Page 34 of Deadly Attraction
“Does it matter whose prints are on it? I mean, it seems pretty obvious who put it there, doesn’t it?”
“It’s all evidence for when we catch this sick bastard and his accomplices.”
She nodded. “I have a few things I need from my office, and I’ll need to alert Will I’m leaving. Hopefully, he’ll stay and take care of the horses. Do you think he’s in danger?”
“He seems quite capable of handling things.”
“Can I bring the dogs? Not Lady, she won’t leave Will. Just Salt and Pepper.”
As always, the Labs had followed him and now lounged together in a patch of sun on the bedroom floor.
“The safe house is for people, not pets, but…”
“But you like them and you know I’m right. They’re a good security system on top of whatever the safe house might have.”
If it would get her out of this house and to a place where protecting her was easier, he’d stand on his head. “I’ll grab their food and throw it in my truck.”
“Thank you.”
“The sooner we leave the better.”
“Give me five.”
He nodded, took the toy, and headed downstairs. The plastic Tom Monahan went into an evidence bag he pulled from of his truck. He tossed a giant bag of dog food from the mudroom into the back.
Will came across the yard. “Buggin’ out?”
“Seems our stranger was in the house. He left Emma a little gift.”
“Ah, shit. What was it?”
Mitch held up the bagged toy. “Not a lot of doubt in my mind who’s behind this.”
“That actor guy, huh?” Will frowned and rubbed his chin. “Doesn’t seem like the type to hike around in the woods, does he?”
“I’d go looking for him and whatever vehicle he got here in, but her safety comes first.”
“Not much traffic getting in and out of the valley from what I’ve heard on the CB. Think he came in on foot?”
“Dangerous with the fires and smoke.”
Will nodded, looked off in the distance. “Bastard. He had to have transport, but you can’t just drive around out there. I didn’t find anything for tracks, human or motorized, but I’ll take another look, see if I find anything that hints at horses or motorcycles.”
Motorcycles. He needed to get back to hunting down his arsonist. “Might not have been Goodsman, but one of his fans who believes he’s a resistance fighter. They’re into survival shit, right? You may be spot on that he hiked in and out. Either way, Emma’s finally decided to go to the safe house. She’s worried about you and the horses.”
Will grunted and patted the dog who was attached to his leg. “I can handle myself against some milquetoast, pansy actor or anyone who thinks they’re part of hisresistancefighters. Tell her not to worry. The horses and I will be fine.”
The two men shook hands and Mitch went inside.
Emma was waiting, overnight bag in hand. “Will’s going to stay?”
“He is,” Mitch said, gathering up the file on Goodsman. The last of the cookie went into his mouth. “You ready?”
She took a long look around at the kitchen, then walked into the living room and took down her shotgun. Meeting Mitch’s eyes, she nodded. “Ready.”
Maybe the old Emma was back. He felt the corner of his mouth twitch as he opened the front door and scanned the area. Satisfied all was clear, he motioned her outside. “Let’s go.”
