Chapter 9

CHAPTER NINE

Jina wasn’t sure why she’d thrown caution to the wind to impulsively kiss Cole. Yet the moment their mouths fused, all logical thought fled from her brain. Losing herself in Cole’s embrace wasn’t smart. But as the bullets were pinging off Zeke’s truck, she’d told herself if she survived, she would kiss Cole.

And what a kiss it was. The impact sent her pulse into triple digits.

“Jina.” His voice was low and husky as he broke off their kiss. “I—we can’t.”

For a moment, she’d forgotten she was still a suspect in Bradley Crow’s murder. The realization popped the tiny balloon of hope in her heart. “Yeah, sorry. I—uh?—”

A knock at the door interrupted them, which was probably a good thing. Drawing a deep breath to steady nerves that had gone haywire, she turned to open the door. Seeing Gary, she managed a smile.

“There hasn’t been any damage to the rooms,” she said quickly.

“That’s good, but I’m just glad you’re not hurt.” Gary glanced between her and Cole. “Did you want a copy of the video too? I sent one to Rhy, but I thought maybe you’d want one for yourself.”

“Yes, please,” Cole said. “I know there isn’t much to see, but maybe the tech gurus can do something with the image.”

“I agree. I’m sure Rhy send it to Gabe.” She smiled at Gary. “Thanks for thinking of that. And don’t worry, we’re hitting the road soon.”

“Okay.” Gary looked relieved. “I’m sorry we didn’t catch the shooter on the image before he fired at you.”

“Not your fault,” she quickly assured him. “I think he was hiding in the trees, biding his time before making a move.”

“I’d like to know how he found you here,” Cole said with a frown.

“I’m not sure, but we need to leave.” She crossed to the table to grab Cole’s laptop. He took it from her as she went into the connecting room to grab her bag.

Being on the run wasn’t fun, and it gave her a new appreciation for what some of her teammates had been through over the past few months.

And how horrible it was to know someone you cared about was in the line of fire. Thankfully, Cole hadn’t been there tonight, but if he had been? She hated to think about what might have happened.

Five minutes later, they were on the road. Cole glanced at her curiously. “Did that guy’s voice sound familiar to you?”

She’d almost forgotten the guttural words the perp had uttered. “No, it didn’t. And it’s been bothering me that he asked, ‘Who’s sorry now?’ Makes me think I must have apologized at some point. But when? And for what?” She shook her head. “I have no idea.”

“I don’t remember you apologizing for putting the guys at the gym down on the mat,” he said.

“I may have, but if I did say sorry, I meant it as sarcasm. Not a real apology.” She tried to think back. She didn’t remember apologizing.

There was a moment of silence, before Cole asked, “Any ideas where to go next?”

“Oh, yeah. There’s a motel that Roscoe used last month called the Wildflower Motel. It’s nothing fancy, but it should do.” She pulled her phone from her pocket, then powered it down.

“What’s up with your phone?”

“Remember how you mentioned the perp must have assumed I was home when he started the fire at Mr. Glen’s?” When Cole nodded, she continued. “I think you were right on the money. My phone was there, so he assumed I was too. I didn’t have it at the gas station,” she added. “But other than that, I’ve had the phone for all the other attempts he made against me.”

“I see the logic, but I’m not sure how this guy can track your phone,” Cole said.

“Who knows? Either way, I’m keeping it off until we can set up another sting operation.”

“Wait a minute, what sting operation?” He sounded annoyed. “The last attempt blew up in your face.”

“True, but that was before I thought of the possibility this guy can find my phone.” Now that the idea had taken root in her mind, it blossomed. “Don’t you see? This will work even better. I can station myself in a semi-secure location with my phone on, while the rest of you surround the property. You’ll be ready when he makes his move, and we’ll grab him. I am sure this will work.”

“Famous last words,” he said with a scowl.

She ignored that. “The key will be to find a place that’s relatively isolated, so we don’t put innocent lives at risk.” Not a motel where there could be other customers in nearby rooms. Or a neighborhood. Something rural but not too far, or the perp might consider it a trap.

“And when exactly do you intend to do this?”

Glancing at her watch, she sighed. “It’s too late to do that tonight, but we can work on it first thing tomorrow.”

Cole didn’t say anything for a long moment. He’d keyed in the Wildflower Motel and was heading west on the interstate per her suggestion. Then he finally asked, “You’re going to talk to Rhy Finnegan about the plan first, right?”

“I guess I’ll have to.” She wasn’t thrilled with the directive, but she wasn’t going to risk her job either. “But not until we have a solid plan.”

He sighed. “Fine. I’ll help you with this if you do me a favor.”

She tensed. “Like what?”

“I still need your help to find out who killed Bradley Crow.”

She turned to look at him. “I thought you couldn’t tell me about your interview with his parents.”

