Page 119 of Concrete Evidence
Tessa’s eyes widened. “Gram said cookies were the next best thing to an angel’s kiss.”
Mia glanced at Avery and Donita. “Are you up for whipping up something gooey and chocolate?” When they chimed in, Mia reached into the fridge’s freezer and pulled out a pound of butter quarters. “I’ll go ahead and soften these.”
Maybe today would have a happy ending.
Maybe today would shower them with answers and relief.
Maybe today would end in the same depression they felt but refused to discuss.
A whirling sensation in the pit of Avery’s stomach edged toward uneasiness. No point in fooling herself. Nothing changed unless the guilty person knocked on their front door and showed up in cuffs.
66
MARC GREW TIRED OF LISTENINGto the senator and Shipley say the same things—backward, forward, and arguing all the way. No way would these two figure out the end of someone’s vile game.
When a text flew into Marc’s and Roden’s phones from one of the deputies stationed at the hospital about Craig’s release, they excused themselves and made their way up a flight of stairs to the balcony off a massive sitting area.
Roden phoned Craig for details and placed his phone on speaker. Although the rain continued, they could still hear.
“Heard you were getting dismissed around three,” Roden said. “Need us to pick you up, or are you fine with a deputy?”
“I’m good with a deputy. Leanne is here, and she’s having a prescription filled and will follow us to the ranch. She wanted me to stay with her for a couple of days, but that looks bad and people talk.” He hesitated. “I told her about the person-of-interest thing.”
“Craig, it’s safer here for you. The flip side is how would you feel if Leanne got in the way of a stray bullet at her home? It’s happened here more than once.”
“You’re right. Thanks for looking out for us.”
Marc wrestled with Craig’s innocence or guilt. But he’d been fooled before.
“You got it. See you and Leanne soon.” Roden pocketed his phone. “He thinks he pulled a good play.”
“I’d like more info on Leanne,” Marc said. “Mind if I talk to Avery?”
“She might open up more to you about Leanne if I’m not there.” He grinned. “Gives you time alone.”
Marc nodded. “Never could pull anything over on you. Hey, did you hear anything new last night or today with the senator and Shipley?”
“Shipley insists Jake Drendle pulled this all off himself and refuses to listen to Senator Elliott’s arguments about the impossibility of a single person at the helm. Can’t figure out why unless he just wants it over. I’m going to rest in my room. Text me when you know something.”
Marc found the women in the stable arena. He shook the rain from an umbrella, and Mom waved from the sidelines. Tessa rode and Avery gave instructions. Marc pulled his phone from his pocket and videoed the two. Even if Mrs. Litton didn’t survive to view it, he wanted it for himself.
“You’re doing great,” Avery said. “Sit tall and don’t hold with your knees.”
“Thanks. When can I go faster?”
“Trotting and cantering come when you’ve mastered balance and coordination.”
Tessa nodded. “What else?”
“Always stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Here inthe arena, there’s nothing to distract Cozy, but the pasture is another matter. Horses have what I call horse-talk, and it takes time to learn their language.” Avery turned and waved at Marc and his mother. “Be right with you.” She gave Tessa instructions to keep riding the circle.
Avery walked his way. She had her hair in a ponytail, wore jeans, boots—a fresh beauty he could never get enough of. When could he tell her more than... wait, until this was over? “How’s the riding lesson?”
“Tessa catches on fast, and she’s not afraid of Cozy.”
“Might need you to give me lessons.”
She smiled, and her blue eyes filled with warmth. “Whenever you’re ready.”
