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“We found it,” said Jill. “It was hidden in a pot outside on the patio. We need to get this back to your team so that they can figure out what is on this.”

“Our team,” smirked CJ. “Remember, you’re a part of our team now.”

“Right,” she smiled. “I’ll remember that from now on.”

Dan nodded at the group, kicking off his boots in Georgie’s room, raising his feet on the ottoman. He closed his eyes as he spoke to the team.

“Everyone get some rest. Autumn and Chipper will be here early to get us. We’ve got some work to do.”

“Is it damaged at all from the weather or cold?” asked Jill, staring over their shoulders.

“Nope. These beauties are made to withstand temperatures in excess of a hundred and twenty degrees Fahrenheit, water temperatures minus freezing, air temperatures at minus forty degrees Fahrenheit, and water depth of up to a mile.”

“That’s insane!” said Jill. The men chuckled, nodding their heads as Ryan and Sophia Ann smiled at her.

“Thank you,” they said in unison.

“We worked on this together,” said Ryan. “Sophia Ann is brilliant and was able to make the materials work in extreme weather conditions. Tim did the right thing, though, placing it in a plastic bag. It helped it to stay in good condition.”

“I’m just not sure what could be so important on there. Obviously, Adam caught something that he wasn’t supposed to. But why did Tim hide it? Why didn’t he show it to everyone unless it made him look guilty.”

“Maybe it did, babe,” said CJ. “You need to be prepared for that.”

“I know,” she nodded. “I mean, I am prepared for that.”

“I’m in,” said AJ, turning to look at everyone with a smile. Luke, Cam, Hex, and Eric folded their arms across their chests and growled. “Forgive them, Jill. They fail to understand how difficult this shit is.”

“We understand, but when you say, ‘I’m in,’ it should be followed with, here’s what I have,” said Luke.

“You’re not fun anymore,” said AJ. “Fine. Here’s what we have.” He connected the camera to the laptop which projected everything to the large screen.

“Okay, we see good formation to start,” said Hex. “They’re leading the contingent out. Tim is pointing to the road.”

“He is, and Adam is nodding, walking to check out something. Looking both ways, up and around, good formation,” said Cam. “He turns and starts to speak to Tim. Stop. Back it up, slowly.”

AJ backed the video up and reduced the speed over and over again until Cam caught a glimpse of what he’d seen the first time. As Adam turned back to speak with Tim, his camera caught someone moving toward him to his left. They’d been behind the concrete lions.

“That’s her,” whispered Jill. “I mean, it’s one of them. I can’t tell which one from that angle. She killed Adam.”

“Yes, she did,” nodded Eric. “But if Tim knew that and had the evidence, why was he hiding it.”

“He didn’t know it,” said AJ. Eric stared at the man, frowning. “No one tampered with the camera. He didn’t know it, but he must have suspected it. Why else would he have hidden this unless he knew that it captured her image and didn’t want anyone to see that.”

“Review each frame, AJ. Every damn frame, and capture as many facial images as you can. Something was going on there, and Adam and Tim knew it. We just need to know whose side they were on,” said Luke.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

“I had them put your things in my cottage,” said CJ as they walked down the path. Jill smiled, nodding at him.

“I’m glad. I didn’t want to have to beg.”

“You will never have to beg me for anything, Jill,” said CJ, turning her in his arms. He kissed her, passionately running his hands up her back.

“You can stop right there, Christian Joseph Abbott,” said Claudette. Jill giggled at the sound of the woman’s voice. “When is the wedding?”

“Aunt Claudette, we haven’t talked about a date,” said CJ.

“When is convenient for you, Miss Claudette?” smiled Jill. She squeezed CJ’s hand, smiling up at him, and he laughed.

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