“I’m not telling you anything other than we found a body. We don’t even know if there was foul play. There hasn’t been an autopsy, so let’s not speculate.” He focused on the camera. “For now, I need everybody on alert, watching for Jason Abbott. Please call the number at the bottom of your screen even if you just suspect something. We need the public’s help.”
“All right,” Rachel said. “We have to go to our sponsors now.”
The red light above the door blinked off. Huck yanked the microphone off his jacket and tossed it onto the table. “Thanks for your help, Rachel.” He pushed his chair back.
“You really love her, don’t you?”
Huck paused and then stood. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not discussing my personal life with you.”
“Then how about you and I go for a drink to celebrate old times?” She leaned forward, revealing a nice amount of cleavage beneath her pink top. The sparkly and somehow professional material pared nicely with her black pencil skirt and high-heeled black pumps. “What do you say?”
“I say no,” he said. “Thanks again for helping us with this case. The sooner we get Abbott back into custody, the better for everyone.” He strode toward the door and paused, turning to look back. “Abbott’s type is professional women with higher educational degrees, which you have. Be careful, Rachel. By recording this and going live with it, you’ll definitely be brought to his attention.”
Rachel smoothed her blond hair back from her face. “Huck, I didn’t think you still cared.”
He didn’t. “I want every woman to be safe, and this interview will put you front and center.” Well, behind Laurel Snow, Melissa Cutting, and most likely Dr. Abigail Caine. All three were better educated than Rachel, but there was no doubt Huck had just put a target on the reporter’s back. “Be careful and watch your movements. If you feel like you’re in trouble, call the police. My agency and the FBI are stretched pretty thin right now, but the Genesis Valley police force should be able to provide you with protection.”
Rachel’s chin lifted. “You mean the police force that just let Jason Abbott escape?”
“I imagine they’re on much higher alert now,” Huck said dryly. “But yeah, call them if you feel you’re in danger.”
She sat back and crossed her legs, hitching the pencil skirt up. “Now, Huck, we both know if I’m in danger, I’m going to call you. Right?”
He’d stopped answering her calls long ago, but as he glanced at the face of Jason Abbott still on the screen, he had to admit he had just put Rachel in danger.
If she called, he’d help her.
By the smile on her face, she knew it.
Chapter 6
Laurel pushed away the now-scraped-clean plate of her mom’s pot roast dinner and patted her stomach. The cat she’d rescued last month, Fred Lacassagne, slept on her foot. “I ate too much.”
Her mom chuckled, appearing at ease at the country-style kitchen table, one leg tucked beneath the other and her posture perfect. “You probably ate just the right amount. Although, you look tired.”
“I am.” Laurel stretched her neck. “It was a long day.” She couldn’t believe they’d found the body just that morning.
“I’m glad you came home tonight.”
Laurel found peace in the quiet kitchen. “I haven’t seen you for a few days and thought I should check in. Before I forget, the new huckleberry-rhubarb tea is my favorite so far.”
“Nice to know.” Deidre stood and reached for a notepad from the counter to scrawl notations across it. “What did you like best about that blend?”
“The concoction tasted like huckleberries and rhubarb pie while soothing my stomach.”
Deidre stretched into a casual yoga pose. “Yes, there’s some peppermint in there.” She looked healthy with her trim physique, a clip holding her chin-length blond hair away from her face. She’d practiced yoga as long as Laurel could remember and even wore a yoga outfit most of the time. “I’m not sure about the in-person store, though.”
Laurel shrugged. “Why don’t you commit to a six-month experiment, and if you don’t enjoy yourself, we can either hire somebody else to manage the store or cut the lease short. The documents I drafted protect you either way.”
“Of course they do.” Deidre retook her seat. “How is Huck?” It was nice that her mother was finally warming toward Huck. She’d never been a fan of men in general, and Laurel couldn’t blame her.
“He’s doing well. He had to give an interview to a local podcast, so I’m sure he’s in a grouchy mood.” Which was one of the reasons she’d decided to stay the night at her mother’s home.
Deidre speared a carrot from her plate. “He’s not much in favor of the media, is he? Although, I don’t blame him.”
“Neither do I,” Laurel said. “I’ll call him later to see how the interview went.”
“So”—Deidre cleared her throat—“have you two announced the pregnancy yet?”
