn’t mean she was still awake. A headache started at the base of Ainsley’s neck. She hadn’t realized how tense she was and inhaled a deep breath. Honeysuckle mingled with ... marijuana? She sniffed the air again and turned in a circle, scanning the neighborhood. Nothing here but older homeowners who wouldn’t be smoking pot.

Someone was out there. A shiver raced down her spine as her heart rate jacked up. Her gaze swept the area again. Anyone could be hiding in the shadows.

Cora’s front door opened again and Linc bounded down the porch.

“Linc!” Sarah jogged toward him.

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