Page 41 of Crossroads of Betrayal
“Which ones? I could meet them. Otto’s great if he picks up a scent, but I could help.” She hated being on the sidelines. Especially for something in which she excelled. Tracking people who didn’t want to be found was her specialty. She’d be the biggest asset they had in finding Shelly if she were still on the property if it wasn’t for the darn crutches.
Cruz’s lips dipped down and sympathy oozed from his blue eyes. “Not a good idea.”
She opened her mouth to argue but he lifted a hand.
“At least not yet. Brooke and Tucker are searching with Beau and Gavin. Both great officers with plenty of experience.”
She struggled not to roll her eyes again. “Really? They both look like teenagers.”
Cruz grinned. “Not teenagers. Men. With training and knowledge of the area. If they come across something that we need help with, I’ll call you. Until then, try to stay off your feet. Take care of yourself. We’ve got this under control.”
Lincoln clapped a hand on Cruz’s shoulder. “We should get going. You two stay out of trouble. Please.” He narrowed his eyes at Grace then Zeke before jumping in his golf cart.
Cruz waved then joined him before Lincoln took off toward the lodge.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
Zeke wiped his sweaty palm on the side of his jeans before knocking on Joan’s door. His nerves were stretched tighter than a taunt rubber band, but he couldn’t let the trepidation twisting his stomach stop him from doing what he needed to do. He hadn’t spoken with Joan since Tessa’s ID was found in his bag. She wouldn’t want to see him let alone talk to him, but what was at stake was so much bigger than an uncomfortable conversation.
Because now it wasn’t just his reputation or even freedom on the line, but Grace’s safety.
Grace stood beside him, her face a firm mask of concentration. The past couple of days had shown him how much Grace had changed. She wasn’t the same woman he’d married, and he needed to take the time to get to know who she was now—and understand why she’d transformed into someone new.
But it was nice to know not everything had changed. And he could practically see the wheels spinning behind her beautiful hazel eyes. She was forming a game plan, and he had all the faith in the world she could get whatever information she wanted out of Joan. No matter if the older woman wanted him around or not.
The door creaked open, and Joan peeked through the sliver of space for a beat before swinging the door wider. “What are you doing here?” Her words came out with less menace than she’d probably intended, but her blood-shot eyes and white bandage taped to the side of her head spoke volumes of her current condition.
A condition that was far from the tough cop who could handle a simple conversation with two concerned civilians.
He cleared the apprehension from his throat, hoping they’d made the right choice to just show up and ask their questions. “We heard what happened and wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
Tears misted in her eyes. “I’m fine. Now if you’d leave me be, I want to finish packing.”
“You’re leaving?” Grace asked.
“Tessa’s parents will be in town this evening. As soon as the coroner releases her body to her family, I’m out of here. This place has brought me nothing but heartache and bad luck.”
“I haven’t had the best luck lately either.” Grace lifted the bottom of one crutch and gave it a little wave.
Joan frowned, then cast a cautious look at Zeke. “Are you sure you’re spending time with the right people?”
He stiffened the muscles in his body to stop any reaction. He knew this was coming, was expecting her hostility. Being reactive wouldn’t help anyone. “I would never hurt Grace. Or you, or Tessa, or Shelly. I want answers, just like everyone else.”
“Some things don’t add up at first glance,” Grace said. “But I know Zeke and I trust him with my life. Please. Can we just step inside and talk? We’ll make it fast. I promise.”
Warmth spread through his chest, but he didn’t have time to revel in Grace’s declaration.
Joan hesitated for a beat before the lines of her face hardened and Zeke caught a glimpse of the officer who worked the streets and infiltrated criminal organizations. “Fine. I have nothing better to do while I’m stuck here. And maybe discussing what happened could clear some things up in my mind.”
Leaving the door open, she disappeared inside the cabin.
Zeke waited for Grace to hobble across the threshold before stepping into the living room and closing the door behind him. A flung open suitcase laid near the bed, clothes thrown around it as if Joan had been tossing her things from the nearby dresser. The comforter was rumpled and a couple of dirty mugs sat in the kitchen sink.
Grace settled on the sofa while Joan stood cross-armed in front of the fireplace.
He opted to stand behind Grace. Making himself comfortable wasn’t a priority, especially since Joan chose to keep on her feet.
“Do you remember what happened last night?” Grace asked, resting her crutches on the cushion beside her.