He grimaced and nodded. “That’s true. Doesn’t mean I can’t ask you a couple of questions, though.”

“I’ll do my best to answer them.” She had hoped the interview with Brad’s parents would somehow clear her, but obviously, it hadn’t.

“I know.” He eyed the rearview mirror frequently, clearly looking for a tail. “Do you recognize the names Wade Adams or Ian Muller? ”

She rolled the names around in her mind. “I think Wade Adams was a few years ahead of me in high school. But the name Ian Muller doesn’t sound at all familiar.”

“Why do you remember Wade Adams and not Bradley Crow?” There was a hint of suspicion in his tone.

“Wade got into a fight one Friday night at a football game. The other guy, Tom Lightfoot, actually started it, thought Wade was ogling his girlfriend or something. A couple of the parents broke it up, but the police came and took them both away.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll double-check his arrest record, see if he’s been involved with anything else, like drugs or burglary.”

“You think Brad Crow knew Wade Adams?” She wondered if Brad Crow was also at that Friday night football game. If so, she hadn’t noticed him. “That’s interesting, but I’m not sure how it helps.”

“Adams is someone to talk to, that’s all,” Cole said. Then he abruptly switched lanes and got off the interstate. The move was so fast she glanced over her shoulder, expecting to see the black Honda back there.

“We picked up a tail?”

“What? Oh, no.” He flushed, then added, “I just remembered I needed to make a stop.”

“A stop in Peabody?” She frowned. “We’re heading back to your place?”

“No, a restaurant/bar.” He hesitated for a long moment. “I shouldn’t bring you with me, but I need to talk to Ian Muller, and he owns Peabody’s Pub.”

She had heard of the place but had never been there. Her parents only went out for special occasions, like their wedding anniversary, which was why they weren’t home the night her stalker had sneaked into her room. “I heard they do a great fish fry.”

“Too bad it’s not Friday.” He smiled. “This shouldn’t take long.”

“Fine with me.” She was secretly glad to tag along for this interview. There had to be a way to prove she hadn’t killed Crow. Shot at him, yes. Murdered him, no. “Did Ian Muller know Brad Crow?”

“Yes.”

“And that makes him a suspect?” She wasn’t sure why she was pushing for more information other than Cole had already crossed the line by spending time with her. Sure, he could argue that she was in danger, but she had her teammates to use as backup, so his presence really wasn’t needed.

Yet she was glad he intended to stay close. Not just because she appreciated his support, but more so because the zing of their kiss was still too fresh in her mind.

“That makes him a person of interest,” Cole said. When he glanced at her, she understood.

Ian Muller was a person of interest exactly the way she was. Guilty until proven innocent.

Cole was breaking more rules than he could count. But that didn’t change his determination not to let Jina go off on her own without him. Look at what happened at the American Lodge? Still, he understood her tagging along could jeopardize his case.

If he managed to find Crow’s killer.

Jina wasn’t a detective, but having her input as a fellow officer was valuable. At least, that was what he told himself.

Regardless, it was too late to turn the clock back now. He’d interviewed her because she’d lived on the farm where the body was found. Now he had little choice but to move forward with the investigation, praying he wasn’t wrong about Jina.

And if he lost his job over this? Hiding a wince, he tried not to think about that.

After pulling into the parking lot of Peabody’s Pub, he threw the gearshift into park and killed the engine. “Ready?”

“Yep.” She pushed open her door. “Doesn’t look too busy.”

“Weeknight after the dinner rush.” He shrugged. “That’s the reason I decided to come now rather than wait until tomorrow.”

“Smart move as we’re going to be busy tomorrow setting up the new sting operation.”

He reached the door first, holding it open for her. Stepping inside, he found the interior to be that of a typical pub. The bartender looked up with a smile as they approached. He quickly placed two drink napkins on the bar. “Welcome to Peabody’s Pub. What can I get you?”

“Just ginger ale for me,” Jina said. “Although I wouldn’t mind some of your deep-fried cheese nuggets.”

The bartender nodded. “And for you?”

“Same, we’ll share the cheese nuggets.” He took a seat, trying to ascertain if the bartender was Ian Muller. He didn’t wear a name tag, but the guy’s age of early to midforties was about right. He waited until the bartender had poured their soft drinks and placed their order for cheese curds, before asking, “Are you Ian Muller?”

The bartender looked at him in surprise. “Yes. I’m sorry, but I don’t remember you. ”

“No, you wouldn’t as we never met. My name is Cole Roberts, and this is Jina Wheeler. How long have you owned the place?”

“About eighteen months or so.” Ian braced his arms on the bar, regarding them thoughtfully. “Why the question? Were you interested in buying it too?”

“No, nothing like that.” Cole put some cash on the bar to cover their soft drinks and the appetizer in the event the conversation didn’t go well. “I’d like to know when you last saw Bradley Crow.”

