Page 17 of Coveted Justice

Tanner swallowed the lump that had taken up residence in his throat. He was afraid to ask, yet he needed to know.

“What happened?” he asked Jason as they stepped onto the porch where it was quieter. “And don’t tell me nothing because something had to have happened if you flew in here. Is it one of the kids?”

The words had tumbled out quickly, but Jason seemed to understand what Tanner was getting at.

“The kids are fine. I promise. This is about Abby.”

His entire body sagged with relief, and he leaned against a porch post for support. Thank goodness nothing had happened to his children. He didn’t care how old they were or that they had kids of their own. He never stopped worrying about them.

Then he realized that Jason had said Abby was the reason he was here.

“Abby? What in the hell has she done now?”

He couldn’t think of one thing his ex-wife could have done to warrant a helicopter ride from his friend.

“Marty is dead,” Jason replied, his tone flat. “He was shot and his body was found this morning by the inn’s cleaning staff. I guess they were staying there so they didn’t drive home after having a few drinks. Since the spouse is always the first suspect, Abby has been taken in for questioning. It’s all over the news and that means that you’re all over the news. Every television and newspaper outlet is running the story that Tanner Marks’ ex-wife might be a murderer. You need to get back and make a statement. Amanda called me unsure how to get in touch with you, and I told her that I’d handle this. The entire campaign is in an uproar.”

Murder. That would warrant a helicopter ride.

Abby, what have you gotten yourself into this time?

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