Page 36 of Shrouded Past

And she’d wanted him to kiss her as well. Piper pulled in an unsteady breath as Bryce rose.

“I’m going to call JT and let him know what we’ve remembered. Then I’m going to reach out to the woman who runs the shelter in Basin. Maybe she remembers more about the woman.” He paused for a moment. “Do you mind if I take your picture? I could send it to her and see if she recognizes you as the woman who was at the shelter.”

Things were happening quickly. This was what she’d wanted for so long, yet now that it was happening she was terrified of what she’d find.

Piper gave her consent, and he snapped her picture.

While he was saving the photo, his phone rang.

“It’s JT.”

Immediately, Piper was on edge. Had they discovered something?

Bryce answered the call and put it on speaker. “I was just getting ready to call you. I’m on speaker with Piper. Has something happened?”

“I’m not sure.” The strain in JT’s tone had Piper forgetting everything else.

“You remember I told you that Liz’s neighbor rented the house out to the same man each year?”

Bryce’s eyes locked on Piper. “Yes. What about it?”

“Turns out, he never met the man before. There was something about how the perp found you so quickly that bugged me so I checked into it further. The renter’s name is James Holden. I did a little digging. Holden lives in California. He comes to Hope Island several times a year, supposedly on business. Only there’s no record of employment. I had his address checked out, and it’s an abandoned building. His mail is delivered to a post office box. It’s like he’s a ghost.”

“You think he’s the kidnapper?” Piper exclaimed. He’d been staying right next to them while they were at Liz’s home. The thought was chilling.

“I believe so. I’m still checking, but what I’m most curious about is why he’s been coming to Hope Island for years. What’s he up to?”

“The tie to the infant who died all those years ago with Piper’s name can’t be a coincidence,” Bryce concluded. “Perhaps, the people who hired Holden are the ones who want her dead. It could be that they live near the area and he comes to update them on the case.”

“Possibly.” Still there was a touch of doubt in JT’s voice. “I spoke to Will earlier. It looks like it may be a bust on Edmon’s home. He didn’t keep any records at all. There were no photos around the house to give any hint at any family still living. This case just keeps getting stranger.” He blew out a breath. “You said you were getting ready to call. Is anything wrong?”

Bryce explained what he’d remembered. “I’m going to call Stella Issac and see if she can fill in some of the pieces,” he said once he’d finished.

JT blew out a long whistle. “That’s some coincidence if they’re connected. Still, what are the chances that you and Piper would somehow be connected and that your wife’s death would be due to this case?”

Bryce smiled. “Yeah, it seems hard to believe, but the whole not remembering her past thing is curious.”

“Agreed. If you need me to get Will involved in obtaining information, let me know.”

“I will, but I don’t think it will be necessary. Stella and Jenna were close. I believe she’ll want to help.”

“Good to know. Let me know what you find out.”

Bryce promised he would and disconnected. “Are you ready to find out what Stella knows?”

As much as she feared her past, Piper had to know. After a moment, she finally nodded. “I’m ready.” She held Bella closer and stroked her, finding comfort in the sweet purring coming from the kitten.

Bryce came over and sat beside her as he placed the call and made sure it was on speaker.

“Bryce? Is that you?” A woman’s voice filled with surprise.

“It’s me,” Bryce said quietly.

“How are you? I heard you moved away.”

Piper leaned her head back against the cushion and looked Bryce’s way.

“I did. It was hard being there without Jenna. I needed someplace to start over.”

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