Page 41 of Among the Innocent

“Copy that.” Outside the mission, Dalton started the SUV and pulled out into the light late-afternoon traffic. He made the turn and stopped at the first tourist shop.

Several people milled around, browsing for souvenirs to take home.

Leah recognized the woman behind the counter. She’d gone to high school with Gina Cardone.

Gina spotted her and came over. She hugged Leah tight. “I can’t believe it’s you. How are you? Gosh, it’s been years.”

Leah froze at the unexpected contact, then forced herself to relax. “It has. I’m good.” She pulled away and wondered if there would ever be a time when she didn’t have this reaction.

Gina scanned Leah’s uniform. “I heard you were a police officer.”

Leah still remembered how hard starting school had been after her family’s deaths. The looks she’d received from other students. The rumors about the murders were rampant.

In the Amish community, a child’s education ended with the eighth grade. She’d struggled to catch up. Gina had been kind, and they’d promised to stay close. Gina was someone else she’d disappointed.

“We’re actually here on police business.” She introduced Dalton. “Did you notice a man come in here earlier who may have been trying to appear older?” Leah gave her a description.

“No, I’m sorry. The folks you see here now are the only ones who have been in the store. Why? What’s this man done?”

“He’s wanted for questioning. If you see anyone resembling him, give me a call.” Leah handed her a card with her numbers.

“Of course. It’s good to see you again, Leah. We should get together for lunch sometime.”

Leah forced a smile. “I’d like that.” And she would. She was tired of living every second of her life stunted by that July night.

She and Dalton stepped from the shop.

“He could be anywhere.” Leah sighed and studied the faces of those passing by. John was good at blending in.

Dalton reached out and squeezed her shoulder. “His behavior is becoming more reckless.” He glanced up at the streetlights. “Do those surveillance cameras work? They might have caught something.”

“They do. It’s worth a try.” They started back to the SUV.

Dalton glanced at his watch. “Henry should be coming on duty soon. I’ll have him get the camera feed.”

Inside the SUV, Leah looked over at Dalton. Thoughts of the case and the noises of the street disappeared, and suddenly it was just her and Dalton. Leah dragged in a breath and faced forward. It was just the case. It had to be the case, because she couldn’t accept that she might be coming back to life.

Nine

Dalton hadn’t felt this way about a woman since Allison, and that worried him. He was losing pieces of their life together. She deserved better. Allison was the love of his life, and she’d sacrificed so much for his quest for answers.

He stopped by the break room for coffee and a chance to clear his head. He needed sleep and a shower, and not necessarily in that order. The burnt taste of the coffee worked its way to his stomach, where it churned up acid. Dalton ran a hand across his bleary eyes and prepared for another grueling task force meeting without answers. The necklace left at Colette’s hadn’t provided any answers. There had been no records around the area of any like it being sold. John was smart—he’d probably purchased it elsewhere. Still, Dalton had to believe he’d eventually make a mistake. At least he sure hoped so.

Dalton called his former commander because he needed to hear Mark’s gruff, no-nonsense way of putting things to make him feel better.

“’Bout time you called.”

Dalton smiled. “Sorry, brother. Things have been crazy here.” He told Mark everything that had happened.

Mark blew out a long breath. “I sure wasn’t expecting this. What can I do to help?”

As a strong Christian, Mark had been an example of the type of man Dalton wanted to be. “Pray. This thing is quickly going ballistic, and we need answers. Ask God to give them to us.”

“You got it, my friend. Call me anytime if you want to talk or run something by me. Whatever you need. I’m here for you.”

“I know.” And he did. “We’ll talk soon.” Dalton ended the call and swallowed the last of his coffee.

No point in putting off the inevitable. Dalton stepped into the conference room, where members of the different agencies had gathered. A sense of gratitude washed over him. Everyone was trying hard to solve this case. Most knew Beth and her family. It had become personal for them.

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