Flossy’s gray hair was up in curlers, and she looked adorable. “I’m sorry that crazy Monica shot you. She’s Janet’s niece but has never been very nice. Poor Janet and Gus. I’m so sorry about this.”
Right now, the world felt so mellow that Ophelia didn’t mind. “The bullet went right through my arm, and I only needed stitches. Doc didn’t even have to put me out to do it, so I didn’t really have surgery.” Thank goodness Monica had been a crappy shot. “I’d rather be here in the warm house with you.” Brock had left her with Flossy while he went out and notified Leo about Tammy’s killer. David had shown up at the hospital and Brock had told him everything about his fiancée. Poor guy.
“You’re so strong.” Flossy smiled. “A gazelle with muscles. I’m not sure about that. I may need another animal for you.”
How fun. An animal for her. Ophelia smiled. She wished Brock would hurry up and return, though. He’d been at least a couple of hours, and darkness had fallen outside. Flossy had made a dinner of warm sandwiches, and now Ophelia just wanted to sleep. But she wouldn’t rest until Brock returned.
The firelight played off Flossy’s papery-thin skin. “Congratulations on getting your job back.”
“Thank you.” The idea didn’t please Ophelia as much as she’d thought it would. Once she’d reported to her boss in DC about Tammy’s murder, he’d reinstated her special assignment status. She’d called him right after Doc had stitched her up, and he still wouldn’t tell her who’d gotten to him earlier. “I have several new open investigations that should arrive in my inbox this week, and I am bound and determined to identify that victim I saw by the river wearing the EVE embroidered jacket.”
Flossy wrinkled her nose. “Disappearing bodies just creep me out.” She kicked out her feet. “But I’m glad you have another reason to stay in town for the winter. And maybe beyond.” She winked.
Heat climbed into Ophelia’s face. “Maybe beyond.” She looked out at the stormy night.
Flossy paused in her knitting. “Where is Monica? If Brock is out notifying everyone about her duplicity, surely she’s not alone at the station.”
Ophelia’s arm started to tingle. “She’s in a jail cell being guarded by one of the Miller kids. Brock deputized him. All he has to do is make sure she doesn’t escape, and based on her fiancé’s reaction to the situation, she wouldn’t have help, anyway.” After hearing the news, David had immediately requested his engagement ring back.
Flossy snorted. “Poor David. We’re second cousins, you know. He deserves so much better.” She reached for her teacup on the table. “Would you like more tea?” The fragrant peppermint brew filled the air with wintery scents.
Ophelia shook her head and looked at the clock. She shifted her weight, careful to leave her bandaged arm elevated on the throw pillow. She wasn’t much on girl talk, but she trustedFlossy. “Brock’s getting serious about us, even though it’s crazy. We just met.”
“Ha. You two have tossed in an entire year of dating into one week. Just think what you’ve gone through.” Flossy’s eyes gleamed with the gossip. “I am so glad to hear that he’s smart enough to want to take a chance with you. He’s a sweet boy and has been alone long enough. I always knew he’d fall hard and fast. Those Osprey men are all alike.”
Ophelia rubbed her eyes with her good hand. “I care about him, as well, and I’d like to take a chance. But we have issues already, and we’re just getting started.” But he made her laugh, and she liked his intelligence. She loved his hard body. Even his stubborn and way-too-overprotective nature appealed to a woman who’d always been alone. She sighed.
Flossy waved her hand as if ridding the air of silliness. “Issues? Come on. What issues?”
Ophelia’s phone dinged, and she lifted it to her ear. “Hi.”
“Hi.” Brock sounded like he was far away. Too far away. “I just arrived back at the station, but am still surprised we both have cell service—must be fate. How’s your arm?”
How sweet that he asked about her while freezing his butt off riding to and now from Leo’s place out in the mountains. She warmed right through. “I’m fine. Flossy is taking very good care of me.” She sobered. “How’s Leo?”
“Not great. I’ll be up to get you in about an hour. Since your shooter is now under lock and key, I’m not worried about you. Well, that much.” His voice dropped to a low and intimate rumble through the phone line. “Then I’ll properly baby you at home.”
“At home.” The words held a punch as she ended the call. She placed the phone next to her tea. “He should be here in a bit.”
Flossy kept quilting. “You were telling me about issues between you and the sheriff.”
Oh, yeah. “My job. His job. Hank’s murder.” Ophelia settled back and winced when her arm protested. The darn painkillers didn’t last long enough. “I don’t know if we can ever get past that.” In fact, it looked like Ace might be the shooter. How would Brock feel if she arrested his brother? How in the world could they get beyond that?
“There is no way Brock Osprey shot Hank,” Flossy said.
“I agree.” Ophelia sipped her tea, letting the warmth heat her tingling fingers. “But I think one of his brothers did, and I’ll have to arrest them.”
Flossy paused, looking up through her bottle-thick glasses. “Oh. I didn’t think of that.”
Ophelia’s heart sank. “Right? It’s a horrible situation.”
Flossy finished her tea and stood. “We need more tea so we can figure this out. There is a solution. I’m sure of it.” She ambled to her feet and placed her squares on Ophelia’s lap. “Check out the stitching. Once your arm heals, you can do that. I know you can.” She bustled away and into the kitchen.
Ophelia studied the stitching. It would take her years to get that exact. She held up several squares with her good hand. Flossy had so much talent. One of the squares caught Ophelia’s eye.
Her heart rate kicked into gear.
The square showed a moose. A proud, powerful, somehow stubborn-looking moose. Memories flickered through her muddled brain. Why was her body reacting? Then it hit her.
