Page 124 of The Girl in the River

An hour later, Ellie and Derrick joined Kincaid in the interrogation room again. This time, a broad-shouldered man in his early forties stood beside the sheriff and introduced himself as Federal Marshal Clay Gibbons.

“What’s going on?” Ellie asked.

“I’ll let him explain,” Sheriff Kincaid replied, his hands folded.

Marshal Gibbons took a seat and they joined him around the table. “Sheriff Kincaid has been working undercover with us for the past five years investigating the Moon family and the crimes in Red River Rock.”

Ellie stared at Kincaid in shock.

Derrick shuffled in his seat, displeased. “If that’s true, why didn’t you fill us in instead of stonewalling our investigation?”

“Need-to-know basis,” Marshal Gibbons said. “We have witnesses under protective custody whose lives would have been endangered if they were exposed.”

Ellie tapped her foot on the floor and Derrick drummed his fingers on his thigh, obviously pissed.

“What witnesses?” Ellie asked.

Marshal Gibbons made a quick call. “Bring them in now.”

Ellie and Derrick exchanged confused looks but waited. A moment later, the door opened and another marshal entered with a dark-haired man and a brunette woman.

Ellie swallowed hard. It was Jo-Jo Pennington and her husband. And they were very much alive.

ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX

RIVER’S EDGE

Cord listened to a replay of Ellie’s news segment as Lola drove him home from the hospital. She came inside to make certain he was okay, which was sweet, but the last thing he wanted was her fussing over him.

When he’d been half-unconscious in the ambulance, all he could think about was Ellie and the fact that she’d saved his life. Then he’d been worried sick about her, and now he’d been told she’d busted a child labor ring.

God, she was amazing.

His dog Benji met him at the door, tail wagging. But as he licked Cord’s hand, he knew Benji sensed something was off. He nuzzled him then headed to the couch and Benji followed, climbing up beside him.

“Do you want some hot tea or a drink or something to eat before I go?” Lola asked.

He looked up at her and shook his head. “No, but we have to talk. Lola, I…”

“You don’t have to say it,” Lola said, sadness and resignation tingeing her voice. “I know how you feel. I even understand it. I think it’s best we just move on.”

Cord felt a pang in his chest. She’d been so good to him. And yet…

“You deserve better,” he said.

“I know.” She kissed him on the cheek and left.

ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-SEVEN

CROOKED CREEK

Mia had just gotten Pixie down for an early nap when the doorbell rang. For a split-second, panic struck her, then she remembered Ellie had given a press conference and the Moons were out of her life for good. Armond Moon had been arrested along with Ronnie and her sons, along with another hired hand who Kevin’s father had paid to kidnap her from her wedding to Mark. With Mr. Moon in prison and Kevin dead, they would never get their filthy hands on Pixie.

Finally, she and her daughter were free and safe.

Not only safe, but Mark was amazing. He’d actually forgiven her. She’d lost so many people already, that she was grateful for that blessing. Her heart was full with love for him.

The bell dinged again, and she walked to the window and peeked out. Ellie’s Jeep was in the drive. She must have come by to check on them.

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