Chapter 5 #3
With the passage of time and her admittedly faulty memory, she was no longer a key witness.
Mrs. T’s plea to make the most of every moment replayed. She’d encouraged him to open his heart to the one who got away. Before he could do so, however, he had to include her in his confidence.
“I feel like…” He ran a hand over his face, wiping the corners of his eyes.
If he spoke to her frankly, he couldn’t go back.
Emma would be involved. She already was but lived in a bubble of innocence.
“I need to tell you what is going on. Because I need your help. I’ve given you a lot to digest. I’m sorry.
But I need to ask you to put it all aside for a moment. Lives are in danger. Including yours.”
She twisted her neck and shot him a terrified deer in the headlights look.
“Owen has spent his life looking for clues about that night. I haven’t shared my investigation with him or anyone.
The case is closed. It’s been over for years as far as my department is concerned.
No one wants to rip off a scab and poke an old wound.
But he thinks someone at the camp that night killed her.
He shared that much with me and told me of his reunion idea, to bring everyone back and get justice. ”
Emma gasped.
“When he told you no accidents Liz, I believe he was seeing you and not a hallucination. Owen was shot before he got in the car at the camp. You might have been the target, and he got in the way. It’s shocking that he managed to drive at all.
The fact he didn’t run you over is miraculous.
But I think the car chased you and turned around to finish the job.
I have reason to fear you are in danger.
For all the perpetrator knows, Owen spoke with you and told you everything.
Or you’ve been the main target all along. Did you hear anything?”
“The storm was so loud. I was walking away from the office when a tree branch cracked. And at the time…”
“Yes?” he supplied.
“I thought it couldn’t be lightning so close without the thunder rumbling the ground under my feet. The sound was more like a firework exploding. I thought I smelled smoke which is strange because of the rain.”
“Can you take me there when we get back to camp? The doctors recovered the bullet from Owen’s leg. I’d like to look for shell casings. We might find the match.”
She nodded, her head bobbing like a fly on the surface of the lake, teasing the depths. “If your theory is correct and someone got away with my sister’s death, why come back? Wouldn’t a return risk implication?”
Daniel shrugged. He only had theories and nothing solid enough to share. Tying up loose ends wasn’t enough motivation. Owen wasn’t any closer to answers before he issued the reunion invitations. Or he hadn’t shared any new leads with Daniel. The killer must have suspected Owen knew their identity.
“What does that mean for me?” she asked.
Owen remained the number one target, but Emma couldn’t be far behind. As the twin sister of the victim, she could have insight into the crime that threatened the culprit. “Don’t be alone with another person besides me or one of the Thomases.”
“Not even my bunk mates?”
He shook his head. “Stick with at least two of them at all times.”
“You think this is the work of one person?”
His gut told him it was. But he had no proof of that.
“I hate not knowing who I can trust,” she said.
“I’ll be close at all times. I promise.”
“And now what? We’re supposed to walk in and act normal?” She laughed, a forced sound.
He nodded. “Owen is talking. Let’s get answers from him. I think he saw his assailant. This could all be over today. And then you can be freed from this burden you’ve carried.”
And return to your life. He wanted part of that daydream to be real. He wanted her to come home. But their small town didn’t hold much opportunity. She did a lot of good work and helped a lot of people. Coming back would squander her talents. Shaunitoc had nothing to offer, besides his heart.
She turned toward him. “Thank you for telling me…everything.” She lifted the corner of her mouth in a sad sort of smile. “I need to absorb the news and process what you said. I’m sorry if my reactions have seemed ungrateful.”
“Never. I understand.” After a career in law enforcement, he’d learned how differently everyone handled news. Good or bad, a shock was a shock. Most people didn’t have the reactions displayed in the movies. “Let’s get some answers and maybe get you home tonight.”
She opened her mouth and quickly shut it, opening her door.
What would she have said if she hadn’t cut herself off?
Would she have protested that she wanted to stay?
He didn’t want to push her away but couldn’t keep her safe with a killer on the loose.
Or would she have understood the other meaning he implied?
He wanted her back in town for good. Wishful thinking was worthless, and he didn’t believe in it.
He needed action and prayer, following His guidance. His faith lay with the Lord.