Chapter 6 #2
A knock on her doorframe drew her attention. Jonah strolled in, his long legs eating up the distance to her desk. “I spoke to Chief Deputy Williams. She’s—” He paused, a slight crease forming between his brows. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I…” Laney debated not saying anything, but this was Jonah. Her best friend. She told him everything.
Well, almost everything.
“Douglass is taking an early retirement. He wants to recommend to headquarters that they keep me on as superintendent.”
A wide grin broke out across Jonah's face, transforming his normally serious features. It was the kind of smile that made people—especially women—do double-takes. Genuine and unguarded in a way he rarely allowed. It sent warmth straight through her.
“That’s amazing, Laney! Congrats.” He paused, seeming to register that she wasn’t as thrilled with the news as he was. His smile dimmed. “Or not? This is great news, so why do you look like someone threw up on your shoes?”
“Because I’m not sure I’m going to accept the offer. I moved here because Mom was sick. After she passed, there was Breanna’s wedding, and then she was pregnant with Asher and…”
“You just stayed,” he filled in.
Laney tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “She needed me. Still does. But I won’t lie, there’s an urge to move on. I couldn’t do that if I was Superintendent. It’s more responsibility.”
“You don’t think you’ll ever settle down in one spot?”
There was something in the depths of his blue eyes that made her stomach flutter. Jonah’s tone was casual, but the question seemed loaded for some strange reason.
She averted her gaze and shrugged, keeping her voice light.
“I enjoy meeting new people. Facing different challenges.” She’d moved dozens of times.
Her career in the military had required it, but even as a park ranger, she’d hopped to a new assignment every few years.
Already she was feeling antsy. Truth be told, Laney intended to move on to another park once Douglass came back to work.
“There’s a benefit to staying in one place though,” Jonah said. “You can create deeper friendships and be a more meaningful part of a community. Maybe meet someone, get married, and have a family of your own.”
A few years ago, Laney would have laughed at the idea of settling down.
Somehow, seeing her younger sister happily married with a baby…
it’d unearthed a desire for a future she’d never considered before.
It also ignited, in equal measure, a pit-in-her-stomach terror.
“The longest relationship I've ever had lasted six months.
Wedding bells aren't even on my radar.” A thought stilled her movements.
“Do you think about it? Getting married?”
“It’s crossed my mind a time or two.” His voice was low, loaded with some unspoken emotion she couldn’t quite place. Jonah’s mouth quirked. “Of course, I’d have to find someone who can put up with me.”
Laney chuckled. “There’s that. You’re a handful, Foster.” Her tone was light, but a sinking feeling settled in her belly at the thought of him getting married. She’d never considered it. Jonah didn’t date much, and his serious relationships had been few and far between.
Still…how foolish of her. Deep down, Jonah had always been a romantic.
He was considerate and kind. Smart. Good with kids.
Definitely easy on the eyes. Any woman in her right mind would be lucky to marry him.
Would his wife be comfortable with their friendship?
Some women wouldn’t be. Regardless, Jonah’s first duty would be to his wife.
Things would change between them, and selfishly, Laney didn’t want them to.
This train of thought wasn’t helping anyone. Shifting back to more comfortable ground, she said, “What were you about to tell me? About Chief Deputy Williams?”
“She’s going to interview Ava and Tyler’s family members again, as well as their friends.
Since it’s Labor Day weekend, a lot of the college kids have gone home or are on vacation, but she’s tracking down everyone she can.
I also spoke with my boss, Lieutenant Rodriguez.
She’s sending Ryker and Tate to assist us on the case. They’ll be here tomorrow.”
Texas Rangers Ryker Montgomery and Tate Atwood were both members of Company A.
Laney had never worked with either man in a professional setting, but she knew them well socially.
She'd watched Ryker and Hannah exchange marriage vows just two months ago, and even she—cynic that she was—had felt a flicker of hope watching them. But hope was dangerous. While she didn’t believe for a second Ryker would ever leave Hannah for another woman, that didn’t prevent something else from tearing them apart in a few years.
“I thought Ryker was in Hawaii on his honeymoon.”
“Got back last night.”
She winced. “Hannah can’t be happy about us stealing him away. The man barely had time to unpack.”
“Are you kidding me?” He eyed her incredulously. “Have you checked your cell phone recently?”
Laney pulled the device from her pocket.
She’d put her cell on silent for the meeting with her staff and Douglass, and was stunned to see 30 new text messages.
Rangers from Company A—along with their wives and significant others—all texted their support, prayers, and offers to help.
Hannah was among them. The demonstration of love was overwhelming. “That’s…wow.”
“They care about you.”
“Clearly.” She shot off a message to the group, thanking them, and then arched a brow. “I wonder…how many text messages did you receive?” The corners of her mouth lifted even though Laney battled against it. Teasing Jonah was one of her favorite pastimes, mainly because he made it so easy.
He scowled. “They like you better than they like me. I know that already. You don’t need to rub it in.”
“They do not, and you know it. Although it might help matters if you smiled more.”
“What? Change my sparkling personality? No thanks.” Jonah gestured to her computer. “Can you log in and tell me who checked Ava and Tyler in when they arrived yesterday afternoon? And the exact time they checked in, along with any activities they registered for?”
“Trying to figure out who they ran into at the park?”
He nodded, leaning on her desk. “The incident this morning changes things a bit. If the killer is afraid you’ll recognize him, then chances are its someone who works here. I’d like to trace Ava and Tyler’s movements in the park from the time they arrived until the murders.”
“Okay.” She logged into the system and navigated to the check-in log.
Her finger scrolled down the screen until she found the entry.
“Brett was at the front desk when they arrived. He’s there now, so we can interview him.
Looks like Tyler registered his vehicle, per policy, and got a parking tag for it.
They also rented a two-person kayak from the boathouse. ”
“Sheriff Morrison mentioned Ava loved kayaking.”
“Eddie Sorenson was working in the boathouse.” She checked the schedule and frowned. “He’s supposed to be here this morning, but I didn’t see him at the staff meeting. Maybe he arrived late.”
Jonah straightened. “Or maybe he didn't show up at all.” His expression darkened. “After someone was lurking around your cabin this morning, I don't like coincidences. Let's find Eddie.”