Page 32 of Mystery at Rescue Ridge

“The evidence points us in the direction of someone who became obsessed with her,” he confirmed.

“And now that person believes I’m my sister, correct?”

Travis frowned.“That’s a safe assumption.”He bent down to get a closer look.“You and Owen mentioned picking up security equipment today.Is that plan still on?”

“I believe so.”If she hadn’t run him off by dodging his question about the past.How did she tell him that he hadn’t done anything wrong?That he’d been a little too perfect, in fact?And she’d decided ripping the Band-Aid off was a far better choice for her?

If she’d admitted to her feelings back then, their friendship would have been ruined anyway.You were too chicken to find out, weren’t you?

Those words stung.Did that mean there was some truth to them?

Either way, she’d lost her best friend.If she didn’t explain what happened, would she lose Owen a second time?

Olivia belted out a post-nap cry.Evie glanced at the clock as she got up.It was 2:48.Ms.Bart would be here in less than fifteen minutes.“The babysitter will be here at three.”

Travis nodded.“I’ll want to interview her.”He glanced at the box and then back at her.“I’ll have to ask if she was aware of your sister’s activities.”

“You will?”Evie hated to hear that.Ms.Bart was definitely a member of the Saddle Junction community.Gossip would spread faster than wildfire on dry grass.

“I’m afraid so.”

She realized interviewing Ms.Bart might just be the key to unlocking the case.“I understand.”

“I’ll ask for her discretion,” Travis promised.

“I appreciate it.Preserving my sister’s memory is important to me, especially for the kids’ sake.”

“I understand even more so now that I’m a father.”

Of course, he would.She thanked him and headed toward the kids’ bedroom.As she crossed the living room, she caught sight of Owen standing at the kitchen window, looking out while nursing a cup of coffee.

The floor creaked underneath her step.He didn’t turn to look at her.

As she entered the hallway, she heard Ms.Bart pull up.Evie turned toward the door.

“I got it,” was all Owen said, no emotion present in his voice.The wall that had come up between them was as thick as a concrete slab.

Maybe it was for the best.

The cries softened as Evie stepped into the nursery.Luca was at the crib, doing his best to soothe his sister with a pacifier.

“Thank you, Luca,” she said, patting the little boy on top of the head as she approached the crib.

He rubbed sleepy eyes.“She’s too loud.”

“Yes, she is,” Evie said with a smile.“Do you want to go back to bed?”

He shook his head.“I want to play trucks.”

“Do you need to go potty first?”

He nodded and then took off toward the bathroom.Olivia blinked up at Evie.The little girl had her mother’s eyes.A fresh wave of emotion welled up.She realized that she would do anything for these kids and could only imagine how much more intense the feeling would be if she was their actual mother.

Evie couldn’t be upset with her sister for doing what she’d believed was necessary.At this point, she was mainly hurt that her sister hadn’t trusted her enough to tell her what was really going on.There had to be a money trail somewhere.Venmo?PayPal?Did one Zelle pay for chat time with an adult entertainer?

After changing Olivia’s diaper, Evie joined the others at the dining table.Ms.Bart sat there, twisting her fingers together as she glanced around the room.

“We should take the kids in the other room to play, so the sheriff can speak to Ms.Bart,” Owen said, picking up Luca’s favorite truck.

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