Two women were dead. Someone had left threatening notes on his truck. Brooke had been attacked on a trail, nearly dragged into the woods by someone strong enough to overpower her.
And they were sitting here, waiting for permission to investigate. Waiting for someone in authority to take them seriously.
It made him want to put his fist through something.
But that wouldn’t help. It wouldn’t protect Brooke, wouldn’t prove his innocence, and wouldn’t catch the real killer.
So Tyler did what he’d always done. He worked. He focused on the task in front of him. Kept his hands busy and his mind as quiet as he could manage.
And he waited.
Chapter 35
Brooke
Brooke sat on her couch, phone in hand, checking it for the hundredth time. 5:15. Nothing new from Joe. He’d sent a text to both her and Tyler around one o’clock. It was short and cryptic:Late start. Things happening now. Head straight to Brooke’s after work and wait.
Tyler paced near the window, occasionally pulling the curtain aside to look at the street.
“Maybe we should just call him,” Brooke said.
“He’ll reach out when he knows something.”
“It’s been hours since we’ve heard anything.”
Tyler turned from the window. “I know.”
The waiting was getting to her. Joe had told them to stay at the house, but they’d changed into their running clothes anyway, hoping to squeeze in a few miles before sunset.
Now the light was fading fast. The sky had already taken on that deepening blue that warned night was close, and her nerves still hadn’t settled since the attack. She was far too skittish to run in the dark, even with Tyler beside her. And Joe’s last message had been clear: stay inside until they knew more.
“I think I’m going to go on the treadmill,” Brooke said. “Better than sitting here waiting. You could use the walking pad if you want. I have them both set up in the office.”
“Sure. That might be good. Not exactly the same as going for a run together, but close.” He smiled as he dropped the curtain.
Brooke’s phone buzzed. Joe’s name flashed on the screen.
“It’s him,” she said, answering immediately. “Joe? What’s happening?”
Tyler crossed to the couch, sitting beside her. She hit the speaker button so they could both hear.
“Sorry it took so long,” Joe said. His voice sounded strained. “It’s been a long day. The sheriff didn’t believe us at first. Took forever going through the evidence, asking questions, trying to poke holes in our theory. Then he had a meeting he couldn’t miss, and we had to wait, and...” Joe sighed. “Anyway.”
“But he believes you now?” Brooke asked.
“I’m not surebelievesis the right word. Let’s say he sees enough to have concerns. Enough concerns to bring both Adam and Edi in for questioning. He agreed that both have been acting suspiciously and there needs to be a proper investigation.”
Tyler’s hand found Brooke’s. “When?”
“Immediately. Only . . . ”
“Only what?” Tyler asked.
“It seems Edi might have gotten wind of what was going on. She heard something or figured it out somehow. By the time they went to find her, she was gone.”
Brooke’s chest tightened. “Gone where?”
“No one knows. Her car’s missing. Phone’s off. She just disappeared.” Joe paused. “But that pretty much confirms it was her, right? Innocent people don’t run. I’d love to see what the sheriff thinks now, see if he believes us, but he’s unavailable.”
