“I’m not sure,” his dad said, pausing before the front doors. “I’d have to ask your mom. She was the one who surprised me with the Bradfords joining us. But you know how she likes to invite others along when I’m working. I guess I can’t blame her. It would be lonely by herself, and she gets tired of staying in a town she doesn’t know. Plus, she likes to see you and knows you’re working, so I guess I assumed she invited them.”
“Have you and Mom kept in touch with them since Dale became a senator?” Josh asked.
“What are you implying?”
“I don’t know, but Amber called about Sydney’s case and now the Bradfords are here and there’s evidence pointing toward me. We both know that they weren’t happy about Sydney’s life choices and…” Josh paused, having a hard time admitting what he needed to. “And how I was involved in that. I think they always blamed me for her death somehow. Do you think they’d try to get back at me? Especially if evidence proved the guy in prison wasn’t her killer? Would they try to frame me just to have someone serving time? Or do you think one of them could be involved with Sydney’s death?”
“I’ve known Dale for years. I can’t imagine he would do any of that, but I guess you never know,” his dad answered.
“Sydney told me once that her dad liked to slap her around. Her mom and brother too. I guess he could be pretty abusive. What if her father is involved somehow in her death? You have connections with both Dale and the DA’s office. Would you be willing to investigate this case a little bit more? Maybe after court today? I hate to ask you that…”
“No, I’ll do it,” his dad interrupted. “I don’t mind. And I didn’t know that about Dale, but on the other hand, I’ve witnessed his temper when I worked with him, so I guess it shouldn’t surprise me.”
“Thank you,” Josh said. “I didn’t want to ask. You’ve bailed me out enough over the years.”
“Son, I haven’t said this to you enough, but I love you,” his dad said.
Josh thought he saw some tears on the edge of his father’s eyes.
“I will always be there for you,” his dad continued, putting a hand on Josh’s shoulder. “I’m proud of you. You’ve turned your life around. You’ve been sober for several years. You’ve met an amazing woman who is good for you. You’re good for each other. I can see that. You have a good—no, great—life out here. I will always be happy to help you.”
Feeling a little choked up himself, Josh couldn’t speak at first. His father had never said anything like that to him and he could tell Dad meant every word.
“Thank you,” Josh said.
“When we get through all of this—Wayne’s trial, this homicide investigation you have going—I’d like to spend some time with you. Just the two of us and catch up more. And talk about when you’re going to ask that beautiful lady you’re living with to marry you.”
“No pressure there on the marriage thing,” Josh said with a laugh, then getting serious again. “I’d like that. Spending some time together would be good.”
“Good, we’ll plan on it, and there is no pressure on getting married. I just can see how good Maya is for you.” His dad glanced at his watch. “I better get inside, but I’ll find out more about Sydney’s case and get back to you. And if anyone is trying to frame you, they’ll have to get through me.”
“Love you, Dad,” Josh said, giving him a hug.
They went inside and each headed in a different direction. Josh knew that his dad was the best and was serious about taking on anyone trying to set him up. Maya too. She wouldn’t let anyone frame him without figuring out who and why. But that didn’t stop the feeling he had that someone was out to get him. Sure, he hadn’t killed Sydney, but their party life led to her meeting someone who did. Josh wondered how badly the senator would want revenge for Sydney’s death—even if it meant convicting the wrong person.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Maya unlocked the gate, but closed it again after driving through. She didn’t want some tourist out exploring to drive in and mess up the crime scene. She left it unlocked so Lucas, Doc, and whoever else needed to could get in.
She parked near the cabin with tape around it. Near the back door there was a figure under a white sheet. Another victim. More and more criminals were moving into the national forests, but so far, Maya had never dealt with any kind of gang war like a city cop might. There had been a local militia. Same kind of mentality, but different too. Gangs were usually into more criminal activity and militias were usually more motivated by political ideology. Although the militia Maya had dealt with definitely crossed over into criminal activity when they decided to make and distribute drugs. She supposed in some ways it all blended together. She was certain that somewhere there was an exact definition for court cases.
A person was standing outside the yellow tape. Maya recognized her as one of the SAR team members who was also on the sheriff’s posse. They were short-staffed and Maya was glad the gal could stand in and help. That way the other deputies could get some rest before coming back and working again. Sometimes the job was grueling.
Juniper stretched in the back and gave a yip. She was ready to go to work. Maya opened the door between her cab and Juniper’s compartment as they waited for Lucas. A gust blew through the area.
“Please don’t get windy,” Maya muttered to herself. That would only make working Juniper more difficult. Spring in Colorado was often windy and Maya knew that would hinder her ability to use Juniper. Hopefully it would die down today and cooperate.
Juniper suddenly let out an excited yip followed by several barks. Lucas had pulled in and the Mal recognized him.
“Let me talk to him and then we’ll go to work, girly. If it doesn’t get windy.”
Another bark came from Juniper followed by some whines. Maya opened her door and greeted Lucas again and waved at the person guarding the scene, who waved back.
“Where do you want to start?” Maya asked. “Juniper is ready to go.”
“I can hear her,” Lucas said with a smile. “Let’s stay outside the tape but go to the west side. I saw the most shoe imprints there and some grass pushed down from someone running through there.”
“Do we need to avoid any of the imprints for Miranda?” Maya asked.