Ian’s spine straightened, and his gaze narrowed. “I had nothing to do with his disappearance.”

“I didn’t say you did.” Cole kept his tone even. “But when did you see him last?”

“I have no clue, that was a long time ago.” Ian frowned. “Who are you again?”

Cole pulled out his badge. “Peabody Detective Cole Roberts. I spoke earlier with Brad’s parents. They mentioned their son wanted your job as the manager.”

“Yeah, he did.” Ian glanced down the bar at the other two patrons sitting there. Neither of them needed anything, so he turned back to Cole. “The kid was barely twenty and seemed to think he knew everything about running a pub. Which was funny since he was late for his shifts more often than not.”

“Not a hard worker then,” Jina murmured.

“Not even close,” Ian said firmly. “Brad felt like he could get away with stuff because his parents owned the place. In a way, he did, but not when it came to moving up to the manager role.”

“Do you know if Brad was friendly with anyone?” Cole asked. “Did he have a girlfriend?”

“Girlfriend?” Ian shook his head. “Not even in his dreams. He was an odd duck, if you ask me. Awkward around people and not very friendly.”

“And those traits would not be helpful in a manager role,” Jina said, sipping her ginger ale.

“Exactly.” Ian seemed to sense Jina was on his side. “I didn’t have any respect for the kid, but that didn’t mean I wanted him to take off like that, without warning. He never even said anything to his parents about leaving town.”

“So they were surprised too?” he asked.

“Yes. When I mentioned his comment to me about taking over my job, his dad came right out and told me my position here was secure.” Ian glanced down the bar again to make sure he wasn’t needed. “Henry knew Brad wasn’t manager material.”

“I appreciate that insight,” Cole said. “And you should know Mr. Crow told me the same thing.”

“Good.” Ian looked relieved.

A kid from the back came out with their deep-fried cheese nuggets. After setting them on the bar in front of them, he scurried back to the kitchen.

Jina helped herself. “Mmm. These are great.”

“Thanks,” Ian said with a smile. “That’s a hot appetizer here. Sometimes we run out on busy nights.”

“I can see why.” She popped another nugget-sized deep-friend cheese ball into her mouth. “Did you ever notice Brad looking at the female patrons here?”

“Yeah, he looked,” Ian admitted. “But so do a lot of guys, right?” He smiled at her. “Pretty women like you get lots of attention.”

Jina narrowed her gaze, clearly warning him to back off. “I’m not looking for attention or compliments. I’m asking if Brad watched women in a lecherous way. As if he wanted something he knew he couldn’t have. Or maybe in a way that made any of them feel uncomfortable. If he had, I’d think the woman in question would have complained.”

Ian looked thoughtful for a minute. “Yes. There was one time a pretty girl came in with her parents. Brad must have been watching her much the way you described because her father went over to tell him to back off. At the time, Brad just shrugged and slinked back to the kitchen. But now that you mention it, he’d been intense.”

Cole had to give Jina credit for coming up with this line of questioning. “That’s good to know. Did he bother anyone else that you noticed? Female employees maybe?” He found himself hoping there were more suspects he could talk to.

“Nah. But I didn’t pay that much attention. One of us had to work,” Ian added. “And it wasn’t going to be him.”

“Did Brad give you any indication he was about to leave town?” Cole asked.

“No, the cops asked me that years ago. I honestly didn’t think much of it when he didn’t show up for work. As I said, he was always late. It wasn’t until he’d missed the entire shift that me and his dad noticed he was gone.”

Cole found that interesting too. Henry Crow wasn’t coming across as being a concerned father. More like he was annoyed by his son and maybe glad that he’d taken off. “Anything else stick in your mind about the guy? Anything that could help us find him?”

“Not offhand. I’m surprised you’re still looking for him after all this time.” Someone waved, and Ian nodded to indicate he’d be right there. “Excuse me.”

“I wonder if we could find that dad and his daughter,” Jina murmured once Ian had moved down to refill drink orders. “Maybe Brad tried something there after they left the bar, and the dad reacted in kind.”

“We can try, but if Ian doesn’t remember their names, I’m not sure how we’d track them down all these years later.” He hated to admit the trip to Peabody’s Pub hadn’t been very helpful. Other than to convince him that Ian Muller probably hadn’t killed the guy. Mostly because there was no motive. As Henry had mentioned, Ian wouldn’t be threatened by Brad’s desire to take over his job. Not when it was clear there was no chance of that happening.

He sampled the cheese nuggets and had to agree they were delicious. They were like mini mozzarella sticks. When Ian finished with the other patrons, he returned to check on them. “Another ginger ale?”

“No thanks. Do you remember the name of the father who told Brad off?”

