Page 26 of Deadly Past

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“Who’s there?” Declan called out. He wasn’t about to open the door not knowing who was on the other side.

“It’s Cathy and Amos.” The trill of the female voice reached him. “We thought we’d stop by for a visit.”

Declan glanced back at Wynona who was watching him from the kitchen. “Stay where you are,” he mouthed, and she nodded. He opened the door to a smiling Cathy standing beside Amos who didn’t look well at all. “Amos, are you okay?”

Amos glanced over at his daughter who put her arm around him. “My father is fine. He suffered from a mild stroke a few weeks back, so he doesn’t talk much. Do you mind if we come in? It’s awfully cold out. I knew you were concerned about Dad, and when I told him about your willingness to help, he wanted to come over and thank you.”

The man standing before Declan was a shell of the vibrant man he knew. “No, of course not. Please come in.” Declan stepped back.

Cathy helped the elderly man inside and over to the sofa. She noticed Wynona. “I didn’t realize you had company.”

Wynona came into the room. “Wynona Harper.” She shook Cathy’s hand. “I’m a friend of Declan’s.” Wynona offered her hand to Amos, but the older man stared up at her uncomprehending.

Declan pulled up two rockers, and he and Wynona sat. He’d tucked his handgun behind his back. No need to alarm these two unnecessarily. Declan couldn’t get over the change in Amos from the last time he’d seen his friend several months back. “Amos, I’m sorry to hear about your stroke. Is there anything you need done around your place?”

Amos stared at him with huge, troubled eyes.

Cathy hugged her father close. “Thank you, but we’re only here for a few days. Dad wanted to collect some of his things to bring to my place.”

Declan hated seeing his friend in such bad shape. He wished he’d known about Amos’s health.

Simone made an appearance and went straight for Amos. She rubbed his leg before jumping into his lap like old times. . .only this wasn’t anything like those good talks he and Amos had shared in Simone’s company. Amos simply stared at the cat. Eventually, Declan picked up Simone and set her on the floor.

“As I said, Dad just wanted to stop by and tell you how much he appreciated you trying to help out last night.” Cathy glanced around the cabin. “This is nice. Homey. Do you stay here full time?”

Declan was taken aback by the question. “No, I have a place on Hope Island. I come here to fish and to get away.”

Cathy smiled. “Oh, I see. Well, we really should be going. Dad wanted to walk here. He loves this island so much.” She rose and helped her father to his feet.

“It was good to see you again, Amos. I’ll stop by before you leave.”

Amos’s eyes found his. There was something concerning in them. Almost a cry for help. Declan couldn’t imagine how hard it must be for the older man who had always been so active to be unable to take care of himself.

“Come on, Dad.” Cathy guided her father out the door. “Thanks again,” she said with a wave before the two started down the path between the houses.

Declan closed the door. “That was strange.”

Wynona frowned. “Cathy seemed to indicate the stroke had affected his speech. I’m really surprised it didn’t disrupt his motor skills as well.”

Declan was too. “I’m going to check in with JT. Hopefully something has broken on the case.” He was grateful the call went through without a hitch.

“Did the storm do much damage there?” JT asked.

“To tell you the truth, I don’t know. I haven’t been out yet.” Declan told him about the scare they’d had the evening before and the strange call from Cathy. “She and Amos were just here. The old guy had a stroke recently.”

“Really?” JT seemed surprised as well. He’d met Amos on a couple of different occasions, and the old guy had worked them into the ground. “I’m sending you Cathy’s driver’s license photo.” A few seconds later, the phone beeped in a text.

Declan brought it up and frowned before showing it to Wynona. “I guess this could be the same woman.”

Wynona studied the photo. “Yes, it could be. This was taken a few years back. Her hair and eye color are the same.” She shrugged.

“I’ll do some more digging to make sure her story about Amos’s stroke checks out, but what would be her end game?”

“Beats me. Is there anything new on Lacey’s case?” Staying in hiding on the island bought them time, but they couldn’t remain here forever, and the person who was coming after Wynona was still out there.

“There’s been no sign of the man or the car. He didn’t cross to the mainland, and he hasn’t made an appearance at your house—I’ve had Eli stationed there. It’s like he’s disappeared completely.”

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