Page 49 of Murder at Rescue Ridge

What was she leaving out? That she feared security would fail again, and one of her stepfather’s workers would break in?

He drew a quick, short breath. “Yes.” The word had never felt so right. Under different circumstances, it would’ve meant something different—something he wanted more than he wanted air. Making love to Nikki would change the game for the rest of his life.

No doubt about it.

Blinds open,the sun spilled into the south-facing bedroom that had been Conrad’s while growing up. Since Beaumont hadn’t believed in wasting money on children, the room had been set up for an adult while Conrad still slept in a crib. The crib had been relegated to the attic a long time ago.

The king-sized bed was large enough for Nikki and Conrad to sleep together. However, sleep was the last thing on Conrad’s mind. Feeling the warmth of Nikki’s body as she’d scooted next to him and, in her sleep, entwined her limbs with his, had been one helluva distraction. The other thing that had kept him awake was the promise of regaining some of his freedom this morning. He’d spent hours processing all the new information.

Conrad untangled himself one limb at a timeand then slipped out of the covers, not wanting to disturb Nikki’s restful sleep.

He closed the blinds so sunlight wouldn’t bother her and then moved into the adjacent bathroom. A few minutes later, he emerged dressed and ready to face the day.

After tiptoeing down the hall, he hit the back staircase, heading toward the kitchen for breakfast and coffee. Dry toast did the trick while his coffee brewed. He poured a cup as the doorbell rang.

Sandy stood on the porch. He scanned her face for signs of good news but came up empty.

“Come on in, Deputy,” he said, leading her toward the kitchen. “Can I get you a cup of coffee?”

“No, thanks,” she responded. “I had one on the way over.”

“What’s the word?” he asked, leaning against the kitchen counter.

“I’m pleased to tell you the judge accepted my request to remove the ankle monitor,” she said.

Relief washed over him. “That is good news.”

He took a seat almost immediately and propped his ankle up on a chair for easier access. A couple of minutes later, he was free of the device.

Rubbing his ankle, he thanked her.

“I’m just doing my job,” she said.

“About that.” He stood up. “Beau is sleeping in the guest suite behind Beaumont’s old office. I’ll grab him so you can do what you need to.”

“Much appreciated,” Sandy said.

She wasn’t much of a talker, which he appreciated. Finally, suspicion was being cast on someone besides him. He was relieved because he hadn’t killed Harrison. It was looking a whole lot more like plenty of folks had reason to get rid of the lawyer.

Conrad excused himself and walked down the hall, stepping a little lighter than he had a few minutes ago. The device itself wasn’t especially heavy. Wearing it had been a constant reminder of the possibility of losing his freedom.

Ideas circulated as he made his way to the guest suite. Lukas Wayne came to mind. He was involved in questionable deals. One of which involved Beau. Conrad didn’t want to believe Beau was capable of setting him up for murder. Still, the idea had to be fleshed out to see if it held any merit. Conrad’s hand gripped the door handle leading to the guest suite.

If there was, Beau was a lying sack of…

The bed looked like no one had slept in it last night. Was Beau up and already in the bathroom?

Conrad stepped into the room. The ensuite door was wide open. No noise came from the adjacent room.

A piece of paper was folded on the pillow. Conrad closed the distance in a few strides. He picked up the note and opened it.

I can take a hint. No one wants me here. I’m sick of being an outcast.

By the way, I didn’t do it.

-Beau

Dammit.Beau was gone.

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