Page 287 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

She turned her head away. If she gave him names, she’d turn them into suspects in Wade’s eyes. If she didn’t name anyone, she could be protecting a killer.

Wade leaned forward awaiting her response.

“I don’t want to unfairly accuse someone of something they probably didn’t do.”

“You’re not accusing anyone of anything. You’re simply giving me people I can check out and eliminate as suspects.”

“Fine.” She exhaled. “There is one person at work who makes me uncomfortable. Jerry from maintenance. There isn’t anyone else I get weird vibes from.”

“I’ll check him out.” He held out a hand to help her up. “Thanks for this. If you think of anyone else, let me know. Let’s go get you settled.”

Emily steppedinto the shower in Wade’s master bath so she could wash off the sweat from her morning run. The scent of his body wash greeted her. She would’ve preferred to use his spare room, but he’d insisted she take his rooms. Being in his space was pure torture.

After her shower, she threw on a pair of leggings and an oversized t-shirt and flopped down on Wade’s king-sized bed. How was she supposed to live in his space surrounded by his stuff and not give in to temptation? It didn’t seem possible. She wanted to throw caution to the wind and agree to another date, but Wade wasn’t looking for a casual relationship. He wanted a wife and children. She’d made the decision years earlier notto give up her career for a man. She yearned for a husband and kids, but the cost was too great. He’d expect her to stay home. They hadn’t discussed it. You didn’t bring up the subject of marriage and babies on your single date following an eleven-year hiatus.

Her traitorous heart wanted Wade despite all the warning bells going off in her brain.

Ruger let out a single bark.“What’s wrong, buddy?” Emily asked as she stroked his fur.

“He’s letting you know someone’s coming up the walk.”

“Most dogs I know would bark incessantly if someone was there.”

“He’s better trained than most,” he patted the German shepherd on the head as he went to answer the door. He opened it before his friend had a chance to knock. “Hey, Gavin. I thought you’d send one of your minions. I didn’t expect you to show up yourself.”

“I like to keep you guessing.” He grinned and slapped Wade’s shoulder. Wade turned around and assured the dog the visitor was a friend.

Gavin eyed the animal cautiously before he recognized him. “No way. How did you get Ruger?”

“He was retiring.”

“Wow.” He squatted down and called the dog to him. “It’s been a long time.” He spent several minutes rolling around on the floor with the German shepherd before rising to greet the humans.

“Sorry. It’s been so long since I’ve seen that dog.” He grinned and pulled a flash drive from his pocket. “I brought the video feed from Emily’s security system.”

“Have you viewed it yet?”

“One of my guys did. Said we got a clear image of his face and gave me the timestamp, so we’d know where to look. Shall we?”

“My laptop is on the desk in my office.” Wade led the way and Emily trailed behind them. Her stomach was in knots. Soon she would see the face of her tormentor.

Emily stood back as Gavin inserted the flash drive and brought up a clear image of the man who’d left the stuffed bear. He looked younger than she’d expected.

“It’s not our man. He must’ve paid this guy to make the delivery.” Wade started pacing.

“What makes you think that?” Gavin asked.

“That kid can’t be more than eighteen. Unless he started killing and finding sophisticated methods of disposing of the bodies when he was a mere twelve years old, he’s not our guy.”

“Isn’t that a good thing? I can go home.” She raised one eyebrow. “You said you have a suspect in custody and all of your evidence pointed to him. That should mean I’m safe.”

Gavin leaned back in his chair. “She’s not wrong.”

“That’s all well and good, but I don’t feel comfortable with you going home yet. Will you give me a few more days to be sure we don’t have the wrong guy in custody?”

She blew out a frustrated breath. “Fine.” She tugged at her ponytail holder. Being around Wade was weakening her defenses. Going home was the only way she could regain her sanity.

After a dinner of takeout pizza,Emily sat beside Wade in the Adirondack chairs by the firepit. Her gaze took in the dark shimmering water of the lake as she listened to the sounds of frogs and crickets. It was an enchanting night made more so by the company.

---