Page 15 of Engaging the Deputy

“And Cody is close with Rob and Emery?” he asked.

Again, she hesitated. “I got the impression that Rob and Emery haven’t matured. They brought those girls, you know—they’re out of high school, but not old enough to drink.”

Jaden thought the whole bunch of them were trying too hard to bring back their high school days. They appeared to be holding on to a past that was long gone. But then again, he realized that he’d been holding on to thoughts of Olivia and the imagined day she might return to him.

And now here she was.

“You and Cody were together the entire time last night? Neither of you left the other until you got out and went for help?”

“Yes, we were together the entire time. When the storm hit, we climbed down in the root cellar. Cody locked the overhead door, but then the tornado ripped it away, leaving us stranded down there. If you’re asking if either of us climbed out and killed Rob…” She shook her head. “Why would we?”

“Why would anyone want Rob dead?”

She seemed to think for a moment before glancing up. “Rob and Emery talked about finding the gold last night. Maybe he went looking for it. You’re that sure his death wasn’t an accident?”

Jaden nodded. “Was there anything that happened back in high school, an old grudge involving a girl maybe?”

“Not that I can recall. You should ask someone who’s been here this whole time.”

“I will.” He closed his notebook. She hadn’t changed her story. He didn’t think he would get anything else out of her. Yet he hesitated. “So how long are you back for?”

“I don’t know.”

He hated that spark of hope that filled his chest like helium. He’d never gotten over her, and seeing her again had brought back all those memories and feelings. He reminded himself that Cody Ryan must have felt the same way. They’d both loved this woman and she’d left them both.

“Are you thinking about staying?” He’d strayed away from the investigation into dangerous territory and mentally kicked himself. But he couldn’t help it. He had to know.

She met his gaze. “I’m not sure.”

“What about your dream job?” He hadn’t been able to help himself. “Never mind. It’s none of my business.” He rose, telling himself to leave it at that. The worse thing he could do was ask if there was a chance for the two of them. She’d made her feelings clear enough when she hadn’t called to let him know she was back in town. Instead, she’d accepted a date with her old high school boyfriend.

He hated how pathetic he felt, but finding her in the area had left him off balance. It had been easier to tell himself she was gone and that he was fine when he couldn’t see her. But with her back…

“If I have any more questions, I’ll call,” he said as he headed for the door. “Goodbye, Mrs. Brooks,” he called, knowing she hadn’t gone far.

“It’s Sharon,” she called back. “Since you were almost my son-in-law.”

He felt his jaw tighten and glanced at Olivia. She looked as uncomfortable as he felt. He gave her a nod, settled his Stetson on his head and left.

Once outside, he took a deep breath and let it out. He told himself to stick to his job. He had a killer to find. Maybe of more than one person, if Cody Ryan died. He turned his thoughts to Dean Marsh as he climbed into his patrol SUV and headed for the Marsh house.

CHAPTER SIX

With her mother plying her with questions about what Jaden had wanted, about what had happened on Halloween out at Starling and about her plans for the future, Olivia couldn’t take it anymore and left the house. She drove to the hospital, hoping for good news about Cody’s condition.

Unfortunately, he was not able to have visitors. Deputy Jaden Montgomery had restricted all visitors to Cody’s room, the head nurse told her, so she couldn’t even see him—let alone find out his condition.

She was starting to leave when she looked down the hallway and saw a young woman come out of Cody’s room. Slim, with blond, straight hair, wearing jeans and a T-shirt, the woman glanced toward the nurses’ station. Olivia’s gaze met hers. The woman quickly turned and took off in the other direction.

“I just saw someone come out of Cody Ryan’s room,” she hurriedly told the nurse.

“Are you sure it wasn’t one of our nurses?”

“Yes. She was wearing jeans and a T-shirt, and when I saw her, she took off.”

The head nurse rushed down the hall to check on the patient but quickly returned. Olivia wanted to admonish her for not keeping a closer eye on his room, but could see how upset the nurse was for letting it happen.

Leaving the hospital, Olivia glanced around, hoping to see the woman again as she drove down the main drag. She had no idea what she would do if she found the woman. But who she did see was Emery. He was just going into the bar where they’d all recently reunited.

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