Page 38 of Crossing Lines

Chapter Twenty-Four

Kaylee hadn’t seen Ricky with Kirsten, and she didn’t have any more information than the others. Jo was starting to feel anxious about the case. They weren’t making much progress, and each passing day lessened their chances of finding the killer.

There was one more friend to interview though. Maybe Vicky Thompson would have something they could act on. She messaged her again and got an immediate response. Tomorrow at noon would work fine.

Bridget was sitting on the porch steps of the cottage when Jo pulled in. She looked fresh in a yellow sundress as she snaked a piece of string to entice Pickles into play.

The kitten’s eyes were glued to the string as it wriggled back and forth. He pounced, doing an awkward kitten leap. Grabbing the string out of Bridget’s fingers, he rolled over, falling off the step then recovering quickly and shaking off the string.

The antics made Bridget laugh, which made Jo smile. It was the first time she’d heard her sister laugh like that since she’d been home.

“Hey there,” Bridget said as Jo approached slowly so as not to scare the kitten off.

“I see things are progressing with our furry friend.” Jo nodded toward Pickles.

“They are. He’s great.”

“He seems to have taken a liking to you.”

Bridget shrugged as the kitten eyed Jo warily, backing away. “He still won’t let me pet him, but I’m hopeful.”

Pickles scampered off, and Jo sat on the steps next to her sister. “Nice night.”

“It sure is.” Bridget drew a deep breath. “I went into town today. The counselor suggested just doing normal things, so that seemed like a good way to start. I took an Uber.”

“That’s great!”

“I didn’t do anything major, just went to that little corner store. Got some bread and ingredients for lasagna, which is in the oven.”

“Seriously? I never knew you were such a good cook.”

Bridget shrugged. “I’m actually not, but in rehab, I took it up to keep my mind busy.” Bridget looked at Jo, her expression turning serious. “Plus I want to pay for my keep. I really appreciate you taking me in and caring about me all these years, and this is the only way I have to repay you.”

Jo squeezed her sister’s hand on an impulse, delighted that Bridget squeezed back. “It’s no trouble, really. I love having you here, and you don’t have to do anything to pay me back. We’re family and should share everything.”

“Thanks.” Bridget’s smile faltered slightly.

Jo got the impression there was something keeping her sister from being fully happy. It was as if something was holding her back, but before she could ask, a car pulled in.

The car belong to Holden Joyce.

“Wonder what he’s doing here,” Jo said.

“Who is it?”

“A friend from the FBI.” Except Holden wasn’t really a friend. Their only commonality was the cold case for the serial killer that took her sister. Holden had been involved in the case in his younger days, and he was looking for that person too. Had he found something?

Jo glanced at Bridget, nervous now. Was it time to tell Bridget about her investigation? Holden wouldn’t say anything in front of her, would he?

Thoughts of the investigation dredged up feelings of guilt at not filling Sam in sooner. There hadn’t been time or opportunity. All her files were here at the house. She couldn’t show them to Sam without Bridget knowing, and she didn’t want to cause some sort of setback for her sister.

Holden got out of his car, casting a wary glance at Bridget. “Hi. Is this a bad time? I didn’t realize you had company.”

“Holden Joyce, this is my sister, Bridget Harris.”

Bridget smiled at Holden. “Nice to meet you.”

“Same here.”

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