Page 122 of Concrete Evidence
“I should have taken a boat,” Marc said. “Or had sense enough to bring towels.”
“When’s this rain supposed to end?”
“The storm’s stalled, so who knows?” Marc started the engine and headed back to the ranch. “The senator has done tremendous good for the state by using his influence to lower taxes, create more jobs, and provide generous donations to colleges for scholarships, but his opponents are after blood. I’d rather deal with those carrying a gun than politics.”
“Just different weapons. In my opinion, Ross Archer isn’t our man. He’d have invited us inside and made small talk instead of lashing out at Senator Elliott. Archer’s too smart to point a finger at him. Those on the senator’s list of enemies are dwindling. Agent interviews and backgrounds haven’t given us a thing. The only person who has intel is my pal Craig.”
“Can you work on him?” Marc said.
“I’ll tell him I’m in the market to buy my girls a horse. Ask for advice.”
“Good.”
“On another topic, how are you doing in investigating the potential murder of your father?”
Marc hadn’t worked through his emotions like he wanted—or needed. “I wish the past had been different.” He paused. “I think I might have respected him.”
“Forgiveness is a tough tackle.”
“Not there yet.”
“I get it.” Roden nodded. “Any updates on the dam’s condition?”
“Still holding, and the reservoir isn’t overflowing,” Marc said. “But for how long?”
68
THE LINGERING SMELLof chocolate chip, ginger, cinnamon, and lemon bars swirled sweetness around Avery. After the baking extravaganza, she finished the kitchen cleanup with Donita and Tessa. Avery and Tessa had eaten far too much cookie dough but had enough sense to stop before they were sick. They talked and laughed, momentarily forgetting the upheaval ready to erupt again.
The deputy hadn’t arrived with Craig and Leanne yet, causing Avery to cast a cautious eye at the time. She texted Leanne. No answer.
Marc and Roden entered the kitchen from the side of the house.
“Do I smell cookies?” Roden said. “Or have I died and gone to heaven?”
“This isn’t paradise, but we have plenty of cookies,” Avery said.
“We’d love to have a dozen or two, but we’re soaked.”
Donita huffed. “There’s a bathroom on your right with towels to dry off. You’re not helpless.”
Marc chuckled. “Really? Guess it depends on how badly we want those cookies. Any fresh coffee?”
Donita shook her head at Tessa and Avery. “Men are just little boys in big bodies.”
Tessa bolted off a stool. “I’ll make a pot.”
Donita feigned a frown. “Don’t placate him or he’ll have you waiting on him hand and foot.”
“We hear every word,” Marc said from the bathroom.
Avery loved the bantering. Normal. Memory makers. Treasured gems to hold in her heart when life dealt a vicious blow.
Less than five minutes later, Marc grabbed a healthy handful of all the cookies and a huge mug of coffee. “Gotta few minutes for me?” he said to Avery with his mouth full.
“Of course she does,” Tessa sang her words.
Roden and Donita shared a laugh at Avery’s expense. She ignored them and poured coffee. “I could spare a few.”
