Page 97 of Pepper, the Biker & the Vanishing Body

Stone nodded. “And maybe Jones got too greedy and wanted a bigger cut, so Swatcher killed him.”

Ian offered another possibility. “Or maybe Anderson and Swatcher were working together all along, and Anderson turned on him to save himself.”

I glanced at Stone. “Tell me about the vanishing guy?”

Stone hesitated.

And I knew then—whatever he was about to say, it was big.

“You’ve seen for yourself how talented my daughter is when it comes to solving a mystery, even one with a web of players,” my dad said, his tone carrying a clear challenge. “Why not see what she can offer you? Unless, of course, you feel threatened by her skill.”

Stone stood and crossed the room, glancing out the window for a moment before turning his attention to a large rubber tree plant nearby. “I wish they’d add plants in the FBI offices. Sterile spaces lack calm.” Then he looked at me. “Funny that you keep calling him the ‘vanishing guy’ since his name is actually Guy, Guy Braven. Not that you’d expect it from looking at him in a hoodie and biker boots, but he’s a high-end thief—one we caught by accident.”

He folded his arms across his chest and continued. “The way he operated reminded us of another master thief from years ago—one we never caught—known as The Shadow. We suspected Guy was working with him, handling the jobs the aging thief couldn’t pull off anymore. He confirmed it. So, we made a deal. He’d help us take down The Shadow, and in return, we’d work something out for him.”

“And then he slipped away from you,” I said. “No wonder he’s so talented.”

Stone sighed. “Disguises himself just like The Shadow did. We never even came close to catching him.”

I tilted my head. “Then why did you tell Sadler in the hospital stairwell that you wanted him gone?”

“I was worried that either The Shadow or one of Guy’s contacts was in Willow Lake. If they got wind of him being here, they’d either get to him first—or eliminate the problem. What I didn’t expect was to run into an even bigger problem.”

Stone flashed me a knowing smile.

“Excuse me, but I figured out the players in this game, corralled two suspects, and found the secret passageway.”

Stone smirked. “And yet… you still haven’t found the Willow treasure.”

Ian, ever my biggest fan, responded before I could. “She will soon enough.” There was pure confidence in his voice, and I couldn’t help but smile.

Stone chuckled. “No doubt, Sp?—”

Spicy almost fell from his tongue but he caught my dad’s warning look.

He quickly corrected himself. “Tell me, Pepper, who do you think murdered Jones?”

I shook my head. “I don’t know.”

Stone stepped forward. “You must have an idea. It’s one of either two men.”

“That’s just it,” I admitted. “It makes no sense. Both Anderson and Swatcher are professors—academic types, not exactly known for their fighting skills.”

“I can attest to that,” Ian muttered.

“And why would either of them want Jones dead?” I asked, thinking out loud.

Stone went for the obvious. “He wanted a bigger cut.”

I frowned. “But don’t you think either of them would’ve just given it to him?”

“Maybe he kept demanding more and more,” my dad suggested.

Stone exhaled, frustrated. “It’s time I found out.” He turned to me. “You have an eye for details, Pepper. I need you and Ian to write statements—everything you recall. Give them to your dad so they can be added to the case file.” He straightened. “That’s all I need from you for now. You’re free to go, but I might call on you again before we wrap this up.”

“We’ll be here,” Ian said, reaching over from his chair to take my hand. A very clear territorial move.

Stone smirked. “Noted.”

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