Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 108849 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108849 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Unfortunately, that was true, and Laurel didn’t have the energy to deal with her half sister right now. “Jason robbed a convenience store miles away from the Genesis Valley Community Church, where Teri Bearing’s body was found. Have we found any witnesses who might’ve seen him in that area lately?”
“Not yet,” Huck said. “I have the canvassing officers reporting in every fifteen minutes, and if anybody gets a hit, they’re to call me immediately. Thus far we don’t have a damn thing.” He cleared his throat. “I’ve been taken off my mom’s case, but I can argue that the Jason Abbott case is separate right now. Kind of.”
They had no proof that Abbott was committing the river killings. Yet. She wiggled her toes in the now-warming sheets. “We have more than we did yesterday. At least we know that Jason Abbott is still in the vicinity. Have you gleaned any news from the tail we’ve had on Haylee Johnson?”
“Not a word,” Huck said. “I had them check in an hour ago, and she’s been in her apartment outside Genesis Valley all day and night.”
Laurel sighed. “I can’t believe Abbott hasn’t contacted her.”
“Obviously not, because he had to rob a place to get food and money. He has to know that we’re watching her.”
Yes, but Abbott believed he was smarter than everyone else. “He’ll want to outfox us by contacting her. He’s probably biding his time, though.” She enjoyed employing both colloquialisms.
“Most likely,” Huck agreed. “How did your plan with your mom go?”
“Successfully,” Laurel said. “She’s leaving tomorrow morning with Dolores for the spa, and then they’ll fly to Asia and meet with all of the growers. I have her staff rearranging her visits and timelines so she doesn’t have to worry about it.”
“You’re a good daughter. I take it you and your damn cat will be moving in with me?”
She rolled over and curled onto her side. “Fred and I can stay here if you want. He doesn’t like it when you swear at him.”
“That cat couldn’t care less,” Huck said, chuckling. “I would very much appreciate it if you both moved in here. I don’t like you being alone there, even though, yes, you are a trained FBI agent.”
She sighed. “I am sleeping very soundly these days, and I wouldn’t mind backup.” As if on cue, Fred stretched against her, purring loudly. “Should we talk about a more permanent arrangement?” She winced. Personal matters were not her forte.
“I’ve been thinking about that,” Huck said. “We have several options.”
The sound of something popping came across the line, and it took her a second to identify it as a log in his fire. She missed his fire and wished she relaxed in front of it right now. Her mom’s place just wasn’t as warm. “List our options, please.”
“We could expand my place and build a second level, or if you prefer, we could redesign that barndominium that you have planned.”
She petted the cat and scratched behind his ears. “I was thinking the same thing. I would like to remain here on the family property closer to my mom, especially once the baby’s born.” She had no doubt Deidre would provide valuable babysitting. Plus, her mom was the most loving person she knew, and a baby would need that.
“That’s fine by me,” Huck said. “We can go over the plans. I will need a shop, though. You know that, right?”
She calculated the available space and mentally designed where each building should be erected. “We have acres upon acres of land here. You can have the biggest shop ever built.”
“Now, that sounds like a good plan. I’m glad we’re creating a future together, Laurel.”
“As am I,” she said, drowsiness hitting her. “All we have to do is find a couple of serial killers, and then we’re in the clear.”
He sighed. “Right. Just that.”
Chapter 24
The sun hadn’t risen yet as Laurel helped lug her mom’s heavy suitcase out of the farmhouse.
“You stop that right now.” Deidre rushed to grab the suitcase. “I’ve got it.”
Laurel tried to strengthen her grip while also waving to the two officers in the patrol car near the driveway. These were local police officers from Genesis Valley, and she appreciated their diligence. “Mom, I’m pregnant, not injured. I can help you.”
“No, I have it.” Deidre gently pushed her away.
A black town car rolled to a stop on the well-lit driveway, and her mom’s second-in-command, Dolores, jumped out of the back. “I can’t believe this. This is insane.” She ran toward them, her dark hair curled around her head. She was broad-shouldered and tall, and she elbowed both women out of the way. “I’ve got it. I’ve got it.”
A man emerged from the front of the vehicle and hurried toward them. He wore a full suit with a bow tie. “I can help you, ladies,” he said gently, prying the suitcase out of Dolores’s hands.