Page 114 of Fortune's Control
“New plan. How about you do that while I rebuild a carburetor?”
“Deal.” I had the better part of the bargain.
*****
“I knew you worked on classic cars, but this isn’t what Ipictured.” A dull gray steel box didn’t resemble any sports car I recognized.
“It’s just a shell. I’d say wait until it’s painted, but the owner wants white on white. No accounting for taste.” He noticed the purse over my shoulder and a laptop in one hand. “Are you done already?”
“It’s been over two hours.”
“Has it?” Aiden checked his nonexistent watch. “Time flies when you’re living the dream. Is Shane on his way?”
“He’s still in Gainesville with Jack.”
“Then allow me to serve as your personal escort and temporary bodyguard.”
I smiled at his easy charm. “Any updates on your model train hobbyist?”
“It’ll happen. Keep the faith. If Shane can find you, my new tenant will find me. Shall we go?”
I took his offered arm, and we left, locking the storefront door behind us.
“It won’t be a long wait,” I said on the drive home.
“It doesn’t matter. You aren’t to be left alone,” he said, as we turned into the driveway. “I’ll stay until Shane is here.” Aiden’s stern tone reminded me of Shane. His sharper expression, devoid of humor, was equally effective. “Who is that?” He crossed his arm over my waist to prevent me from exiting.
My heart thundered at the unfamiliar car, and then slowed to its typical beat as the familiar driver climbed out. “Oh, that’s Detective Davis, the nice one. I wonder why he’s here.” I double-checked my phone and found no missed calls or texts. “Oh, I know. We sent a video of our burglar. They found him.”
Excitement filled me. His presence meant they located the actual killer, and maybe even had himin custody.
Davis waved at us and smiled.
Aiden responded with a frown, reminding me of Shane a second time. “I’m not leaving you alone. I don’t care who he is. Let’s go meet Detective Dick.”
I should have expected that Shane told his friends about the detectives’ previous visit. One hopes Aiden is more polite than my husband. “Detective, it’s good to see you. This is my friend, Aiden. Do you have any news?”
Davis’s lips tightened as he greeted us. “There’s a lead I’d appreciate your assistance with. Can we go inside?”
*****
We ended up in the front living room, the same as the first visit.
“I expected your husband to be with you after your recent sleuthing. That was some fine detective work you two pulled off,” Detective Davis said in his familiar soft drawl.
I blushed. “Thank you. Shane will be here soon. He isn’t far behind us. Does this mean it isn’t Wilson Skane? Did you clear him?”
“Whoa, slow down.” He raised his hand. “I admire your sense of justice. Let me show you some pictures first. Can you tell me if you see anyone familiar?” He placed five pictures on the coffee table.
“That one.” I didn’t hesitate. “The second picture on the left. That’s the man who killed Sandy Cooper and attacked me. He’s the same guy in the video.” I showed him one of the saved images on my phone. “Does this mean you found him?”
“You can confirm this is the man who attacked you and Sandy Cooper? Please take your time. There’s no rush.”
“I’m sure. Absolutely positive.”
“We’ve linked him to three cases so far. Since there is an alternate suspect in the Sandy Cooper case, it’s essential that we have corroborating evidence before making an arrest. You’ve done well, Ms. Mayberry. I wouldn’t be speaking to you now if it weren’t for everything you’ve done.”
“This means an innocent man won’t be sent to jail,” I said.
