Page 149 of Broken Wheels

“I didn’t know you could sing,” Doc murmured, his voice cutting out.

“That’s because I don’t do it all that often.”

“It’s pretty. You got a nice voice. You should do it more.”

The praise warmed Dix’s heart, as did the snores that followed a moment later. He got up, washed his hands, then went back to the bed and slid under the covers beside Doc.

There would be problems tomorrow, but for tonight, there would be sleep.

When his phone vibrated on the nightstand, Dix knew he should ignore it, but response was too deeply ingrained. He grabbed it and peered at the screen, his hear sinking when he read Michael’s message.

I don’t think you’ve seen this. Spencer’s gone AWOL. They have no idea where he is.

Shit.

He debated waking Doc, but decided against it.

Bad news was always better when received in daylight.

Chapter 45

“Doc. Turn it off, please.”

Josh stared at the TV screen as the cameras panned across the massive crowd assembled in Washington DC. Homemade banners—and a lot that seemed much more professional—declared their faith in Spencer, but there were others that took the opposite point of view—they demanded that Spencer be executed. Dotted through the crowds were signs held high with the names of every place that had been revealed by the Times: Brady’s articles had been front-page news for a week.

Josh didn’t miss the signs demanding his arrest as the mastermind who got Spencer locked up unjustly. He’d done an interview with Brady, finally giving his side of the story, but Lord, there were still people out there who thought Spencer walked on water.

Some of those people had gone quiet when bodies were discovered in the grounds of the Santa Ana facility, however. So had the media.

Josh had a feeling that silence had been bought for a hefty price. Wherever Spencer was, he was paying a hell of a lot.

The newsman faced the camera, behind him the crowds, the police standing by in riot gear. “This is the scene here in Washington, DC, one of many similar demonstrations across the country that have taken place during the last three weeks, where protesters are demanding something be done not only about the spate of killings that have occurred across the US recently, but also the deaths that are only now coming to light as the public learns of attacks on other places as well. Initially it was believed that Dr. Josh Malone was the mastermind, but upon further investigation, it was discovered that Aaron Spencer was allegedly behind these attacks. Both men are still being investigated as?—”

“You know what? You’re right.” Josh flicked the television off. There were only so many times he could listen to this garbage, and he’d reached his limit. He’d also had his fill of seeing Spencer’s by now familiar expression of outrage as he was led out of the press conference.

“I’m sorry, Doc.” Dixon slid an arm over Josh’s shoulder and pulled him close. He and Coby were warm, which chased some of the chill from Josh’s bones.

Josh was sorry too. In the weeks since Spencer’s disappearance, all hell had broken loose. Josh had known it was going to happen, but he didn’t have to like it. Still, at least everyone in CrossBow knew he was innocent, and they told anyone who’d listen that Spencer was the mass murderer.

Unfortunately, some of those who listened still didn’t believe, even when presented with proof.

“I knew it would happen, but I have to admit, I didn’t realize it would hurt this much. I tried to call my parents, once it hit the news.”

“How did that go down?”

He snorted. “They said I was a murderer and how dare I blame Spencer after all the good he’d done?” A laugh bubbled out of Josh. “Great. My parents, Aaron Spencer acolytes. They’ve chosen to believe him over their own kid.”

Dixon kissed his forehead. “Do you want me to talk to them?”

For one brief moment that actually sounded like a good idea—until Josh realized that no, he really didn’t want that at all.

“Uh-uh, it’s fine. I cut them out of my life a long time ago, so yeah, it sucks, but I’ll deal, just like I’ve been doing for all this time.” He rested his head against Dixon’s shoulder. “What hurts is that Gary and Michael are taking flack for this too.”

“I know,” Dixon murmured.

“Do you know how many contracts have been cancelled because of the bad publicity? I offered to quit, to move into my own building, but Gary said, and I quote, ‘Say something stupid like that again and I’ll beat you. Well, I’ll have Dixon beat you.’” That raised a chuckle. “Then he said ‘This is your home, you are our family. We know the truth and we’ll weather this storm, just like all the ones that came before.’”

“He’s not wrong, you know. Spencer fucked us all over.” Dixon scowled. “Chalmers got fired because of his role in the whole thing. Carson did his best to go to bat for him, but got shot down. They claimed it was because he went off on his own.”

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