Page 315 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

“We do.” She nodded. “And, hopefully, a future.”

A ghost of a smile touched Sandra’s lips. “I hope so.”

Austin returned. “Sorry about that. He had a question about setting up a tent to keep the evidence protected. A storm is expected.”

“There is no way they’ll be able to secure a tent in Boulder Field.”

“He said something about sandbags and tying them off to trees. Don’t worry, they don’t plan to try to move any of the boulders.”

She tugged on her ponytail to tighten it. “Good.”

“Did you want to check out the crime scene?”

“Has the medical examiner arrived?”

“He’s with the body now.”

“I’ll look at the scene after he removes Jamie’s body. I don’t want to see her like that. I’d rather remember her in her wedding dress headed off to her honeymoon.” Her voice cracked, and Austin pulled her in for a hug.

“I’m sorry. I was insensitive. I forgot you’d gotten to know her.” He released her and pushed his hair off his forehead. “This must be a lot to take in so soon after them finding your sister.”

She nodded and looked away. If she talked about it, the emotion might overwhelm her. Compassion tended to release the dam, and she couldn’t afford to lose control.

When they arrived backat the house, it was past ten and the sky was dark. Emily was surprised to see Gavin when he opened the door. Wade didn’t blink an eye, so he must’ve known his friend would be waiting for them.

“Hoagies are on the kitchen table,” Gavin said.

“I’m not hungry,” Wade said.

“Eat something anyway. You need your strength to get this guy.”

“Maybe Mac should assign someone else to this case. I can admit when I failed.”

“Jamie’s death isn’t your fault,” Gavin said.

“It sure feels like it is.”

“Eat a few bites of your hoagie, and then spend some time with God.”

“I’m not in the mood.”

“Is that the youth pastor speaking? Or the reprobate you once were?”

“What do you want from me?”

“It’s not what I want; it’s what you need.” Gavin turned to her and Sandra. “Let’s eat our food while Wade enjoys his pity party.”

Emily placed a hand on Wade’s bicep, but he shrugged her off. Her gut clenched as she pictured Wade grabbing his friend by the throat, but he didn’t respond to the criticism. He left the room without another glance at any of them.

Wade grabbed his keys. “I’m going to drive over and see Ty. I should’ve been the one to tell him, but I can at least be there to grieve with him.” He left without a goodbye.

She followed Gavin into the kitchen and forced down half an Italian hoagie. It tasted dry as cardboard, and she struggled to swallow. She knew there wasn’t a thing wrong with the food. It was her.

“Why were you so hard on Wade?” She brushed the crumbs off her hands and took a drink of water.

“It’s the only way to get through to him when he gets in a funk.”

“His friend was the victim of a brutal death at the hands of a serial killer. He’s entitled to get in a funk over it.”

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