Chapter Twenty-Five #3
“Maybe, maybe not. He’s getting desperate and knows his plans to frame Elle have failed. Our psychologist thinks he’ll try to kill Elle next and that anyone in her sphere could be at risk. That means me and, quite possibly, you.”
Penny sighed. “I’m sorry, Dad. I wasn’t thinking like that. I’ll be more careful, but I am going to the service tonight. It’s just students. The official funeral will be later. Her body hasn’t been released to her parents yet.”
“Who’s going?”
Penny listed four other students. “And Millicent’s boyfriend is driving us. He’s got an SUV big enough that we can all go together and save gas and he’s a cop with Fort Bragg. You know him—Gil Honeycutt.”
Ronan did know Gil. That Penny would have an off-duty police escort made him feel marginally better. “Is Gil going because he’s afraid for Millicent’s safety?”
Penny nodded. “We’re all being careful, Dad. Not many people understand the connection to Elle. Most folks just think he’s a serial killer.”
“Does Gil know?”
“I think he suspects. We haven’t discussed it. I haven’t discussed it with anyone. I’m carrying my Glock with me, if it makes you feel better.” She patted her chest. “Bra holster.”
He held up both hands. “Whoa. Never mind.”
She laughed. “I really am capable of taking care of myself, Dad. Now hurry and change. The chili is getting cold.”
He changed into jeans and his favorite 49ers sweatshirt. It was soft with age and countless washings. So much better than a stiff shirt collar.
He brought his bag of dry cleaning to Penny and kissed her cheek. “Thank you. I didn’t mean to scold you. I’m just worried.”
“I know. Take that pot over to Elle. It’s hot, so use oven mitts. Don’t burn yourself like last time. I need to head out. I’ll stay in contact and let you know when I get there.”
“Take your sat phone in case you run into trouble on the way.” Because there was no cell phone service for about eighty percent of the journey.
“In my purse and all charged up. Love you, Dad.” She glanced at her phone. “My ride’s here. See you later. Hurry up and take that chili next door.”
He stood at the window, watching as she got in the large SUV that had pulled into their driveway. Behind the wheel was the young cop who was dating Penny’s friend.
Gil gave him a salute, telling him that he’d keep them all safe. Penny was smart and so were her friends. They weren’t taking unnecessary risks.
Still, he didn’t feel good about Penny leaving his sight. Not until they’d dealt with Ashton Dempsey.
“She’s smart,” he told himself as he grabbed the pot of chili and marched next door.
He knocked on the door of Emil and Lydia’s house and waited while he listened to the lock being disengaged from inside.
“Ronan.” Gary smiled at him. “You’re just in time.”
“For what?”
“To meet Squiggles.” Gary stepped aside, letting Ronan enter.
“What is a Squiggles?” Ronan asked.
Gary pointed. “That.”
Sitting on the floor of the living room were Elle, Alexis, and Deputy Tamara Woodgate, oohing and ahhing over the small bundle of fur that wriggled excitedly in Elle’s arms.
Elle was laughing at the dog as it licked her face.
She looked younger. Carefree.
His heart tripped and his breath caught as his mind conjured the images of this woman in his living room, playing with his dog. Smiling just like this.
For a long moment, he simply stood and watched Elle cuddle the dog against her chest, nuzzling her cheek into its fur.
“How did she get a dog? I was only gone for a few hours.”
Gary chuckled. “It’s a long story. She just took her first Fort Bragg legal client, a young woman who left her abusive husband and is staying in the shelter. They can’t house the dog at this time so Elle is fostering it. It’s just a puppy. It’s gonna be big.”
“Its paws are huge already. We’ll need to get the okay from Emil and Lydia, but I’m sure they’ll give permission.”
“Already did,” Elle called. “Penny asked them and they were happy to let me help with the puppy. It’ll keep me company since I’m stuck inside for the time being.”
He remembered her story about her dog Peanut. How much she’d loved him. I’ll get her a dog of her own after this is over.
Or he’d support her in choosing a pet herself. Don’t get in front of yourself. Don’t rush.
But he wanted to rush. Wanted to have this.
Wanted to have her.
“Oh, the look on your face,” Gary murmured. “I can’t wait to tell Arlene.”
Ronan shot him a very small glare. “Not until this is over,” he said under his breath. “Howard will yank me off this case.”
Gary mimed zipping his lips exactly as Penny had. “Did you get anything off the credit cards?”
“Not really. I’m wondering if he’s holed up somewhere in an Airbnb like this one.
He’s not in any of the local hotels or inns or B&Bs.
He’s not at any of the campsites, either.
We’ve checked them all. Now Howard’s got his people looking at the rental houses here and in Willits. Hopefully, something will pop.”
“Hopefully. What’s in the pot?”
“Penny’s chili.”
Gary rubbed his hands together. “Then let’s eat. I’m starving.”