Page 43 of Forbidden Secrets
“Make sure it’s by the book.Last thing we want is for the case to get tossed on a technicality,” Sawyer advised.
“You said you’ve already looked through department records?”Gage asked.
“I have.But I’ll go back through them, see if anything rings a bell that didn’t before.”Sawyer’s tone was cautious.“Still, we’ve reviewed that case a dozen times.When it came out that Grafton falsified the rape kit ID, everything was reopened.We never found anyone in the department willing to admit they knew what he was doing.”
“Maybe that’s changed,” Gage said.“Time has a way of loosening tongues.Someone might talk now.”
Walker nodded toward his brother.“Our grandfather and Delaney’s grandma got the case reopened.I was exonerated.But even then, no one came forward.Grafton kept his circle tight—maybe it was only him.”
“Then we go back to the list of men who gave DNA samples.One of them was a match.That’s where we start.”Talking it through had Gage feeling more confident he was heading in the right direction.“Melanie wants to talk to Grafton.She’s reaching out to see if he’ll agree to a prison visit.”
“Worth a shot,” Walker said.He checked his phone and stood.“I gotta head out.I’ll call Grafton’s old secretary.She’s been helpful in the past.If she remembers anything new, I’ll let you know.Thanks for the grub.”
He raised a hand in farewell and headed for the door.
Owen leaned back, arms crossed.“You gonna loop Melanie in?”
Gage shook his head.“I told her I’d help and I’ll share what I’ve got from the background checks.But she’s got an independent streak a mile wide.For now, I’m holding off on mentioning the rest of you.”
Owen and Sawyer exchanged a look.
Gage frowned.“What now?”
“You’re going all-in on this and keeping the person at the center of it in the dark?”Sawyer pointed out.“Why not bring her in?Hell, bring all of them in.Keeley and Delaney were at that bootlegger.They’ll have different insights.Might even add names she missed.”
“And if you don’t tell her,” Owen added with a smirk, “you’ll get your ass handed to you when she finds out.Deservedly.”
Before Gage could respond, Keeley appeared and slid into the seat beside Owen.Gage didn’t miss how they immediately linked hands.“Why are we handing Gage his ass?”
“Because he’s got a lot to learn about women,” Sawyer said, pushing back from the table.“And speaking of women, mine is at home and I want to see her.”
After Sawyer left, Keeley turned her full attention to Gage.“What are you up to?”
“I’m not—” Gage sighed.He hated sounding defensive.“I’m trying to protect someone.”
“Don’t bullshit me, Gage.”
Owen kissed her hand.“Give him hell, princess.”
“What happened to you being all sweet and sunshiney?”Gage grumbled.
“Curiosity wins over sunshine.Does this have anything to do with Melanie and Chase Bradford?”
“Jesus, does anything stay quiet in this town?”
“Nope,” Keeley said cheerfully.“Also, you were practically shooting laser beams at Chase on Friday night.”
“Laser beams?”
“Yeah.If looks could kill, you’d have incinerated him with your laser beam eyes.”
He rubbed a hand over his jaw.“Melanie wants to find the fucking bastard who assaulted her.I’mconcerned,” that was a better word than “afraid,” “that poking around could put her in danger.”
Keeley’s gaze softened.“Aww, you like her and want to protect her.”
“I’d protect anyone in her situation.”
Keeley’s stare was unwavering.She’d have made an excellent FBI interrogator.
