Page 300 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

They ordered when the waitress returned with their drinks.

Wade looked out the window instead of across the table at Emily. He couldn’t bear to look into her eyes.

“I didn’t intend to increase the tension between us,” she said.

He turned toward her and watched as she unrolled the napkin from around her silverware and placed it on her lap. “No, it’s my fault.” His work cell buzzed, so he pulled it out and glanced at it. “It’s Jamie. Give me a sec.”

“What’s up, Jamie?”

The voice on the other end of the line wasn’t Jamie. It was her husband, Ty.

“I’ll be there as quickly as I can. I need to drop Emily off at the house first.” He disconnected the call and tossed cash on the table.

“What’s going on?”

“That was Ty. Jamie wasn’t home when he arrived, but her car was in the driveway. There were signs of a struggle in the bedroom.”

“I’ll go with you. Maybe I can help.” She followed him to his truck and hopped into the passenger seat.

“Are you sure? It could take some time.”

“You don’t have time to go out of your way to take me back to your place. Besides, I want to help get Jamie home safely.”

“She’s always alert and ready for anything.”

“Those instincts will help her survive this ordeal.” Emily’s face paled. “Did this happen because he couldn’t get to me? Is that why he picked on Jamie?”

“Let’s not jump to conclusions, Em. It might not be the same guy.”

“We both know it is.”

“First we investigate. Then we follow leads.” He scowled. “Conjecture is frowned upon.”

“Of course, sir.” She saluted him.

They foundTy pacing in the driveway when they arrived. There were two patrol cars on scene.

“Where are the troopers?” Wade asked.

“Upstairs.”

Wade placed a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll find her.” He hoped they’d be able to bring her back alive. Silently, he lifted a prayer to the Lord on behalf of Jamie. And Ty. Only the Lord could bring peace in a circumstance this dire.

“Please do.” Ty’s voice came out thin and shaky

. His fear was evident. “Those officers think I had something to do with this.”

“It’s standard procedure to question a spouse. Don’t worry. The truth will come out.”

“Go find her and bring her home.”

“That’s the plan.”

Emily made eye contact. “I’ll stay with Ty. You should talk to the state troopers.”

“I’ll be back.” Upstairs, Wade found them documenting the scene. “Call in the crime-scene investigators.”

“You think we need them? This looks pretty cut and dry.”

---