Page 80 of Second Chance Savior

I’d been bitter about that before. But I understood better why he’d stayed away. I just wanted to know more about the man River had become. While I still had him with me.

He grabbed a T-shirt to put on, then did more computer stuff until a video feed appeared on his screen.

Trace was a rugged-looking guy. He wore a black tee beneath a denim jacket and had a scruffy beard. His hair almost touched his shoulders. I could tell the moment we appeared on his computer, because the man exhaled with relief.

“Riv. Shit. It’s good to see you.”

“You too.” River nodded toward me. “Trace, meet Charlotte McKinley.”

“You can call me Charlie. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“That answers my first question, Ms. Lieutenant Governor. I was going to ask how you’re holding up, but if you’re happy to see my ugly mug, you can’t be too bad off.”

River draped his arm over the back of my chair. “We’re holding up. Charlie’s cool under pressure, as always. I’m downright cheerful, considering I’m wanted for murder and kidnapping.”

I cringed at the reminder. But Trace laughed, clearly not too worried about it either.

“Trace, how are things in Hartley?” I asked. “People don’t really believe River kidnapped me, do they?”

“Well, it’s mixed. The FBI showed up in town looking for both of you last night. They rolled in heavy and have been questioning everyone who knows River. But an Agent Somerton requested a private meeting with Owen. Claimed to be a friend of yours, Charlie, and that she doesn’t believe the accusations against River. Said she wanted to help. Owen passed that info on to me. But I had my doubts that we could trust her.”

“Sheisa friend of mine. Brynn was protecting me before River took over. I sent her a message after the attack that I was safe, but maybe she kept that a secret from her FBI bosses.”

“Which is exactly why we can’t assume she’s clean,” River cut in.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “I’m sorry,what? You think Brynn is working for Stillwater? Sincewhen?”

His fingers stroked my back. “I’m not saying that. Just that we need to be careful. Agent Somerton’s bosses must know she’s friends with you. They’ll be watching her, and Stillwater could have her under surveillance. It’s too risky to bring her in.”

“That’s my assessment as well,” Trace said. “But do you agree, Charlie?”

Both men looked at me.

I crossed my arms. “I guess I agree.” I wanted to reach out to Brynn, but I knew River was right. It had been risky enough to contact her after the attack. And now, River was in danger too. Not just me.

“So we keep Agent Somerton at arm’s length.” River drummed his fingers on the tabletop. “My focus isn’t on the FBI anyway. I’m trying to find out why Jud Hale knew about the attack on Charlie before it happened.”

Trace nodded. “Right, we got your updates on Hale. That’s the other thing I wanted to talk to you about. We’ve had some developments there. Apparently, Hale has disappeared.”

“Already knew that.”

Trace’s eyebrow ticked up. “Did you know who brought it to Owen’s attention at the sheriff’s office? District Attorney Grissom.”

“Grissom?”

“He’s a friend of Jud’s,” I said. “I met him a time or two when I was down in Hart County.” I hadn’t liked the guy much, but he’d been a typical politician. Lots of flattery and efforts to impress me, and Grissom had been less subtle about it than Jud.

River turned to me. “Grissom is the other Hartley official we’ve suspected of being Stillwater’s mole. Do you remember when I mentioned the murder investigation that Hale tried to interfere with? Grissom and Hale all but threatened Owen to make him turn over sensitive information. Owen refused. They’ve been on our radar ever since.”

“Well,” Trace went on, “Grissom walked into Owen’s office this morning wanting to file a missing person report. Grissom heard the accusations about River kidnapping you, Charlie, and he thought there could be a connection to Jud Hale’s disappearance.”

“Just because Jud and I dated previously? Or did Grissom have more of a reason than that?”

Trace held up his hands. “Owen said Grissom didn’t share anything specific. The DA was mostly blowing hot air, as usual. But Owen sent a deputy to check Hale’s home, and it looks like he packed up in a hurry. No signs of struggle. His cars were still in his garage, so maybe someone picked him up.”

“He has a four wheeler for off-roading,” I said. “He uses it to plow his property in the winter. Was it at the house?”

“Owen didn’t mention it. I can ask to confirm.”

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