Page 6 of Ranger Belief
“The gun that killed Tyler. I’ve already thought of that, and it’s being done. I'll have a couple of deputies check Campsite 9 as well.”
“Good. I’d also like to interview Sheriff Morrison.” He cast a glance toward Grayson, who sat with his head in his hands. “Would it be better to do it down at the station?”
The chief deputy’s mouth flattened. “He refuses to leave until Ava’s body has been removed from the scene.” She sighed. “I doubt you’ll be able to get anything useful out of him. He doesn’t seem to know why anyone would want to kill Ava or Tyler.”
Laney’s heart broke for the sheriff. Their paths crossed on occasion professionally, and she’d always found him to be a solid lawman, but it was Grayson’s dedication to his family that stuck with her the most. He’d been married to his wife for nearly fifty years, and whenever he’d spoken of his niece Ava, it’d been with immense pride.
Chief Deputy Williams led the way to the SUV and made introductions. Maybe it was Laney’s imagination, but she wasn’t sure the sheriff registered anything around him. Grief had already etched new lines on his forehead.
Laney laid a hand on his shoulder. “I’m so sorry for your loss, sheriff, and I know this is a difficult time, but we need to ask you some questions.”
His blurry gaze snagged on the bruises on her neck before shifting to Jonah. For the first time, he seemed to register the Texas Ranger’s presence. He blinked and straightened his shoulders, anger sparking. “I already know what you’re going to ask, so let me say it succinctly. I don’t know why anyone would want to murder Tyler or my niece. Neither of them were into drugs or anything illegal. They’re good kids.” His voice choked up. “Whoever did this targeted them randomly.”
“Right now, nothing is off the table, but, sir, you and I both know the chances of this being a random crime are slim.” Jonah’s tone was gentle, but firm. “How long have Ava and Tyler been dating?”
“Since freshman year of college.”
“Any problems in the relationship? Any recent breakups?”
“None. They were solid. Neither of them have an ex that would do something like this, and their friend group is pretty small. Tyler had an end-of-the-school-year party a few months back at my house. Invited his family, Ava’s family, and a bunch of their friends. No one stuck out as odd or gave me a weird vibe.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I know you need to ask these questions, Ranger Foster, but I’m not a civilian. I’d tell you if I knew anything that would be helpful.”
“I have no doubt about that, sir.” Jonah pressed on. “Neither Ava nor Tyler mentioned getting into a fight with someone? Or having a hard time with a friend?”
“No. Obviously I would say if they had.”
“Do you know the password to Ava’s cell phone?”
The sudden shift in questioning seemed to throw the sheriff off for a moment. He blinked. “Uhhh, no, but I’m sure her mother does.” His expression crumpled. “My sister…Ava’s parents are in town to visit her. They’re staying at my house.” His attention shot to his chief deputy, and he rose slightly. “Keisha, I want to be there?—”
“We’ll tell them together.” The chief deputy waved him back down before turning toward Jonah and Laney. “Tyler’s dad is deceased, but his mom lives in Fort Worth. I’ll have the local PD notify her of his death and plan for her to be interviewed over the phone, or if she comes to town, in person.”
Death notifications were one of the worst parts of being in law enforcement. Laney had only done a few, and each one had ripped out a piece of her heart. She still prayed for those families. Ava and Tyler’s would be added to that list. This case was already one she’d never forget, and it had little to do with the fact that her life had been threatened.
Movement out of the corner of Laney’s eye caught her attention. She turned in time to see her sister, Breanna,approach the yellow crime tape at a frenetic pace. Following on her heels was Marcus, Breanna’s husband, dressed in basketball shorts and a T-shirt. Strapped to his chest was a baby sling. A tuft of black hair was all that was visible of little Asher.
Laney excused herself and moved to intercept them, Scout at her side. “What are you guys doing here?” She ducked under the tape and was immediately embraced by her sister.
“We came to check on you.” Breanna squeezed her tight and then backed up, her dark-eyed gaze sweeping over Laney’s neck. She winced. “Papa Earl got a call from another ranger who said you’d been attacked. Are you okay?”
Papa Earl was Breanna’s father-in-law. He’d worked as a park ranger at Piney Woods, and although he’d retired nearly two decades ago, he still had connections to the park. Namely, Andy Dawson. Her second-in-command probably called to reassure her family before they heard about it on the news. Something Laney should have thought of.
“I’m fine,” she reassured her sister. “Just some bruises. Y’all shouldn’t have driven all the way here. A phone call would’ve been sufficient.”
Marcus held up his hands in mock surrender. “Don’t look at me. I tried to tell Breanna that, but when your sister decides to do something, there’s no talking her out of it. You’re lucky I convinced her to let me drive.”
“I was too upset to get behind the wheel of a car. As for you,” Breanna hugged Laney again tightly. Her voice thickened with tears. “I had to come and make sure you were okay. Calling wouldn’t be enough. Your leg could be chopped off, and you’d say it was nothing but a flesh wound.”
Laney chuckled, but her chest squeezed tight as her own emotions rose up to choke her. Breanna was all the family she had left. Their father had walked out when they were kids, choosing his mistress over his daughters. Their mom had passedaway two years ago after battling cancer. Laney had always been close with her younger sister, even with a six-year age difference, but the losses had deepened their connection.
“Well, now that you know that I’m whole and mostly unharmed, you can take your husband and Asher back home.” Laney kissed her sister’s cheek.
Both Breanna and Marcus sported dark circles under their eyes. They’d had a lot of sleepless nights since Asher was born four months ago. Along with the new baby, Marcus’s dad had moved in with the couple this summer. Papa Earl suffered from Parkinson’s and recently had a stroke. Breanna was working herself to the bone taking care of him and the baby. Marcus was a great husband and father, but he was also the sole provider at the moment for their household. He picked up a lot of extra shifts at the hospital where he worked as a nurse.
Breanna wiped a tear from her cheek and squinted. “Is that Jonah with Sheriff Morrison?”
“Yes, he’s helping with the investigation.” It was a half-truth, since Jonah was actually leading the investigation, but Laney couldn’t share details yet. Not before the families had been notified. She gave a half-hug to Marcus and kissed sleeping Asher on his sweet head. “Go home, guys. Get some rest. We’ll talk more tomorrow.”
She walked with them to their car and waved as they left. When she turned, Jonah was heading in her direction. Six four, and a lean two hundred pounds, he cut an imposing figure. Shadows darkened his blond hair into a lighter shade of gray and played across his carved cheekbones. Soft was never a word used to describe him. Except Laney knew the truth. Underneath that hard exterior, those scowls and grumpy attitude, was a sensitive soul. He journaled almost daily. Always remembered her birthday and never failed to think of a thoughtful gift. Would stay up late to game with her online.
