Page 42 of Scorched Secrets

Chapter Ten

Hearing the rumble of voices from Colin’s room, Faye stepped through the connecting door, coffee cup in hand. Colin nodded at her as he finished up his call. “Thanks for the information, Mitch. Chief Kimble will be my next call. Stay in touch.”

“What information?” She dropped down on the edge of the bed.

“Any chance you have more coffee?” Colin asked.

“I do.” She went back to her room to fill a cup for him. He accepted it gratefully.

“Thanks.” He took a sip, then added, “Daniel Percy was found dead from suicide.”

“Suicide?” Stunned, she could only gape at him. “When? How?”

“Gunshot wound to the head, and not sure when. There’s been no sign of Jayson, his half brother, yet either. Neighbor claims he left with a suitcase.”

“Are you saying Mitch believes someone else is doing this?” She felt terrible knowing Daniel committed suicide. Not that she was responsible, but it was difficult to know he’d been depressed enough to do something so drastic. Behavioral health illnesses were difficult to diagnose, especially with the stigma attached to them. Men in particular were less likely to seek help for depression. Unfortunately, she’d taken care of many patients who’d attempted suicide, and the outcomes were not always good.

Like Daniel’s.

“Jayson is still a suspect, he’s the one who was fired recently and threatened your father.” Colin held up his disposable phone. “Apparently, your dad is not happy with me. I’m calling him now.”

“I’ll talk to him.” Faye sipped her coffee as Colin punched in her dad’s phone number that he’d jotted down on the motel notepad. She thought he’d hand her the phone right off the bat so she could calm her dad down, but he didn’t.

“Where have you been?” Her father’s voice was so loud she could hear it too.

“I’m sorry, sir, but we’ve been flying under the radar after being found at our previous location.” Colin didn’t look fazed by her father’s anger. “We had to leave in a hurry, and I needed to get rid of my phone.”

“I want to talk to my daughter.” His voice was still loud enough to hear.

“I understand, sir, but I want you to know Faye is safe.” Colin handed her the phone without waiting for her father’s response.

“Dad? I’m fine.” She held Colin’s gaze. “Thanks to Colin, I didn’t get hurt in the last motel fire.”

“I’ve been worried sick,” her dad admitted. “Tell Colin I’m sorry I yelled, but he promised to keep me informed. I went a little crazy when I received no response to my text and phone messages.”

“We don’t have our phones anymore.” She wasn’t sure how much to tell him. Or how much Mitch had told him. “But I promise we’re safe.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought when you went to the last place,” he groused. “Callahan better figure out who is behind these attacks, and quick.”

“He’s been working tirelessly to do just that, Dad.” She didn’t want her father to pressure Mitch any more than he already had. “Whoever is behind this has been relentless.”

“I know, I know.” He sighed. “It’s not easy for me to sit back and wait, knowing you’re the one in danger.”

“But I have Colin protecting me, remember? He’s a great guy. And I know Mitch will find the arsonist responsible for these fires.”

“I have confidence in both Callahan and Finnegan.” Her dad’s tone had dropped several notches. “I feel better hearing your voice, Faye.”

“I feel better after talking to you too.” She smiled at Colin to reassure him the call was going well. “How is Annie? Still at her sleepover?”

“Yes, Claire spoke to her last night. She’s fine. You’re the one in danger here. I need you to stay in touch, understand?”

“Yes, Dad. I love you. Here’s Colin.” She handed the phone back.

“Sir? I take it Mitch filled you in on the latest attempt?” Colin asked. He listened for a minute, then nodded. “I hear you loud and clear. Hang on to this number, we’ll call again later this afternoon or sooner if we learn anything new.” Another pause, then, “Yes, sir. I promise.”

“I’m sorry my dad was so rough on you.” She grimaced as Colin set the phone aside. “Knowing these attempts are likely a way to get back at him has him more rattled than usual.”

“I would feel the same way if my daughter was in danger.” Colin tapped the computer. “I tried to find a connection between Jayson and Daniel to law enforcement but came up empty. Doesn’t mean there isn’t one.”

---