A sigh rips from him.“Fine.But we’re heading out as soon as you cast a look inside.”
Brushing past him, I murmur, “Shouldn’t we...”my words falter once I glance inside my father’s office.
A tornado happened.There’s no other way to describe what I’m seeing.Papers are scattered all over, there’s not a book on the shelf, or a plant, photographs, everything is trashed.Even the desk is thrown upside-down as if they wanted to rip it apart as well.
For a moment my heart stops and fear feels like a noose tightening around my throat.Until I notice the secret safe.The thick wooden shelf is still mounted to the wall.Everything that was once on it is on the floor.Stepping over everything, I let my fingertips glide over the underside of the thick shelf.
“What are you doing?”Seamus asks from behind me.
Instead of answering, I press a button and the side of the shelf pops open.Reaching inside, I take out a file and close the hidden safe.
“Motherfucker, that’s damn smart,” Seamus whispers.
Ignoring him, I open the file and glance through the information on the first page.Motherfucker, is right.This is why my father got killed, and I have a pretty good idea who has motivation to be the killer.
CHAPTER TEN
–SEAMUS –
Jaxie shakes her head at the question the sheriff just threw at her and steps closer to me.I reach out and slide my arm around her waist to tuck her tightly against my body.Leaning in, I brush a kiss on the crown of her head.
The action doesn’t go unnoticed by the sheriff while I acted without thinking.Dammit.I don’t know where Jaxie and I stand, while she clearly seeks my comfort.
The sheriff gives me a nod of approval.He’s no stranger to me.Stalwart Ridge Security has worked with Orson Samuels for years.He knows exactly who she is, and it’s why he asked her earlier if he needed an ASL translator.
Not talking is definitely working in our favor now.Jaxie didn’t want to call the sheriff, but I convinced her to bring him in.He needs to be aware of the fact Jaxie’s life is at risk.A first step to let law enforcement know something isn’t right, and it started with Dax’s death not being an accident.
Well, the file we found clearly proves shit hasn’t been right for a long damn time.I only thumbed through it and read some highlights.It’s something Jaxie and I need to go through before we can share those things with the sheriff.It’s why the file is hidden safely under the dogs’ blankets in the backseat of Jaxie’s vehicle.
Jaxie signs and I translate for her, catching a few words to know what she’s saying.“She wants to stay at the cabin.Elodie was going to join her in two weeks...”
“Murray called me earlier,” Orson states, cutting me off.“I gave him some highlights about what happened to her.I definitely feel better knowing she’s leaving town and staying with a bodyguard for the time being.Do you think it’s connected?Since she was going to join Jaxie.”He throws a thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the house.“They were searching for something, lashing out at her best friend could be to put pressure on a threat.Are you sure you’re telling me everything?”
Fucker’s smart.“We’re still trying to figure shit out.Once we know more we’ll reach out.It’s why I insisted on bringing you in.”
Orson puts his little notebook back into his pocket.“Smart choice.I trust you won’t wait too long.If you think of anything that might help, or don’t feel safe, be sure to reach out.Killing a horse is taking a life.It’s a good thing we’ve worked together on cases for years, otherwise we’d have a different conversation.Take care of your girl.”He dips his chin.“Ma’am.”
