Yet now he realized the cops would likely toss her behind bars regardless of his statement.
And he had no idea how they’d manage to clear her name before that happened.
9
Hearing Micah’s raised voice brought Bryn back to the living area of the cabin.He was on the phone, appearing frustrated and concerned given the deep grooves entrenched in his forehead.When he saw her, he rose to his feet.His expression cleared as he quickly masked his feelings.
“Is there anything else?”he asked.
She couldn’t hear anything from the other side of the call.She assumed he was speaking with Rex, explaining why they hadn’t gone to the police to provide their statements.
Rex was probably not happy with their decision.She hoped her actions hadn’t driven a wedge between Micah and his boss.She would feel a hundred times worse if Micah lost his job too.
“Okay, thanks.We’ll be in touch.”Micah lowered the phone.Avoiding her gaze, he said, “That was Rex.”
“Sounds like he’s upset with you.With us,” she amended.“We can still go back and arrange to speak with Detective Krogan.I completely understand we put him in a tough position by not following through.”
“It’s fine.”He waved a hand, still not looking directly at her.She frowned, realizing he was hiding something.
“What’s wrong?”She moved toward him, searching his expression.“Did Rex give you bad news?”
He sighed, then reached for her hand.Drawing her toward the sofa, he sat, urging her to drop down beside him.“Yes, there is troubling news related to the investigation into Damien’s death.”
Her stomach clenched with fear and her mouth went dry.She licked her lips and forced herself to remain calm.“Okay, what is it?”
Micah stared down at their joined hands for a long moment before he finally met her gaze.“The ME has determined Damien was shot and killed by someone shorter than he was.The bullet apparently went in at the base of his head and exited through the top of his forehead.”
“Someone my height, is that it?”She battled back a wave of panic.“I’m sure there are plenty of other people out there who are short who could have done this.”
“I understand, but there’s also an electronic money transfer through your personal bank account.”He tightened his grip on her hand.“You’re being set up as being responsible for the embezzlement and as Damien’s killer.”
Stunned, she stared at him.“But—you’ve been with me.You know I didn’t do this.”
“Rex pointed out that you didn’t call me until after you heard the gunshot and left your house, running through the marsh to the pub.And worse, he thinks the police won’t believe me because I was close friends with Tommy.”
It was difficult to believe what he was saying.“Rex thinks I did this?”She forced the question through her constricted throat.“You think I did this?”
“No, Bryn.I know you’re being framed for murder.But my believing in you isn’t going to sway the cops.Not with this new evidence coming to light.”
“Fake evidence.”A burst of anger hit hard.She yanked her hand from his and shot to her feet, pacing the length of the cabin.“Anyone could hold the gun a specific way to make it look as if someone shorter was responsible for the shooting.And the same goes with the money transfer.The company pays all employees through direct deposit.That means they have my banking information.”
“Yes, which points the finger right back at Damien’s partner, Richard.”Micah’s blue eyes were full of compassion.“I know you’re innocent, we just need to figure out a way to prove it.”
A harsh laugh escaped her throat.“Sounds like the Madison police are taking the easy way out by following the blatant trail leading straight to me.”
Micah winced but didn’t argue.Probably because he knew it was true.
She raked her fingers through her hair, trying to hang on to a thin thread of control.The entire situation was surreal.How was it possible her boring life had morphed into being framed for embezzlement and murder?
Yet now that she thought back, she could see what Micah meant.She’d heard the gunshot and assumed she was the target.But maybe that was wrong.Maybe the shooter had killed Damien at that moment?
And when she’d run off, the shooter had taken the opportunity to frame her for the crime?No, he must have intended to frame her from the very beginning.Before he fired the shot that ended Damien’s life.
Either way, she’d played into his hand.The more she thought about it, the more she believed Richard as responsible.As the co-owner of the company, he must have discovered Damien had stolen the money, eliminated him, and then framed her for the crime.
Why he couldn’t have just had the police arrest Damien, she wasn’t sure.It seemed extreme to go as far as killing his former partner and framing her.
There seemed to be a piece of the puzzle missing.More than one piece.Blowing out a breath, she turned toward Micah who was watching her with his intense blue gaze.
