Chapter 17
Caleb
“I’m saying there were things in the report that bothered me,” Caleb says. “I reached out to an investigator friend and he’s looking into it. After today, I’m even more concerned.”
“I want to know who the guy in the old truck is and what he’s really after,” Clay snaps. “And I want to know what the fuck Mimi Rose has to do with all this. And where she is.”
He pushes from his chair. “God. Damn. It. I want answers. Now.
“Grace, you got a key to the gift shop?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s go look at the painting.”
Outside, Grace puts a hand on my arm. “Can we get Woody? He’s been in the truck a while and probably needs a walk. We can go through the alley.”
I glance at Clay and he shrugs.
“Sure, babe.”
The three of us are following Woody as he sniffs his way down the alley, pausing to mark what I assume he thinks is his territory every twenty feet.
Last side street before the shop, he suddenly pauses, nose in the air. He stiffens and starts to growl.
Clay pulls his weapon and speaks into his shoulder mic. I reach for my weapon as I slide in front of Grace.
“That’s the truck and the man,” she says. “Is that a painting he’s carrying?”
“Stop! Police, don’t move,” Clay shouts.
Woody races forward. The man turns, tossing the painting at the dog and jumps in his truck. He fumbles with the ignition, finally getting the engine started and throws the vehicle in reverse. A squad car pulls up blocking his exit.
Clay shouts again. “Get out with your hands up.”
The driver visibly relaxes, then gives his head a slight shake. Before any of us can reach him, he brings a pistol up under his chin and pulls the trigger.
I spin, pulling Grace against me, trying to protect her from seeing.
“Did he just... Did he just kill himself?”
State authorities still have not identified the man who committed suicide rather than be taken.
The vehicle was reported stolen five years ago in California.
Other than the fact we know he was stealing the painting, authorities have nothing to go on.
They have reopened the file regarding Guy’s death. Now all we can do is wait.
Pushing the screen door open with my hip, I’ve got a tray of mugs, cream, sugar, and cookies balanced on one palm, and the coffee carafe in the other.
Grace is in the yard working with Fawn on more extensive training with Woody. Jaxon, Maura and Spade are relaxing on the new Adirondack chairs we added to the front yard.
Fawn glances up and smiles, then calls an end to the training, giving me a wink behind Grace’s back.
Once everyone is settled and Grace is sitting on the steps with her own coffee, I glance around the semicircle of friends. “I’m glad you all could come today. I’ll crank up the grill soon. But there were a couple other things I wanted to bring up.
“Grace is reopening Mudd and Twine. So let all the local artisans know she’ll be back in business in a couple weeks. That includes you, Spade with your photos, Jaxon with your carvings and woodwork, and Fawn your wools.”
“More important than all of that I wanted you here for this.” Placing my cup on the step with a shaking hand, I kneel in front of Grace as I pull a box from my pocket.
“Grace Halloway. I’m in love with you. I want to marry you, support you in all your dreams and goals. Be there when you need me. I don’t deserve you, but I will be loyal and faithful for the rest of our lives.
“I’m committed to finishing out my hotshot contract this year. But will quit when it’s over if that’s what you want me to do. My job will never come between us.”
Her gaze is soft, eyes filled with tears. “I don’t need you to change who you are or what you do, Caleb. I trust you will always be careful and strive to come home to me. I understand the man you are and don’t need you to try to be what you aren’t.
“I love you. Yes.”
I slip the simple band that I know she favors onto her finger. “Forever and always, my love.”
She studies the ring for a moment then her smile fills my soul. “I do have one request.”
“Anything.”
She glances over at Maura, who’s attempting to hide her laughter behind her hand. “I’d like to be married soon, before I start showing.”
My mind goes blank. “Showing what?”
“I’m pregnant, stud muffin.”