Page 84 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

“I don’t know.”

After they went over the details one more time, Aspen asked, “Can I get my things out of my car?”

“Of course. It should be in the lot soon.” Cote looked from Aspen to Garrett and back. “This, coupled with the break-in at your house the other day… I wish I could offer you protection, but it doesn’t work that way. You have to be prepared to protect yourself.”

Garrett thought of the handgun she’d relinquished when they’d walked into the station. At least she’d been wearing it, but no handgun would protect her from a madman trying to run her off the road.

“What do you suggest I do?” she asked.

“Maybe you should find a place to stay out of town, and don’t tell anybody where you’re going. And, maybe”—again, his gaze flicked to Garrett—“don’t stay alone.”

He would stay with her. If that was what it took to keep her safe, he’d do it.

But with the attraction he felt, and considering their kiss the other night, would that be wise?

Did he care?

“Do you mind if I ask…?” Cote rested his arms on the desk and leaned toward her. “Why are you in Coventry, Miss Kincaid?”

“My father bought that house. It’s mine.” She spoke the words as if she felt she had to defend herself.

Cote’s expression was patient, but he said nothing.

She sat up straighter. “I want to find out what happened to my mother.”

“Ah.” He leaned back. “You and a whole lot of other people. What makes you think you can solve that mystery?”

“I don’t know that I can. But I have to try. For my father’s sake. He asked me to.”

“He did? Heaskedyou to do that?”

“He said to do right by her. How can I do that if I don’t find her?”

Cote regarded her for a long moment. Garrett had the sense that there was something he was holding back. Something he wanted to say.

But he opened his desk drawer and fished around. “I already have your number.” He pulled out a business card and handed it across the desk. “Now, you have mine. If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1 first. Then call me.”

Garrett stood and waited until Aspen did the same. “Pollard won’t be running the investigation?” Garrett clarified.

“He works for me,” Cote said. “I’ll take care of what happened earlier.”

That wasn’t exactly an answer, but Garrett knew when he’d pushed his luck far enough.

The chief walked them to the door. “Rest assured, I’m taking this seriously. Where will you stay tonight?”

She pressed her lips together and shrugged.

“Let me know where you land—not back at your house. Until we figure out what’s going on, you’re not safe there. Understood?”

“Maybe they have a room at the hotel,” she said.

Cote’s frown reflected Garrett’s feelings about that. The hotel would be the most obvious place to look for her.

No, she wouldn’t be staying there. “I’ll find her a place.” Garrett turned to Aspen. “Someplace nobody will think to look for you. Someplace you’ll be safe.”

They left the police station,and Garrett drove Aspen to her house. Based on the way she hurried to her front door, her gaze darting all around, he guessed she was as nervous to be there as he was. After he made sure nobody was there, she packed a bag quickly. Five minutes after they arrived, they drove away.

Nothing had happened. Nobody had been there. Still, Garrett wondered how many minutes he’d shaved off his lifespan with the worry and stress of those moments.

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