Chapter 2 #2
But they had the human skull, which meant they could match dental records. Something that wouldn’t take long. A day or two at the most. He was surprised they hadn’t made a positive ID already.
Bruno stayed close to Evie as they stood in the backyard. Cam was glad she had the dog for added protection.
“We’ll have officers return in the morning,” Linder said. “In the meantime, I suggest you find a safer place to stay.”
“That’s the plan.” Cameron felt ancient next to this young cop. Two tours in Afghanistan had changed him, especially after losing more than half their team during the exfil. Being back in Grand Haven after all this time was surreal.
“I need your contact information too.” Officer Linder pulled a small notebook from his pocket. Cam obliged by providing his full name and cell number. Evie did the same.
“Where are you staying?” Linder asked, tucking the small notebook back into his pocket.
“Not sure yet,” he said, before Evie could comment. “But we’ll be available by phone if you need anything.”
Linder frowned, then shrugged. “Okay, fine.” He moved toward the back door. “I have to locate the slug.”
“It’s embedded in the wall across from the window.” Cam had noticed it right away. “Be careful you don’t ruin the striation as you remove it from the drywall. Cut a large area around the slug and take the whole section of plaster with you.”
Linder looked surprised at his comment, then nodded. “Yes, sir.”
The response only made him feel that much older than he already was. Not that thirty-four was old. Some days it just felt like it. He sighed and turned toward Evie. “Pack a bag for you and some dog food for Bruno.”
“Okay.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. He felt bad for what she was going through. None of this was her fault. He watched as Bruno followed her into the bedroom, then stayed at the door where the animal could see Cam, the cop, and Evie.
Good boy, he thought with admiration. The dog understood his job was to protect Evie.
Officer Linder used a tool from his belt to slice into the drywall.
Cam was glad to see the young officer took care to stay far away from the slug itself as he cut a section free.
They had two clues now, the slug and the bit of fleece.
It wasn’t nearly enough to pin down a suspect, but it occurred to Cameron that the gunman’s actions might help keep him out of prison.
He’d been inside the kitchen when the shot rang out. And he hadn’t been back in Grand Haven since he’d been shipped off to Georgia for basic training the second week of September after his senior year.
Evie returned to the kitchen wheeling a small suitcase.
She grabbed a fabric grocery bag with handles from the closet and filled it with Bruno’s dishes and a half-full bag of food.
“I may need to get more for him at some point.” She shot him an apologetic look.
“I was planning to head home in the next few days.”
“No problem, we can stop at the store tomorrow.” What he didn’t say was that they couldn’t leave town until they understood the source of the danger. The last thing he wanted was for the gunman to follow Evie all the way to Grand Rapids.
“Okay.” She picked up the grocery bag and reached for the rolling suitcase. “I’m ready.”
He was about to take the bag and the suitcase, then belatedly realized she’d want her own car. “I’ll store these in my car. You can follow me.”
She glanced at Officer Linder, watching as he carried the chunk of drywall outside. When he was out of earshot, she turned back to him. “Where are we going? I assume there’s a reason you didn’t want to tell Linder where we’re staying.”
“That’s correct, the less people who know where you are, the better.
” Linder was too young to have been responsible for Skye’s disappearance, but Cam wasn’t taking any chances.
“I think we should try the Haven Suites. That way you’ll have your own room.
” He nodded at Bruno. “Not sure if they’re dog friendly. ”
She bent to stroke Bruno’s fur. “He doesn’t bark unless he senses a threat.”
He nodded, hoping it wasn’t a problem. Grand Haven was known to be a tourist attraction, especially during the summer months. In his humble opinion, that should include allowing pets to accompany families. “Let’s go.”
He stored Evie’s suitcase and dog food in the back of his Jeep.
He backed out of the driveway, then waited for Evie to do the same.
He noticed her SUV had a crate area in the back for Bruno, which was good.
Glancing up at the starry sky, he realized he’d have to put his rag top on before taking Bruno and Evie anywhere.
He’d noticed the dog was well trained, but if he took a turn too fast, the dog could potentially fall out of the vehicle.
When they reached the Haven Suites, he quickly jumped out and crossed to Evie’s SUV. She rolled down her window, looking confused. “Did you change your mind?”
“No, but let me get the room. You stay here with Bruno.”
“I should pay half,” she protested.
“I’ll take care of it.” He waved that off. “I was going to need a room anyway. My dad didn’t stay in Grand Haven after I joined the army.”
“Okay.” She sat back in the seat. “Whatever you think is best.”
He wanted the room to be under Grayson’s Guardians, rather than either of their names. Whether Skye’s killer was still in town or had come back for some reason, he would know their names.
And he already viewed Evie as a threat.
Obtaining a suite wasn’t difficult, and he’d readily agreed to the extra “pet” fee. Taking the keys, he headed back outside. Evie was still waiting behind the wheel, startling when he approached.
“Here’s the key. We’re in room 118. On the first floor, which is nice for Bruno.” He managed a reassuring smile. “But let’s park around back. Out of view of the road.”
Her eyes widened for a minute, then she nodded. “I understand.”
“Good.” He hated knowing she was in danger, but hopefully taking precautions would help.
He led the way, driving around to the back of the building.
He found a parking space and watched as Evie pulled in beside him.
He took a moment to grab his weapon and belt holster from the glove box.
After pushing out of the driver’s side, he quickly looped his belt through the holster, feeling better with being armed.
Evie watched him warily as she let Bruno out of the crate area.
“I didn’t know you owned a gun.”
He arched a brow as he reached into the Jeep to grab his duffel, her suitcase, and Bruno’s supplies. “I’m a former soldier, remember?” He nodded toward the door leading into the hotel. “The key should work on the side entrance.”
“Come, Bruno.” She called her dog as she headed toward the building. He stayed close behind, sweeping his gaze over the parking lot. The area was well lit, which worked against them. If the gunman assumed they were at one of the local hotels, it wouldn’t take long to find the vehicles.
Considering the gunshot came in from the backyard, and the way he’d run off into the nature preserve, made Cam think that the guy hadn’t noticed his Jeep. But he could know what Evie’s car looks like.
Did gunman have the resources to run license plates? The average person did not, but if this guy had been savvy enough to remain hidden for all these years, Cam was concerned that he might be well connected.