Page 82 of Every Deadly Suspicion

Hanna clicked the mike in response and looked at Jared. “Chase must know we’re here. He hasn’t appeared. I’m going to go to him.”

“Then so am I.”

It was useless to try and make him stay. He had a vest on, like she did.Oh, Lord, keep us all safe.

“There’s a path.” She pointed to the right. A brick path was lit every few feet with garden lights. “I remember Grover telling us when we came for Scott’s things. Chase has his own space down that way. I’ve never been down there, but it must be easy to get to because he isn’t all that mobile.” She started that way.

“Even though it’s dark, this is a wide-open path. We walk down there, he’ll hear and see us coming.”

“We’ve lost the element of surprise. He opened the gate for me, then closed it. How long have we been here already?” She checked her watch. “Counting the drive up? Maybe thirty minutes and he hasn’t shown his face.”

“He’s lying in wait?”

“You have a better idea?”

Jared stood, hands on hips. “I don’t.”

“Then let’s go.” She started for the path, and Jared stopped her.

“One minute.” He jogged to the SUV and grabbed his backpack from the rear seat. “It’s first aid and stuff. In case.”

Hanna continued on the path, Jared at her side.

“Keep your world small.”

She took a deep breath. She had to shut out the fear rising for Nathan and Braden—and the urge to run full speed down the path to confront Chase.

CHAPTER 43

THE SOUND OF MUSIC ASSAULTEDJared’s ears as he reached Hanna and secured his backpack. He could see that she was on the edge. He was right there with her when he thought about a ten-year-old kid being at the mercy of a crazy man. A man who had already killed at least three people.

Jared needed to be clear about something before they continued. “Hanna, before we face Chase, I need to know.”

She stopped, turned, stepping off to the side of the path. He did as well.

“Know what?”

“Did Chase kill Edda?” He kept his voice low.

“I can’t tell you. Nathan was here to check into that. The guy who dumped Edda had aVote Keyes for Chiefbumper sticker on his SUV. Did you notice if any of Everett’s SUVs have the sticker? Nathan was trying to eliminate Everett.”

“Whoa, instead he stepped on a land mine.”

“If Chase went right rudder because of what happened thirty-five years ago, he’s a killer. Does it matter if he also killed Edda?”

“I just want to know.”

“I’m not sure. All I want to do is find Braden and Nathan. Are you okay?”

“I’m mad. It still hurts about her.”

Pain and understanding crossed her features. Then just as quickly, her face was a mask of resolve. “Me too; let’s keep going.”

They kept walking, staying to the side of the path. The music got louder. It was hard rock from the seventies and eighties. They were moving toward the source. The closer they got, the louder the blaring music became. They rounded the corner to a wide-open doorway. Lights blazed, the music now deafening. Chase was nowhere to be seen.

“Stay behind me,” Hanna spoke directly into his ear, and he barely heard.

She brought her gun up, and Jared did what she asked. But he was ready to push her out of harm’s way.

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