“What are you saying?” Jo stood. “We’re going, Cole. You can go with me, or I’ll go without you.”
“Your parents gave up their lives and started new ones to hide whatever the secret is. It’s too risky.”
“Why the sudden change of heart? What changed your mind?” She continued without giving him a chance to reply. “It’s riskier not to learn the truth. Their truth, their danger, that has pursued me for three years.” Jo folded her arms, standing her ground.
“I’ll go too,” Sanders said. “It’s part of my investigation. I can help protect her.”
Did Cole need or want help? He could contact Hawk to assist. “It’s out of your jurisdiction.”
“But part of my investigation. Look, a bomb happened here in my county. I’ve been coordinating with the WSP detective and, for my part, getting the answers behind thatbomb in the rainforest means I have to sink my teeth into it.” He leaned closer. “I’ll follow you. Having an official vehicle could come in handy. You and Jo can talk things out in the archives. I won’t hover. I’ll be there to keep a sharp eye out.”
Cole had to think about it. He didn’t want Sanders causing any roadblocks. Then again, Sanders could suspect that their man, Merrick, would show up, which is what Cole feared.
“Listen, that picture could hold the key,” Sanders said. “It could be the most important piece that ties it all together.”
“Exactly why this could be the most dangerous leg of the investigation,” Cole said. And why he was having second thoughts about taking Jo into yet another situation where they could be ambushed.
“I’m going, Cole. I’d love it if you came too.” Jo had made her case.
Fine. He didn’t know Sanders all that well, but he had a sense about people, and the man was a determined investigator. “Okay. We’re heading out in an hour. Meet us south on 101 at the turnoff to Forestview.”
“See you in an hour.” Sanders let himself out.
****
An hour later, Jo adjusted her sling bag over her arm. “I’m bringing my sketch pad. You never know when the muse will strike, and sketching can help me think.”
Cole grabbed his firearm, set the security alarm, and they exited the house. He texted Sanders that they were heading out and would see him in a few minutes. They got into Jo’s mean-looking Land Rover this time. Cole hoped the police presence Sanders provided would deter any followers.
“That guy rubs me the wrong way,” she said. “I wish he didn’t have to join us.”
“Ever hear the saying ‘There is safety in numbers’? He’s offering his help, and we’re taking advantage of the fact that he’s also part of this investigation.”
“I wish we hadn’t shared what we’re doing with him,” she said.
“Really? Because we need all the help we can get. He could just as easily have taken over and insisted he would continue the investigation at the museum.”
“No, he couldn’t,” she said. “I need to be there. I’m the one connected, and I’ll find clues he couldn’t find.”
“I agree. And Detective Sanders is in it with us now. You should give him a chance.” Like Sheriff Thatcher had said,“You’ll come around.”
“Cole, is he going along for protection?” she asked. “Are you worried thatyouwon’t be enough? Because if that’s it, I’ll tell you right nowyouare absolutely all I need.”
He didn’t know how to respond to that. Had she really meant to say those words? And if she had, had she meant them in the way that he really wanted to take them? His heart was in his throat now, and he had no coherent response.
If Sanders wasn’t following them, Cole might have pulled over onto the shoulder or into a parking lot and kissed her with everything in him. He knew now, without a doubt, that...
You’re absolutely all Ineed too.
33
In the lobby of the Museum of Flight, Jo bought tickets. Yeah. With the cash bucket Pop had left her. The plan was to take the self-guided tour through the museum, and then they would make their way to the archives. Detective Sanders had secured them the required appointment in the archives. As it turned out, having him along worked out to their advantage. Due to the nature of their investigation, he was able to expedite the process and get them right in while retaining their firearms.
I guess he isn’t so bad afterall.
They slowly made their way through the business and technology sections of the museum, which she found only mildly interesting. All she could think about was her ridiculous words.
“You’re absolutely all I need.”
