Chapter 50

CHAPTER FIFTY

Cam's phone rang, and he awkwardly juggled the cup of coffee as he dug it out of his back pocket. Dare's name popped up on the screen, and Cam lifted the phone to his ear. "You find something?"

"We've reached out to the realty office," Dare began. "Got Max's name and information. Local police checked his home this morning."

"And?" Cam left the hospital cafeteria and strode toward the elevators that would take him back to Kinley's room.

Her family had shown up late last night after Ainsley rallied everyone, but she was still exhausted from the ordeal and wasn't feeling up to having visitors. They'd made plans to come back first thing this morning, and Cam decided to give them some time alone with her.

On the other end, Dare sighed, his frustration evident. "They found Max Everett dead. Looks like he was killed a few weeks ago. We're assuming David killed him and used his identity to get a job at the realty office."

Cam shook his head, disbelief and anger coursing through him. "So David's been hiding in plain sight all this time, using Max's name. And no one suspected a thing."

"We just put in a request to search Max Everett's bank statements and credit card information, so as soon as we get the warrant, hopefully we'll have an idea where he's gone."

"I'm coming in, too." Cam stepped into the elevator and punched the button for Kinley's floor.

"We can take care of it. Kinley needs you there."

"Kinley needs me to find the asshole who tried to kill her," he snapped. Finding David Collins and bringing him to justice had become a personal mission for him.

Dare hesitated, and Cam continued, "Her family is here anyway, I'll just be in the way. I need to do something useful."

"I understand. See you soon."

Cam disconnected, then strode from the elevator, making his way toward Kinley's room. Inside, the Layne family took up most of the free space, and their eyes turned his way as he entered the room.

The moment Kinley laid eyes on him, something shifted in her expression. He walked straight to her side and picked up her hand. "I have to go to work for a bit. I'll be back as soon as I can."

She studied him for another long moment, then nodded. "Be safe."

"I will." He dropped a quick kiss on her lips, then turned to face her family. "If you need anything, call me."

Ainsley and Brynlee both shot him a smile and a little wave. Charlene stood and pulled him into a hug. "We'll be right here 'til you get back."

He squeezed Mrs. Layne tight, then nodded toward her husband, Garrett, who clapped a hand on his shoulder. "We'll take care of her while you're gone."

"Thank you."

Cam tossed one last look at Kinley before he left the room and headed toward the station. Inside, it was controlled chaos. Cam moved into his office and glanced at Sawyer. "Have you found something?"

Reed glanced up at him. "Good timing. We just got the warrant, so we're checking the records now."

Dare moved into the room behind Cam. "How's she holding up?"

"Good so far, thanks."

The men huddled around the computer, combing through Max Everett's bank statements and credit card transactions.

"Got something," Sawyer said, stopping at a recent transaction. "Here's a charge last night from a motel."

He pulled up the browser and typed in the motel's information. It's about fifty miles away. David must have checked in right after he attacked Kinley."

Dare nodded. "Let's go. The sooner we get there, the better."

The drive to the motel was tense, the silence in the car charged with a sense of urgency. They arrived at the small establishment just after 10AM. The neon vacancy sign flickered in the morning light, and a few cars were scattered around the parking area.

Sawyer nodded to a small sedan in the corner of the lot, partially concealed by a rusty fence. "Looks like Max Everett's car."

They shared a quick look before sliding from the vehicle and crossing the small gravel lot in search of the office. Inside the lobby, a young woman stood behind the counter, idly flipping through a magazine. She looked up as they entered, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of their badges.

"What can I do for you?" she asked.

Dare stepped forward and introduced himself. "We're with the Brookhaven Sheriff's Department. We need to ask you about a guest who checked in last night."

Cam held up a photo of David Collins. "Have you seen this man? We believe he checked in under the name Max Everett."

The clerk took the photo and examined it. After a moment, she nodded. "I wasn't here last night, but I can't check the logs." She turned her attention to the computer and tapped away for a moment before nodding. "Checked in late last night, used a credit card. He's in Room 14."

"We need to apprehend him immediately. Stay here, and lock the doors after we leave."

The clerk nodded nervously, eyes wide as she watched them file out of the office.

Outside Room 14, Dare positioned himself to the side of the door while Cam and Sawyer flanked the other side. Dare knocked firmly.

"David Collins, this is the Brookhaven Sheriff's Department. Open the door."

There was a moment of silence, then the sound of movement inside. Dare knocked again, louder this time. "David, we know you're in there. Open the door."

The door remained closed.

Dare took a step back, then tipped his head toward the door. He kicked the door open, and they burst into the room, weapons drawn. David Collins stood in the middle of the room, eyes wild with shock and fear. He lunged for something on the nightstand, but Cam was faster, and he tackled him to the ground.

Sawyer moved swiftly, securing David's arms behind his back with handcuffs. "David Collins, you're under arrest for the attempted murder of Kinley Layne, as well as the murder of Max Everett."

Dare began to read the man his Miranda rights. With a shake of his head, Cam took in the pistol lying on the bedside table.

David struggled briefly, then went limp, realizing the futility of resistance. His mouth settled into a petulant moue. "I didn't do anything. You're making a mistake!"

"I seriously doubt that," Dare said coldly. "Right now, you're coming with us."