Love Inspired Suspense April 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 Laura Scott (speed reading book .txt) 📖

Even that didn’t stop you. Did you bribe Jared? It’s over, Duncan. It’s time to tell the whole truth.”

Duncan licked his bottom lip, knowing the home team was up too many points for him to recover and win the game.

“Terry and I did offer Jared incentive. He took the money and the concert tickets. We signed the agreement, and it was a done deal.”

“Who is we?”

“Me, Terry as a witness and Joe.” The Ole Magnolia coach. “I had a feeling he was regretting the decision that night he came to me. But he got that call and said never mind—that part is all true. I do regret leaving that night. I do wish I knew more. I didn’t kill Jared Toledo.”

“But you did kill Dandy Martin, and you attempted to kill Georgia.”

“Look me in the eye and admit it, Duncan,” Georgia demanded.

He gradually made eye contact. “You should have kept your mouth shut and stuck to the Podunk crimes that happen around here.”

No apology. He didn’t believe he was wrong. This town had made him a king, and he believed it. But it was over now. Except he hadn’t admitted to killing Jared. And Colt tended to believe him. “What about Harry Benard?”

“Harry never liked the idea of what we were doing. But he didn’t seem to mind the wins. We pressed him to talk to the Burgess and Thompson families. If we could get some dirt on him, he’d keep everything under wraps. He needed money for his sister’s medical bills. We offered him a onetime deal, and he took it. But he left. Big deal. We knew he’d never talk. Until things got heated and y’all showed up. When Leeway called to cancel a meeting I’d arranged—to put some additional pressure on him—I couldn’t be sure what he was up to. I went over there, saw he really was at home and did what had to be done.”

“And Terry? Did he help you?”

“No. He helped recruit and offer incentives as well as supply the address. Never hurt anyone.” At least the coach wasn’t going to take Terry down with him on murder charges or conspiracy to commit murder.

“I think we’ve heard enough.” Colt and Georgia left the room.

Outside in the hall, he didn’t know what to do. Hug her? That seemed out of the question. Instead, he sighed. “You’re out of danger, at least, and it’s almost over.”

She would remain and put the charred pieces of her life back together, and he was going to move on to Atlanta. There was nothing left for him here. Not when he was her trigger, and law enforcement was who he was. She wrapped her arms around herself as if she wasn’t sure what gesture to make, either. “I can hardly believe it. You did a really good job, Colt. Thank you.” Her phone rang. “It’s the vet.” She answered and listened a few moments. “No. No need for them to stay a few more days. I’ll be there. Thanks.” She ended the call and pocketed her phone. “Picking up the dogs.” She chewed her bottom lip. “I know you have a lot to wrap up here. Susan is actually at the station bringing her brother dinner, so I’ll bum a ride from her. It’ll be great having my boys back again.”

And they didn’t have to be in a car again with the weirdness. “I have paperwork.”

He needed Duncan to write out a statement about the illegal recruiting ring and Dandy’s and Harry’s murders, as well as the attacks on Georgia, her dogs and Colt. He’d also need a statement from Terry Helms, and he wanted to speak to Sunny Wilkerson again. They were waiting to hear from Wade Parker in Florida, and Alice would need more questioning. One of them would hopefully cop to killing Jared. Then he could move on.

“Well...again...thank you for being here and sticking it out. And I wish you well in Atlanta, if I don’t see you again.” Her lip quivered, but she sucked it between her teeth and put on a brave face. “Have you got a place there already?”

“No. I’ll start that this upcoming week. What about you? Where will you stay? What are you going to do?” As of now she was homeless.

“I have insurance. I’ll probably end up rebuilding, but for now I’m going to see if Amber will let me and the dogs stay with her. Susan’s apartment doesn’t allow pets. That’s about all I know, which isn’t much, but it’s enough, I guess.”

Did he stick out his hand for a shake or...? He went with his gut and gave her a friendly hug. Kept it short. “I guess this is technically goodbye.”

She held his gaze, then bit her bottom lip and dipped her chin once in a nod. “I wish—”

“Let’s not do that,” he murmured. He didn’t want her wishes. “Take care of yourself, Georgia Jane. I’ll be listening to your podcasts.”

She laughed. “I may hang up my podcast hat for a while.”

“Probably be safer, and you need a better name.” He found he could actually grin. “I can’t just shoot over here from Atlanta if you get in trouble again.”

“I suppose not. But I’m not out until Jared’s killer is caught.”

“I expected as much, but we found your attacker and that gives me a measure of peace.”

“Me too.” She shifted her feet and glanced down the hall. “I need to find Susan.”

He watched her walk away from him.

Once again.

He didn’t think it could hurt worse than the first time. But it did.

Georgia loved on her babies, but it didn’t mend her broken heart. Didn’t change the fact she couldn’t be with the only man she’d ever loved. Walking away from him was the hardest thing she’d ever done—and she’d hauled him from a truck and carried him to a dip in a hill. She’d watched him get shot and put out a fiery quilt on his leg. But saying goodbye—knowing he wanted her but knowing she couldn’t walk