Page 116 of Concrete Evidence
Marc inwardly startled. Later he’d piece together what it all meant. “We’re having a hard time figuring out the truth behind the crew whopoured the dam’s foundation. Unable to locate them, and evidence points to a bogus crew.”
Craig frowned. “You’re kidding.”
“We’ll get it straightened out,” Roden said. “Is the doctor releasing you in the morning?”
“That’s what he said. With all this rain, I’m worried about the livestock.”
“They’ve been moved to higher ground.”
Craig appeared to fight sleep. “Those guys do just fine without me.”
“You scared them.”
“I’ll apologize.” He studied Marc. “You’re not talking much, which tells me you think I’m rear-deep in crimes.”
Marc couldn’t figure this guy out. One minute he wanted to cuff him, and the next he hesitated. “Your actions make you look guilty of sabotaging the dam.”
“I swear, I’m on the side of the good guys.”
“Until we hear your long story, you’re in protective custody. And a person of interest. Deputies will be posted outside your door.”
“I understand, and I don’t blame you. The nurse gave me a sleep med or I’d unload now.”
Marc and Roden stood. “We need to get back to the ranch. Lieutenant Shipley is driving in,” Marc said.
“He doesn’t sleep much.”
“You know from experience?”
“Just observation.”
Did Craig purposely allude to Shipley’s stellar reputation? He glanced at Roden. “Is there anything else you’d like to ask Craig, or should it wait until the morning?”
“Don’t think so. We’ll request the sheriff’s department to escort you back to the ranch.”
“Leanne asked to pick me up.” Craig covered his mouth to stifle ayawn. “She’ll find out I’m in custody soon enough. Guess it’s best she hear it from me. The deputies outside my door will stay?”
Roden nodded. “We want the person who planned these crimes in cuffs.”
“I still believe it’s Buddy and Saundra. They’ve caused the senator and Avery a lot of headaches. I have no idea who shot me, but I wouldn’t put it past one of them.”
Craig thought he’d pulled off whatever he tried to hide. He had between now and at the ranch tomorrow to concoct a story or make a confession. Which would it be?
64
AVERY HAD LONGED TO TALKto Granddad, one-on-one, for hours. But Shipley’s ETA gave them about twenty minutes. She walked onto the massive second-floor balcony where he stared into the darkness toward the cemetery.
“It’s time, Granddad. Time these attacks against you, me, and innocent people ended.”
“I’ve been praying for the same thing.”
They’d always shared an uncanny sense of perception for each other... A need to talk. Deep pain. Sickness. Celebrations. Knowing one was at the other end of a phone call without a ring.
He drew her to him with a hug around the waist. “I do like the spunky gal standing in front of me right now. Reminds me even more of her grandmother.”
Avery smiled and leaned into his shoulder. “I’m working on it.”
“But I know a secret about you.” He eyed her curiously. “You beat the tar out of the girl in junior high who bullied you.”
