“Chris,” Cooper said without preamble. “You and Jaime still at the hotel?”
“Yes,” I said, sitting up a little straighter. “We were planning to stay for the rest of the show, even if the culprit’s already caught.”
“Good,” Cooper said. “Because I don’t think this is over.”
That snapped me fully awake.
“We were wondering about it last night and started to think the same thing,” I admitted. “It all wrapped up too cleanly.”
A pause. Then, “I want you to head to the sheriff’s office. The suspect’s being held there. I’ve already spoken to the sheriff. He’s expecting you.”
My pulse picked up. “You want me to question him?” I asked.
“Yes,” Cooper said. “See what he says. Or doesn’t.”
“Understood,” I told him.
“Call me after,” Cooper added. “And Chris?”
“Yeah?” I asked.
“Trust your instincts.”
The line went dead.
I lowered the phone slowly and looked up. Jaime was watching me, his expression alert, already piecing things together.
“Sheriff’s office,” he said. Not a question.
“Yeah,” I said.
“You’re going.”
I nodded. “Cooper has doubts too.”
Jaime leaned back against the pillows, considering. “I’ll stay here. Keep an eye on things. Pampi too.”
Relief washed through me, tempered by reluctance.
“You sure?” I asked.
“Yes,” he said calmly. “You’re better at this part.”
I hesitated, then blurted, “Shower first?”
The corner of his mouth curved. “I was hoping you’d ask.”
The shower was quick and warm, steam fogging the mirror, Jaime’s presence steady and close. When I dressed and grabbed my jacket, Jaime leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed loosely.
“Be careful,” he said.
“I will.”
His gaze softened. “Come back safely.”
“I plan to,” I told him.
The drive to the sheriff’s office took less than ten minutes. My good mood faded with every mile, anticipation tightening into focus. The small brick building sat quiet at the edge of town, a flag stirring lazily out front.
