Page 89 of Kiss of Deceit
Dani frowned. “Why would you be the first call?”
Her cold stare swung to Dani. “I’m a partner on this case. As the head psychologist, I’m working as the profiler. I need to know everything.”
“I was going to call you when I got back,” Harry grumbled. “I didn’t want to wake you.”
How the hell did she know we were out here?The bitter glare she was giving Dani had me holding my tongue. I didn’t like this woman at all.
“Come on,” Susan demanded. “We need all your clothes as evidence. And pictures of your injuries.”
Dani didn’t hide the panic fast enough as she took a step back. “What? No. The killer didn’t do this. Tristin did before it all happened. My injuries have nothing to do with this.”
“That’s not for you to decide,” she said briskly. “Let’s go.”
To my surprise, Dani didn’t argue. She trudged after Susan as Harry began barking orders at his guys to seem like he knew what he was doing. The snow crunched under our boots, and Susan glanced over her shoulder, questions in her eyes.
“Were you present during the murders?” she asked me.
“No.”
“Then you’re not needed.”
She dismissed me, not waiting for my response as she looked forward again. Dani snuck a glance at me when I remained beside her. There was no way I was leaving her alone right now.
We continued on the trail until exiting the woods, ending up near the row of condos. By now, Susan was well aware I wasstill here but was biting her tongue. She pulled keys out of her pocket, and the lights on the hunting truck flashed. I scoffed when she opened the driver door. She’d only been here a day and was already making herself at home. I was sure the hunters were not happy she took the truck when they already took turns with it.
“Thank you for walking us, but we’re fine from here,” she clipped out. “Get in, Dani.”
“I’ll sit in the middle.” My statement had Susan scowling.
I jumped into the truck, turning to grab Dani’s hand and help her inside. She winced as she climbed in, making my anger spike. It was a good thing Tristin was already dead because I didn’t think I’d have the willpower to control myself. Once she was inside, I carefully reached over her to shut the door.
Susan put the truck into gear. “If you’re so intent on being here, then why don’t you explain to me why Harry made the local bartender a deputy a day ago?”
“I’ve been helping Harry for years,” I replied, not at all surprised she knew. “He just made it official to ease the minds in town.”
“You just saw two dead bodies, and your biggest concern is why Kole is helping Harry?” Dani muttered. She was tense. Her entire body was rigid, and I couldn’t tell if it was from her injuries or something else.
“That isn’t my first crime scene. I know how to be professional.” She clicked her tongue. “Something you still need to learn. I showed up just in time to keep you from making a mistake. You should know better than to go home after something like this. Your first thought should have been going to the clinic.”
“I guess I’m still all shook up.”
I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye. Dani wasn’t one to get shaken up. Yes, she had her moments at nightwhen her nightmares took hold. But it was impossible to forget how she looked at the police station when Natalie was killed. There had been no fear in her eyes. She went after the killer with no hesitation that night. Afterward, at the hospital, she wasn’t shaking or freaking out like most would after something traumatic like that.
Susan pulled up in front of the clinic, and I didn’t miss Dani’s hesitation when she opened the truck door. I scooted out after Susan and made it to the passenger door before Dani got out. I moved to pick her up but stopped myself.
“Where are you hurt?” I asked in a low voice.
“Just my face.”
“Bullshit,” I muttered. “Put your arm around my shoulder.”
The fact that she didn’t argue proved she was hurting more than she let on. I was careful not to press against her ribs as I got her out of the truck. The moment her feet were on the ground, she stuffed her hands back in her pockets as I kept my arm around her shoulders.
“Let’s go,” Susan said, impatience lining her voice. “I don’t want to spend all night here. I already called the doctor to meet us.”
Martha’s reception desk was empty at this time of night, and half of the lights were off. Susan led the way, pushing open the door to the backroom. Nolan was sitting on one of the gurneys and jumped to his feet when we appeared.
“Come on, I’ll help you.” Susan nodded to the other gurney. “There is an evidence bag for your clothes. I’ll need to photograph your injuries before you change.”
