Page 48 of Fatal Witness

Coffee sounded like heaven to Dani. “I would if there’s enough.”

He held up three packets. “And creamer.”

“Great.” Dani needed a little boost—she couldn’t remember when she’d been so drained. She took the steaming cup of coffee Mark handed her as Alex sat in the chair across from her.

“I haven’t had a chance to tell you how sorry I am about your uncle.”

“Thanks. It doesn’t seem real.” Part of her believed if she dialed his number, Keith would answer.

“Did he know you were in Pearl Springs?”

“I never told him, but I’m sure he did.” She took out her phone and handed it to Alex. “He gave me that a month ago. I’m pretty sure you’ll find a family locater app on it.”

“You don’t know?”

“I hardly even turn the thing on. I was perfectly happy with my flip phone.”

“Are you kidding me?” Mark said. “Everyone has a smartphone.”

“Not everyone,” she shot back.

“Give me your phone so I can locate and disable the app,” Alex said.

“If you find one, I don’t mind you disabling it, but why? No one has my new number. Except Keith...” She pressed her lips together. “And probably whoever killed him.”

Alex scrolled through her phone and deleted the app, then she handed it back to Dani. “I don’t know that anyone is tracking you, but now we won’t have to worry about it. And if you don’t mind, give me Sheriff Crider’s number. I’d like to talk to him once we get you moved.”

“Moved? Why do I have to move and where?”

“This is the only hotel in town, so if someone was looking for you, this is the first place they would look. And after last night, and now after your uncle was murdered, I don’t want to take any chances. Being able to limit the people who have access to you will help me keep you safe. I’ve already called my grandparents, and they’re excited about you coming.”

Dani didn’t know what to say. This felt a whole lot like her uncle’s protectiveness. “I have a dog. I can’t impose on them.”

“I promise, it won’t be an imposition. And it’ll make my job easier.”

“They don’t mind that Lizi is coming too?”

“They both love dogs, but they don’t have one now because they don’t have the energy to train a puppy. They’ll enjoy Lizi.”

Dani had to admit she wasn’t looking forward to being alone. And since they didn’t mind that Lizi was part of the deal, it knocked out her last reservation. “Okay, then. Do I have time to book my flight now?”

Alex hesitated, then nodded. “The later it gets, the harder it’ll be to find a flight, especially for two.”

Dani booted up her computer and searched for flights. “Foundone from Chattanooga to Billings that leaves at 6:00 a.m.” She looked up at Mark. “Is that too early for you?”

“That’s fine. Let me give you my credit card.”

“No. If you’re willing to go to protect me, paying your airfare is the least I can do.” She got his information and quickly claimed the seats, then she shut her computer down. “I’ll check my email once we get to your grandparents’ house.”

Alex stood. “Good. I’ll call Nathan and have him meet us there.”

“Nathan?”

“I’m sorry. Nathan Landry is the Pearl Springs chief of police.”

“And her fiancé,” Mark added with a chuckle. “Not that Dani won’t be able to tell it once she sees you two together.”

The chief deputy shot him a frown. “Excuse me?”

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