Page 105 of Deadly Revenge

Max turned around, and his heart kicked into overdrive. Jenna had braided her hair in one long braid, and she was dressed, down to her gun. “Same to you. Were you able to sleep at all?”

She nodded and handed him an insulated mug before she claimed the chair beside him. “Good coffee.”

“Thanks. I doubt it’s as strong as the stuff that passes for coffee at the sheriff’s office.”

“It’ll do.”

Polite conversation.

She looked toward the mountains. “I walked around the house looking for shoe prints.”

Her tone was defensive.

“Find anything?” He’d looked before he made coffee.

She shook her head, and neither of them spoke for a minute.

“The man was real last night,” Jenna said, her voice firm.

“I didn’t say he wasn’t.”

“You might as well have—you’re thinking it.”

“Jenna—”

“What’s the plan for today, assuming you still want me to work with you?”

“Of course I do.” Max took a sip of the coffee to let the air settle between them.

“We have a nine o’clock appointment with Mr. Weaver.”

“I know.”

They rehashed the security for the Founders Day picnic, and what they planned to ask Weaver.

Jenna finished her coffee and stood. “I put cereal out and there’smilk in the refrigerator. I’ve already eaten and will be in my office looking through the newspaper archives.”

“Okay. I’ll let you know when I’m ready to leave.” He hated polite conversation.

What little they said on the way to town could be put in a thimble. When they arrived at Weaver’s office, he was waiting for them.

“Glad you’re on time. I have to get out to the Armstrong place ASAP.”

Jenna’s eyes widened. “Why?”

“Evidently the people renting it moved out.”

“What?” Max’s heart dropped. “When?”

“Overnight. Bryan Bishop phoned me just before you got here. He saw a van pull out of the drive early this morning. He was curious and walked to the edge of his property to see what was going on. All the cars that had been parked there were gone, and the back door stood wide open.”

“He didn’t go in, did he?”

“Just the kitchen. Said it was plain they’d moved out. I have to get over there and see if they took any of the furniture.”

It was almost like the men knew they were coming. He glanced at Jenna. The look on her face said she was thinking the same thing. “Mind if we go with you?”

“I don’t see why not.” Weaver grabbed several files. “We can talk about the other rentals while we’re there.”

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