Page 129 of Concrete Evidence
“Security gate claims Craig left around five thirty this mornin’,” the older man said. “He wakened a deputy who, in a sleep stupor, let him through. The same man told me Shipley left the ranch at 3:05 this morning, claiming he had a family medical emergency. The deputy knows how I feel about incompetence. Now both our suspects are gone.”
Marc’s face flushed. “The deputy allowed two persons of interest to leave the ranch. The man doesn’t deserve his badge.”
“The sheriff will get an earful. I’ll drive to Leanne’s.”
No reason to argue when Marc had his weapon. “I’m textingRoden.” He yanked his phone from his pocket and put his thumbs to work. “I’ll call him once we’re on the road.”
“We need him to protect our girls here at the ranch and keep an eye out in case Shipley shows up.”
“One more thing, Leanne’s not at home.”
The senator pressed a button to open a door of the triple-car garage. The downpour sounded like a waterfall. They climbed into his truck, and the senator backed out. “Should we wait to see if we pass Avery on the road?”
“Don’t think so. She’s staying in case Leanne returns. One more thing, Avery found Jake’s motorcycle, the missing piece to his guilt.”
The senator palmed the steering wheel. “Are you serious? If Leanne is working with Craig, another murder won’t mean a thing.”
“Senator, I tried to get Avery to leave. I have no idea why she was in the barn or how she found the motorcycle.”
“My granddaughter, until life erupted, rarely did anything unexpected. Oh, she’d break horses and outshoot me most of the time, but I never saw this wild, spontaneous side that could get her killed.”
The windshield wipers flew at lightning speed, but the commotion didn’t stop the senator from pressing on the gas and potentially hydroplaning. Marc couldn’t get to Avery fast enough either.
At Leanne’s home, the senator whipped into the driveway, bouncing his truck in the water-filled ruts. He swung in next to Avery’s car.
“You’d think Leanne would get those holes handled,” the senator said.
Marc chose not to respond. No point.
Avery stepped out of her battered car with an umbrella that the wind popped upside down and hurried into the barn. Marc and the senator rushed after her.
“If you were five, I’d turn you over my knee,” the senator said. “Have your brains turned into chicken feed?”
“I’m fine.” She stood dripping wet, like most of them had beenthe past few days. “I need to talk to Leanne.” She led the way to the stall where she’d uncovered the blue Yamaha motorcycle.
Marc snapped more pics before he contacted the sheriff’s department to confiscate the evidence. He studied Avery, a little pale to his liking. “Is Leanne in the habit of not answering texts and phone calls?”
“Never. I’m worried she’s gotten trapped in high water. Or Craig is not who we think he is, especially after I listened to y’all’s library conversation on my phone while driving here.”
Marc heard the near panic in her voice. How much more could she take? “I’ll try to reach her again.”
“No, she’s my friend.” Avery pressed in a number. “I’ve got this on speaker.” She stared back at Marc, her lips quivering.
“It will be all right. Take a deep breath.”
She lifted her chin. “Leanne, where are you? I’m at your place.”
“I’m with Craig helping people get to a shelter. I was on the road when I called you earlier. You’ve tried to reach me, and I’m sorry. Been incredibly busy. Look, I’ve got to go. We’re about to transport a family by motorboat to a shelter.”
“We’re on our way. What’s the location?” Avery repeated it, and Marc typed the address into his phone before she ended the call.
“Marc, why don’t you go with Avery, and I’ll follow,” the senator said.
“Really?” She slapped the keys into Marc’s hand. “Am I about to get a lecture?”
Marc winked. “We’re good. I’ll update Roden on the way.”
Roden picked up on the first ring, and Marc explained where they were headed. “If Shipley returns, keep him at the ranch. Cuff him if necessary. Are Mom and Tessa all right?”
