30. Ridley

30

RIDLEY

“Overprotective grumpy pants,” I muttered as I tossed a shard of one of my favorite dishes into a trash can I’d lined with my thirteenth trash bag.

Bowser’s ears twitched in response.

“Not you,” I assured the pup. “You’re perfect.”

He laid his head back down on his paws.

“Your owner, on the other hand…” I mumbled as I picked up two more pieces of broken ceramic and tossed them into the trash.

After Colt had made sure I wasn’t going to collapse into a pile of tears and snot at the sight of my destroyed van, he said he was going to head into work. I asked if I could hitch a ride into town, and he’d quickly squashed the idea, ordering me to stay here where I’d be safe.

Ordering me.

That wasn’t something I enjoyed, especially when it was clear I was on to something. Why else would someone try to stop me from doing my job? Little did that asswipe know, it only made me more determined.

So I was rage cleaning and mulling over the list of suspects in my head. The only problem was that, without interviewing said suspects on their whereabouts, I had no ability to shorten that list. I gathered up all the bits of couch fluff I could manage and stepped out of the van to dump it into the trash without it going flying.

Turning back to my beloved Bessie, I gave her a once-over. It wasn’t as bad as I’d originally thought. The couch cushions would have to be replaced along with my computers and some gear, but I could record with my lavalier mic and phone until those things came. I’d already ordered what I needed thanks to Colt’s Wi-Fi. It would be here in two to four days. I just hoped insurance would cover at least some of it; otherwise I’d be taking a dip into my savings.

But in the meantime, Bessie was drivable now that I’d cleaned up the worst of the damage. I turned to Bowser. “I’d take you with me, but I think your dad would have me arrested for dognapping.”

Anything to keep me locked up tight and out of trouble. The thought had a new flood of annoyance rushing to the surface. “Come on, B-man.” I clapped my hand against my thigh, and the dog followed me inside. I checked that he had water, knowing Tater was set with her new scratching post and toys. Then I went in search of spare keys.

Like a true Boy Scout, Colt had two sets hanging on the key rack. I took one and headed out, making sure to lock up. I did not need a break-in on my conscience too.

In a matter of minutes, I was on my way into town. The pulsing headache behind my eyes told me it was time for another dose of Tylenol, but I wanted some food in my stomach first. So I headed for Cowboy Coffee and their Kale Krunch salad. I was hoping I’d run into Dean too. I hadn’t gotten the kid’s email address or cell number, but I thought he might be able to help me track down another set of those yearbooks.

Because that was where I needed to start. There was something in those books and Emerson’s case file that someone didn’t want me to see. I’d already gotten Colt to agree to bring another copy of the file home with him, but he didn’t have easy access to six years’ worth of yearbooks. And I was sure the school wouldn’t be thrilled that I’d gotten theirs stolen.

I snagged a parking spot a couple down from the coffee shop and slid out of the van. My muscles protested the movement, my side flaring in pain. Apparently even sitting for the twenty-minute drive into town had been enough time for my body to tighten up. Tonight I’d do some gentle yoga and take a bath in that dreamy tub I’d eyed in Colt’s guest room. That was if he didn’t kick me out for disobeying his orders.

Heading toward Cowboy Coffee, I pulled up short as a man exited the shop. His gaze cut to me and then dipped to my neck. Trey’s easygoing expression morphed into a scowl as he stared.

I fought the urge to cover the skin there somehow. Maybe I needed to find a scarf. I knew the marks had begun to darken to bruises, but they were obviously worse than the last time I’d looked in a mirror.

“Shouldn’t you be resting?” Trey clipped.

“You sound like your bestie,” I muttered.

He simply arched a brow.

I sighed. “I’m fine. A little banged up but not on death’s door by any stretch.”

The scowl was back at my death’s door comment. “I really don’t think you should be out alone.”

I fought the urge to snap back at Trey. He didn’t deserve that. But that slight flex of control flipped my trigger. “I appreciate the concern, but I doubt anyone is going to try anything in broad daylight in the middle of downtown.”

Trey scanned our surroundings. People were out wandering the town and poking in shops. Cowboy Coffee was about two- thirds full. And there were no obviously nefarious characters around. “You’ll head back to Colt’s before dark?”

I held up my hand like I was being sworn in by a judge. “I solemnly swear.”

Trey’s lips twitched. “All right. Feel better and be safe.”

“Thanks,” I said, slipping around him and heading into the coffee shop.

I placed my order for lunch with a teenage girl who reminded me a lot of Emerson and found an empty table to hole up at. I felt naked without my laptop to work on, but I pulled my phone out of my bag, knowing I could do most of my work on it. The device dinged just as I set it down.

Sully

What the hell happened last night? Baker’s in a rage.

Shit. I’d completely forgotten to bring Sully up to speed and give him my version of events before Baker got to him.

Me

I’m fine. Swear. Had a little run-in with an asshole but I’m good.

Sully

Baker said you were in the hospital.

Me

The ER. Not admitted. And just to be safe. All my tests came back good. Bessie, on the other hand, has seen better days.

Sully

What happened to Bessie?!

I knew that bringing up my beloved van would get Sully off the topic of my own injuries. We were both a sucker for cool vehicles and he’d listened to me talk about every set of upgrades I’d given the ole girl.

Me

Someone did a number on her guts. But I’ll get her fixed up. Might be an excuse to do a few more projects.

Sully

That pullout couch so you don’t have to winter in the south anymore.

Me

Bingo.

Right now my bedroom in the van didn’t have insulation, so I had to spend my winters places where snow was never in the forecast. It would be nice to have an alternative.

I watched three little dots appear, disappear, and then appear again.

Sully

I’m glad you’re okay. But watch your back. Baker’s on the warpath, and I wouldn’t put it past him to try to oust you from the network.

Me

Thanks for the heads-up.

I knew Baker would be pissed about our fight last night, but actually trying to kick me out of his production company? That was too far. Even for him.

He had a board to answer to now, so it wasn’t as easy as him simply giving me the boot. But he could screw me in other ways, and I knew it.

I pinched the bridge of my nose, the headache growing there. It was time to go out on my own. I knew it in my gut. But that was a process. One I wasn’t sure I was ready for. I knew Sully would go with me. But who would deal with the advertisers? That wasn’t something I wanted to tackle. It seemed like a giant waste of time other than the fact that they were the ones who kept food in my fridge and gas in my tank.

There had to be someone I could hire to take that on. Maybe a company or agent or something. But I didn’t want to waste time researching that either.

“Ridley?”

Ezra’s familiar voice had me lifting my head and forcing a smile. “Hey. How are you?”

He held my kale salad and hazelnut latte but stared at my throat, his jaw slack. “Shit, Ridley. I heard something happened. But damn, that looks bad. Are you okay?”

I winced, wishing for a scarf yet again. “I’m fine, really. Looks worse than it is.”

Ezra shook his head as he set down my salad and drink. “I hope so. This is seriously messed up. Did you get a look at who did it?”

I shook my head. “No. But I’m not going to let it stop me.”

His eyes widened. “You’re going to stay on the case?”

“Of course she is,” a younger voice cut in. I looked up to find Dean grinning at me. But that smile died when he caught sight of the bruises around my neck. “Damn.”

“I’m okay. Promise. But I could use my trusty sidekick’s help with something.”

He instantly brightened at that. “Anything.”

“Do you know if there’s any other way to get ahold of another copy of those yearbooks?” I asked hopefully.

“Not for you,” a new voice growled.