Page 60 of Hidden Hero

Pete straightened in his chair, interest lighting his dark eyes. Jeremy pressed on. “Would Jed be available for my partner and me to talk to?”

“Oh, he doesn’t live here anymore,” Mary said. “He moved over to Norfolk last month.”

“But he still drives people over here to appointments?” Jeremy asked, his pen poised.

“Why, yes. He’s such a good man,” she said with a smile. “He comes about twice a week to check on me, and he’ll provide transportation for a few people.”

“Would you happen to know who he drives?”

“Yes. I kept a little journal of everyone I drove. Old habits from my secretary days in Baytown. I wrote down everything—just in case. I still do.”

Jeremy chuckled, impressed. “That’s a good habit, ma’am. Would it be alright if my partner and I came to see your records?”

“Of course, Detective. Let me give you my address.”

Jeremy jotted it down, his pulse quickening with renewed purpose. After hanging up, he met Pete’s gaze. “I don’t know, man. This could be nothing, but I have a gut feeling we’re finally onto something.” He looked up at Cybil. “Thank you, Deputy!”

She grinned as she walked out of the room.

Pete stood and grabbed his keys. “Let’s go, partner.”

Jeremy followed suit, and moments later, they were out the door, the weight of disappointment easing as a flicker of hope took its place.

The drive to Mary’s neighborhood didn’t take long, and as the SUV turned into the quiet subdivision, Jeremy glanced out the window, taking in the scene. “Nice area,” Jeremy commented as Pete drove down the street lined with trees and new two-story, colonial-style houses.

Pete nodded as he navigated the vehicle slowly down the street. “Yeah, I think one of the newer detectives lives in one of these places.”

Jeremy turned to his partner, one eyebrow raised. “A new detective can afford one of these? Did I miss the department-wide pay raise memo?”

Pete smirked, his hands steady on the wheel. “He’s married to an accountant over in Accawmacke County. I guess together, they make pretty good money. Two incomes, no kids yet—it adds up.”

“Hmph,” Jeremy muttered, leaning his elbow against the window and resting his chin on his fist. He stared at the row of houses, his thoughts drifting. Would Cora like a place like this?

It hit him then—harder than he expected—that Cora, as a doctor, earned far more than he did. He’d never been the kind of man to feel insecure about income, but it made him wonder about her plans. Her lease on the tiny cottage she rented would eventually run out, and she might want something bigger, something permanent. He knew it was ridiculous to think about sharing a home with her when they’d only just begun exploring their relationship. But the idea stuck, taking root in his mind.

Before he could give it more thought, Pete pulled into a driveway, and Jeremy looked at the neat yard and the pale blue house with white trim. “Nice house.”

Pete shot him a knowing look, his grin sly. “Thinking of settling down, Pickett? Maybe a place like this with a certain medical examiner?”

Jeremy didn’t miss a beat, flipping his partner the bird as he opened the SUV door. “Shut it, Pete,” he muttered, though his ears burned as he climbed out.

Pete’s laughter followed him all the way to the front porch. Jeremy resisted the urge to roll his eyes, focusing instead on the woman who opened the door. Mary Harborrow greeted them warmly, her silver hair gleaming under the porch light. Her broad smile and sparkling eyes immediately put him at ease.

“Detectives, how nice to meet you,” she said, her voice bright and welcoming. “Please, come in.”

Jeremy followed Pete inside, relieved that they weren’t dealing with someone who resented their presence for once. The living room was cozy, with soft lighting and overstuffed chairs. Mary had even set out glasses of iced tea on the coffee table. She gestured for them to sit, settling herself into a comfortable armchair across from them.

“So, Detectives,” she began, folding her hands neatly in her lap. “How can I help you?”

Jeremy let Pete take the lead. “We’re investigating a series of incidents involving the elderly in the area,” Pete explained. “We’re trying to identify who might have had access to them—drivers, caretakers, anyone who might’ve come into regular contact.”

Mary’s eyes widened slightly, and she leaned forward, her expression curious. “Oh my. I see. Yes, of course, they do talk to us drivers when we take them to appointments or other activities.”

Pete nodded. “You mentioned you keep notes?”

Mary chuckled, reaching for a small notebook on the side table. “Yes, I do. It’s just a habit of mine to keep track of who gets a ride and when. I don’t mind you taking a look, but I’d appreciate having it back when you’re done.”

Jeremy smiled, taking the notebook from her hands. “Of course, ma’am. We’ll make sure it’s returned promptly.”

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