Page 10 of Outlaw Ridge: Hayes

“Jemma, is there a current investigation that someone wants to stop cold?” Owen asked, obviously shifting the conversation to a new direction. “Something that’d maybe explain why the sprinklers were set off? I would just check the case files, but the computers and most of the physical records were destroyed fromwater damage, and my tech will have to retrieve what she can from the storage cloud and any repairable hard drives.”

“I’m working on it,” Molly said from across the room. “But there isn’t a lot there on the cloud.”

“Mainly what will be there are the files that I’ve been digitizing,” Jemma supplied. “We were basically in the dark ages when it came to recordkeeping. Statements and reports were typed into the computers, but most weren’t diligent about transferring them to the cloud.” She paused, shrugged. “But it’s possible the deputies had records or at least notes on their own work or personal computers.”

“We’re checking on that, too,” Owen assured her. “Tell me about your current investigations. One that might have triggered these murders and attacks.”

Jemma shook her head. “There’s nothing current that would warrant this. Two robberies, one of farm equipment and the other of Bertie Sanderson’s old truck.”

“What about complaints, grudges or vendettas against anyone in the department?” Owen pressed.

“My stepmother, Cordelia,” Jemma said without hesitation. “She’s filed three harassment complaints against me.” She swallowed hard. “I believe she’s responsible for my mother’s death, so I’ve been pressing hard to get to the truth.”

“Did you harass her?” Owen came out and asked.

“Yes,” Jemma admitted. “I talked to her business associates, pushing for any and all info. I’ve followed her to meetings, and I’ve brought her in twice for official interviews.”

“I’m guessing your stepmother wasn’t happy about any of that,” Owen commented. “And your father? Did he file complaints, too, or ask you to stop?”

“No.” Another pause. “As you’re probably aware, my father is a, um, complicated man.”

The muscles in Owen’s jaw stirred again. “He is. Could he have orchestrated these murders?”

She shook her head. “I don’t think so. Especially not the attempt to kill me. However, there’s someone else other than Cordelia who might have done this. Duane Gorman.”

“His file was on the cloud,” Molly supplied. “I’m forwarding it to you now, Owen.”

Owen muttered a thanks but kept his attention on Jemma. “I know Duane Gorman, but you tell me why you think he could be responsible.”

Jemma nodded and had a sip of coffee before she launched into the details. “Duane’s a rich soldier wannabe who runs a school of sorts for troubled young men. He lives there, too. On the surface, it looks legit enough, but at least four of his former students have ended up in militia groups.”

Hayes had heard about the school. Heard about the rumors surrounding both Duane and it, too. Some believed that Duane was basically a crime boss who loved playing war games. Some also believed that Duane was a psychopath. If so, he’d fit the profile for this massacre.

“About six months ago,” Jemma continued, “two of the deputies arrested one of Duane’s students, Caleb Preston, for underage drinking. Caleb died in the backseat of the cruiser after he choked on his own vomit. The deputies were cleared of wrongdoing, but Duane accused them, the sheriff, and the entire department of a cover-up. Duane’s bad news,” she tacked onto that.

Owen took a moment, clearly processing that. “All right. I’ll work on getting Duane in for an interview. Or I’ll go out to the school to see him.” He volleyed glances at Hayes and her. “You two are partners now. Joined at the hip.” He didn’t give either of them a chance to object to that.

“Partners?” Hayes muttered, wishing that hadn’t sounded like a complaint.

“Partners,” Owen verified. “Be careful and watch each other’s backs.” He handed Hayes a shiny silver star badge. “Your first assignment,Deputies, is to go to the Salvetti estate. Use the cruiser parked out front. And find out fast if Cordelia Salvetti is a cold-blooded killer.”

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Chapter Four

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Joined at the hip.

With all the info Owen had just doled out about this hellish ordeal, Jemma was more than a little surprised that the hip comment was the one flashing in her head. She had thought that an intense investigation, along with being in danger, would be enough for her to think of Hayes only in a professional sense.

But no.

Thoughts of the attraction were there, creating yet more clutter and chaos in her overloaded mind.

Since Jemma already had her shoulder holster and gun, she was ready to go. Ditto for Hayes. Then again, he was likely always in the ready mode, thanks to his military training and his time at Strike Force.

She was thankful for every bit of his expertise and muscle. Every bit of the money and manpower Owen was contributing, too. Because that second part of Owen’s order was far more important thanjoined at the hip.

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