“I’ll be right back,” she said before shuffling down the hall.
Robert rubbed the back of his neck. “Man, that never gets easier.”
“I’ll bet it’s especially hard when it’s murder, and it the last living relative.” Jake’s throat tightened.
“Listen, Jake, you—”
Jake held up a hand to cut him off. “I know what you’re going to say. You’re right, I don’t know much about her, but I know she is good. She would never get mixed up in something illegal. Didn’t you see the horror on her face when she thought that’s what might have happened?”
“I’m inclined to agree with you, but wait until there are no more mysteries before you get involved with her.”
“I know,” Jake said in a low growl. Low, because Emily was returning and a growl, because he was afraid it might already be too late.
Robert held his gaze a moment longer.He knows.Robert knew Jake was losing the battle to keep himself from falling for Emily.
Emily sat beside Jake again and opened her hand, revealing a key.
“I don’t know where this key came from or what it goes to, but it was among my personal belongings when I left the hospital.”
Robert took the key and examined it. “In your personal belongings?”
“Yes, the nurse found it...” Emily cleared her throat. “In my bra when she removed my clothing.”
“Why was it in... there?” Robert asked.
“I asked myself and the nurse the same question since my clothing had pockets. The only reason I would have put it there... was if I didn’t want someone to find it.” Emily paused for a moment, then continued, “I don’t think it’s a car or house key. It might belong to a safety deposit box, but I don’t know which bank. There isn’t any identification on the key besides that number.”
“Do you mind if I hang onto the key and do some checking? Maybe I’ll have Ben help me out.”
“If that key is the reason... my brother was... killed—” her voice broke. “I don’t ever want to see it again.”
“I’m sorry, Emily, I know this is hard,” Robert said. “But can you tell me what your last memory of your brother was?”
Emily stared at the floor as she spoke. “My only clear memory is when the police brought him to my house after my father died. There are a few other faint and fuzzy memories from my childhood, but that’s it.”
Silence filled the room for a moment, then Emily asked, “If Cameron was killed the day I was abducted, why am I only now hearing about it?”
Robert looked at Jake, who shook his head. He didn’t think Emily could handle any more difficult news today.
Robert rubbed his jaw and hedged, “His body wasn’t found until yesterday.”
“He laid dead somewhere for a whole week and no one knew? No one even cared?” Emily grew emotional again.
“I hate to admit it, but I think there was some incompetence in Spokane’s investigation and a lack of communication within the police department.”
“Where was his body found?” She asked.
Robert gave Jake a strained look and cleared his throat.
Emily raised a hand before Robert could speak. “You know what? I don’t want to know. I don’t want to be able to imagine it.”
Robert let out a sigh.
“Cameron’s apartment and your condo have both been searched. Police are hoping you can identify what’s missing. It might provide a clue to who killed your brother. Do you feel like going to your apartment and taking a look?”
“Tomorrow,” Jake said before Emily could speak. Robert and Emily both looked at him. He clasped her hand. “It’s getting late in the day, and it will take a while for her to go through both apartments. Besides, she needs some time to process this latest information.”
Emily looked down at their hands. She nodded. “I would like a little time. I’ve been so anxious for my memory to return, but now, I’m not sure I want to remember.”
