“Maybe he’s already inside,” I said.
Something felt off, but I needed answers. If I could get the JP to talk, maybe his testimony along with the evidence on Maya’s phone would be enough to make sure everyone involved went to prison.
When I’d left the house, Cora was expecting Daisy from the dress shop. Thomas had done a background check on her and she’d come back clean. The only reason I’d felt comfortable allowing a stranger in the house while I wasn’t home. I’d insisted the seamstress come to the house rather than let Cora leave—not when I couldn’t go with her.
She thought my sudden outing was about wedding surprise preparations, and I was happy to let her believe that.
The side door creaked open before we reached it. Kane’s massive frame filled the doorway, his scarred face tense as he gestured us inside.
“About time,” he said, his voice low and gruff. “Been waiting twenty minutes.”
“Where’s the JP?” Thomas asked, scanning the dimly lit hallway as we entered.
“Police scanner said he was called out for a family emergency.” Kane shut the door behind us and turned the deadbolt. The courthouse felt different at night—older, more oppressive. The dimly lit hallway stretched ahead of us, lined with outdated portraits of local officials. “Figured we could wait in his office. Gives us time to talk without interruption.”
I paused at the door and asked, “And what happens when Colter realizes his best friend is working against him?”
Kane’s expression darkened. “That’s my business.”
“Not when it involves me, it isn’t.”
A heavy groan. “Something was going down on the border. He took half the club with him. We had some issues with one of the cartels and he didn’t want to leave our territory completely unprotected.”
“And he didn’t take his vice president?” Thomas asked.
He gave a shrug and a menacing glare. “He knew I’d make problems and didn’t want me going.”
That explained Kane’s willingness to meet tonight, but it also meant we were on borrowed time. Our footsteps echoed off the tile floors as Kane led us down the narrow corridor.
“Any idea why he returned to Valle Perdido?” I said as we walked. Kane’s jaw tightened.
“I figured that’d be the first question.” He pushed open a door marked with a brass nameplate and flicked on the lights. The office was cramped, filled with filing cabinets and stacks of paperwork.
“Question is, what made him come back now?” Kane settled his bulk into a chair that creaked under his weight. “And what’s he been told to say if anyone asks questions?”
“Maybe someone called him back,” Thomas suggested, taking a position near the window. “Told him the heat was dying down.”
“Or maybe he wanted more money,” I added.
“He hasn’t been here long enough to understand asking Colter for more isn’t going to end the way he thought.” Kane nodded slowly. “A little interesting that he showed up before your wedding to Cora.”
“You think it’s connected?” I asked.
Kane shrugged. “Likely.”
Thomas crossed his arms over his chest. “What’s your deal with Colter? It’s obvious that you disagree with the things he’s doing. Why not?—”
Something in Kane’s eyes made me stop Thomas. I held up my hand. “That’s not our business.”
The man looked at me. “Smart call.”
Thomas exhaled. “Fine.”
Kane pulled his phone from his pocket. “Where is he?”
“Maybe you can answer this question. Do you know anything about the adoption agency Beau’s wife runs?” Thomas asked.
His eyebrows knitted together. “All I know is that she runs it. About a year ago, Colter and Beau began having a little business together. We’d escort couples to and from Mexico. We’ve got heavy cartel activity here and ransom is a good way to earn a quick buck. Why?”