Ian frowned. “No. I don’t think they were locals. I don’t recall seeing them after that.” The pub owner shrugged. “Could be he came back at some point without the family, but if so, I don’t remember.”

“Okay, thanks.” He tried to think of another question but was coming up blank. Lack of sleep and seemingly nonstop adrenaline had fried his brain.

Or maybe it was Jina’s kiss that had done that. His heart rate still hadn’t quite returned to normal after their brief and electric embrace. One that shouldn’t have happened, despite how much he’d wanted it.

Either way, he decided it was time to end the interview. He pulled out a business card and slid it across the table. “I’d appreciate it if you’d call me if you remember anything else.”

“Yeah, sure.” Ian Muller took the card. “I hope you find him.”

He hesitated, then decided the news would get out sooner or later. After all, Brad’s parents knew the truth. “ We found his dead body. That’s why I’m here asking questions.”

Ian didn’t look surprised by the news. “I always figured he’d gotten into trouble and had either been arrested or killed.” He shook his head somberly. “I’m sorry for his parents. They’re decent people.”

That sparked another thought. “Did you ever see Henry fight with his son? Arguments that got loud or physical?”

“They argued, but it was never physical.” Ian shrugged. “And most of the fights were about Brad not working hard, being late, or not working at all.”

“Do you think it’s possible Henry lost his temper and hit Brad?”

Ian grimaced. “I’ve never seen Henry lose his temper like that, but if you ask me, he didn’t hold his son in high regard. Could he have lost it at home and slugged him? Yeah, sure. I’m just saying I’ve never seen it.”

“Okay, that’s helpful. Thanks.” He added another ten-dollar bill to the cash on the table. “Again, if you think of anything else, please let me know.”

Ian pocketed the cash, then made his way down the bar to interact with the other patrons.

He took another cheese nugget, smiling when he noticed Jina had eaten more than half of them.

When he glanced at her, she grinned. “Snooze, you lose. What can I say? I like them.”

“Finish them up.” He pushed the basket toward her. “We need to get back on the road.”

Unrepentant, she popped the last nugget into her mouth. “What did you think of Ian?”

“He seems like a decent guy.” He turned to face her. “What about you? I thought you might slap him when he called you pretty. ”

She wrinkled her nose. “He wears a wedding ring and shouldn’t be flirting with me or anyone else. But aside from that, I agree with you. Difficult to imagine he’d have a reason to bash Brad’s skull in.” She drained her ginger ale, then waved her hand at the bar. “He has a good thing going here, and you can tell he is attentive to his customers. It’s a nice place, maybe not super busy, but I’ll bet that changes on weekends.”

“Yeah. I don’t think he’s good for it either.” Which left him with just Brad’s parents and Jina as likely suspects. Maybe Wade Adams, too, depending on what the guy had to say once he found and interviewed him.

Something he needed to do sooner rather than later.

Tonight? Something to think about. He knew they’d be working most of the day tomorrow trying to set up Jina’s sting operation.

After getting settled behind the wheel, he used his phone to do a quick search on Wade Adams. Disappointed, he quickly noted there were too many to know which Wade Adams was the guy he needed to talk to. It would take time to go through social media and other sites to find the Wade Adams that was the right age and had gone to Peabody High School. Oh, and who’d been arrested for disorderly conduct, which was the most likely charge that had been filed against him after the fight.

Then he brightened. The quickest way to get an image of the guy would be to check online for the Peabody High School yearbook. From there, he might be able to find a guy who looked a little similar on social media.

“Did you change your mind about heading to the Wildflower Motel?” Jina asked.

“No. I was trying to find Wade Adams.” He slid his phone into his pocket and started the rental. He backed out of the parking space, then headed back toward the interstate. “I thought his name was unique enough, but apparently not. I’ll have to find his old yearbook photo first.”

“I can help—” Her voice broke off as a crack of gunfire rang out, shattering his rear window.

“Down!” He wrenched the wheel into a tight right-hand turn to get out of the shooter’s line of fire.

“No. Keep driving.” To his shock and horror, Jina unbuckled her seatbelt and began to crawl into the back seat.

“Don’t!” He didn’t want her anywhere near the line of fire. “Keep your head down, Jina. He might shoot again!”

“That’s fine. I need you to slow down, so we can draw him closer.” Her voice was incredibly calm and infuriating. He understood what she was trying to do, but the risk was too great.

Then he was forced to take his foot off the gas pedal because of a parked car up ahead. Somehow, he managed to go around it without sideswiping it.

“Slower,” Jina urged. A quick glance in the rearview showed Jina kneeling on the rear seat, holding her weapon in two hands. The only good thing about the missing window was that it offered her a clear view of the area behind them.

Swallowing hard, he did as she asked. But almost immediately the headlights of the vehicle behind him blinked off.

Then the vehicle disappeared altogether.