In answer, Juniper gave her some slurps on the cheek.
“Thanks, girl. Now we need to figure out Josh.”
Juniper jumped back down and sat staring at her. She took a big paw and slapped it on Maya’s lap as if to sayWe’ve got this.
Maya petted her. “Okay, girly, we need to get over to the sheriff’s office.”
Standing, she went into the small bathroom and brushed her hair, pulling it back into a tight bun. Splashing water on her face and brushing her teeth made her feel better and ready to face whatever was ahead of them.
Josh.
How was she going to prove his innocence? Maya knew she wanted to go talk to the Bradfords. If she could catch them off guard or changing a story, that would help. But she wouldn’t do that without Lucas and Pops. She was already pushing it just helping with the case. But before they could go talk to anyone, they needed to go through all the evidence and make sure they found what Elena and now probably Josh had.
Juniper stayed right outside the bathroom door and stuck to Maya as she heated up a cup of coffee, poured it in her to-go mug, and headed out the door to the sheriff’s office. Hopefully Pops would be back soon.
Maya loaded up Juniper and made the quick drive down the road. Knowing that Juniper probably needed to stretch her legs, Maya let her out for a few minutes to run around on the front lawn. Juniper must have still been a little bit tired, as the dog didn’t perform any zoomies or go sliding around in the snow. The flags in front of the sheriff’s office were starting to billow as the wind became brisker. The first part of the big storm was starting to move in. The wind would pick up over the day as the front arrived. Hopefully Josh had found Elena and they were somewhere warm and safe.
Heading inside, Maya had a chill go through her body. She wasn’t certain if it was from the changing weather or what they all faced to figure out what was going on with Sydney Bradford’s case. How one case from four years ago and over a thousand miles away could leave so many dead bodies and wreckage in a short amount of time was beyond Maya.
With Juniper by her side, she headed to the back of the station as Pops came through the back door. Elation swept over Maya and she ran to him, wrapping him in a hug as they held each other. Tears began to flow down her face again. “I thought I’d lost you, Pops.”
“Even if things didn’t go this well, you’re never going to lose me. I’ll always be a part of you,” Pops said.
Maya saw some tears on the edges of his eyes. Pops was the old-school, tough-it-out kind of guy. He’d been strong through all of this, but she knew the case had taken its toll on him.
“Enough about me. Fill me in about Josh and what’s happening with him.”
Maya told Pops about the backpack and case notes along with the photos. “We made copies and have them stashed in safe places. Lucas should be coming here soon and we can all go through the files.”
“I hope I can join you.”
Maya turned to see who was behind her, although she was certain she recognized his voice now: Spencer. “Thank you for all you’ve done for Pops,” she said.
“Of course. I’m glad I could help,” Spencer said. “I overheard some of what you were telling your grandfather. I’d love to help with this case too.”
Maya hesitated. It would really be up to Pops and Lucas, whenever Lucas arrived.
Seeming to sense her hesitation, Spencer said, “I don’t know what all Josh has told you about me, and of course, the last time we were here, well, it wasn’t the best visit. I understand all that. But I don’t believe my son is a killer. I’m far from a perfect father and Josh and I have had our differences, but I’m proud of him and everything he’s done. I’d like to help prove his innocence.”
Pops nodded and said, “You might have a better understanding of what Elena saw in the case. Let’s all go to the conference room.”
Maya’s phone buzzed. It was a text from Lucas, who had also caught a couple hours of sleep and was now on his way in. “Lucas says he’ll be here in about fifteen minutes.”
“Great,” Pops said. “Let’s go get started.”
As they all went to the conference room, Spencer tapped Maya on the shoulder. Juniper didn’t like him touching Maya and immediately stepped between them.
“Juniper, it’s okay. Relax,” Maya said. The dog turned and peered at Spencer and then sighed, backing off.
“Sorry, I shouldn’t have touched you with her here, but I just wanted to say, I meant what I said. I’m so happy Josh has you. You are the best thing that’s ever happened to him. Natalia agrees.”
“Thank you,” Maya said with a shy smile. “I appreciate that. I’m not sure about Natalia, though. Does she really agree?”
“She does. What can I say? She’s feisty and stubborn, but that’s what I love about her, and no offense, but I think those are a couple of the things my son loves about you.”
Maya gave a short laugh. “You have a point there.”
“Come on, let’s go get to work.”
