Page 157 of Rangers Unexpected Return

I read Robert’s message again.

My captain knew about Emily’s key.

Not only that it existed.

He knew what it opened.

A cold sensation moved along my spine as I thought about every conversation I’d had with Robert Mills during the investigation. He had approved my travel, reviewed my reports, and listened while I explained the connection between the victims.

He knew every lead I had followed.

Every mistake I had made.

Every place I intended to go.

“Judy.”

Mace’s voice pulled me back into the room.

He stood close enough for our arms to touch, his attention on my face instead of the phone.

“You okay?”

“No.”

It was the truth.

Robert had been my captain for six years. I trusted him. When the first three victims were connected, he gave me additional resources. When the fourth woman was found, he let me take control of the investigation.

After the seventh murder, he ordered me to rest.

I had believed he was worried about me.

When I asked him, he said it was because of the accident.

Now I wondered if he had been trying to slow me down. But he told me to come here.

“Do you think Robert killed those women?” Rylie asked.

“I don’t know.”

“But you think it’s possible.”

“I think your key frightens him.”

Trigger looked at the message. “The key was never meant for you. That sounds like he knows who it was meant for.”

“Rylie,” Mace said.

We all looked at him.

“Emily gave it to Rylie.”

“Then why say it wasn’t meant for Judy?” Sheriff Tate asked.

“Because Judy is the one who can connect it to seven murders.”

I looked at the evidence bag tucked inside Trigger’s jacket.