Page 11 of Beneath Still Waters

Despite the growing warmth of the day, she'd worn pants to cover the massive gauze wrap around her knee. “Healing.”

He snorted. “We’re back to one-word answers, huh?”

“Sometimes I don’t have a whole lot to say.” And he didn’t need to know everything about her. “What are you researching?”

“People new to the area and people who have traveled here recently. I asked Doris from the Piper’s Ridge Rest if she’s seen anyone come through more than once in the last six months, but she hasn’t replied yet.”

“If whoever is moving these drugs doesn’t stop anywhere else, knowing will be hard. They could be staying in Cheyenne while using Piper’s Ridge to do their dirty work.”

“I have to eliminate everything before I can move on. Even if it feels unlikely.”

“Want me to go with you when you check out Kevin’s property?” He was new, and something seemed off about him. Maybe this case would be easy to solve, and she could get back to healing. Cody would be calling soon.

TEN

Aman in jean shorts and a tank top stood near an empty fence as Ferd and Duke drove up the long driveway to Kevin’s ranch. Last year’s tall dead stalks towered over the new broadleaf weeds covering the lawn. A fat goose stood sentinel on the front porch.

“You want to go to the front door, or should I?” Duke took one look at the goose and burst into laughter as he put his truck in park.

“I’m not going anywhere near that bird. This is your case, not mine. I’m just along for the ride. That’s not Kevin, by the way.” She tilted her head toward tank-top dude.

“No, it’s not. He didn’t mention anyone else being here when I called him earlier. Wonder who he could be?”

Why wouldn't Kevin mention another person? “Maybe he didn’t think it was pertinent information.”

Kevin burst out the front door, slamming it hard against the house. The goose spat at him and flared its wings. He swung a foot at the goose, not getting anywhere near it as it lowered its head and backed away.

Duke banged his door shut and headed for Kevin. At least the noise distracted the bird. It glared at Duke and waddled off. Old trees surrounded the house, creating shadows and darkness that made the hair on her arms prickle. The last time the house had been updated, lead paint was likely all the rage. Ferd swung her thickly padded leg from the truck, thankful she didn’t have to climb out of a car with a knee that wouldn’t bend.

“What’sshedoing here?” Kevin spat a huge dark wad of something on the ground.

“Helping me,” Duke answered. “Want to show us the vandalized areas?”

“She can stay put. I’m not offering to show my livestock and everything I own to someone who’s not an officer.”

Her badge wouldn’t get her anywhere, but he wouldn’t know it was from Cody, not Cheyenne. She dug her badge out of her purse and quickly flashed it.

He frowned and his scowl deepened. “I don’t like this. I asked you to come out here, not her. If she’s some new person on the force, she doesn’t need to use my trouble as her training.” He pointed at her as he narrowed his eyes.

“She’s fully trained.”

Ferd held up a hand to stop the argument. Walking through the long grass would be almost impossible anyway. Even considering it hurt. “I can stay back if it’s a big point of contention.” She leaned against the truck for a little extra support. Between the gunshot wound and the floor of the boat, her leg couldn’t hold her weight for long.

“I’ll keep an eye on her.” The other man finally turned away from the fence. His teeth seemed almost fang-like. She forced herself not to react.

“Are we walking out there?” Duke asked.

Kevin sighed dramatically and shoved his hands into overlarge, unwashed jeans. He looked so different today than hehad the day before. Was yesterday for show? “We could take the quads.” He tilted his head toward them.

Why wouldn’t he want to use them?

“Almost out of gas though,” Kevin said.

“Well, if we’re walking out to your back forty, we’d better get going.” Duke patted his belt where his gun was holstered and set off for what appeared to be a worn trail beside the barn.

Kevin looked back and narrowed his eyes. “You know what to do.”

Duke had told her to bring her weapon and wear it if she didn’t usually while they were out there. She’d agreed and told him she never left home without it except when she was running. Now, with a snaggletooth stranger too close for comfort, she was glad she had a little protection. Just in case.