Page 61 of Trace of Doubt
He squinted. “Not my thing. But if it comforts you, go for it.”
I wouldn’t push the subject. “What about the shooters?”
“One is dead of multiple gunshot wounds. Doesn’t look like all were Aaron’s.”
“You mean the man who drove off shot him too?”
“Dead men don’t talk. Fingerprint records show he has past convictions for robbery and assault.”
“Hired assassins?”
“I’m thinking so. But we have a leg up. This old trailer house had a tiny upgrade—a security camera.”
“You got his face on camera?”
“Yep. Because I’m retired, my access to info is normally on a need-to-know basis. But we now have a bonus.”
“When can we take a look?”
“We?” He tossed his familiar frown at me.
“I’m part of the Three Musketeers.”
“In that case, right now.” He rubbed his face. For sure the dayhad aged him. “Our position’s been compromised. Highway patrol is parked outside until we leave. But they know I’ll review the security camera first, then send a link to Houston FBI.”
“Where are we headed then?”
“Hotel near Valleysburg. One more thing. I have bad news.”
From the haggard look on Isaac’s face, I weighed one critical issue after another. My mother had passed? Another crime surfaced with my name on it? Denton got pulled back to Houston? What about Edie or Amy-Jo?
“Please—” I struggled from the kitchen floor to my feet—“what’s happened?”
“Denton’s been in an accident.”
I gasped.
Isaac shook his head. “Whoa. He’s at a hospital in Austin and in surgery. Initial report is a concussion and broken bones. Have no clue if there are internal injuries or if the medical procedure is to set a bone.”
I blinked back tears, which solved nothing. “Is he conscious?”
“No idea. If he gave a statement, I don’t have it. Most likely, an agent will take one when he’s out of surgery.”
“Forget this protection detail. Take me to see Denton.”
“Stupid idea. Then the bad guys will have both of you in the same place.”
I stepped into Isaac’s personal space. “My nonconfrontational days that helped me survive in prison are over. Got my rear kicked anyway. Seems to me the hospital would be the best place to be. Are you taking me, or do I talk to the highway patrol?”
“If you don’t follow directions, I can’t be responsible.”
“Drive me to the hospital and then head on home. I don’t need a babysitter.”
“Denton thought otherwise.”
The mention of his name shook me.Denton is hurt because of me.“And just look at the condition he and Aaron are in.”
“Shelby, you’d drive a man to drink.”
