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

Harry Benard and Chance Leeway’s school. Fighting Tigers.

Georgia leaned forward toward the phone. “I hate the situation they’re in, but they made the choice to be dishonest. If we can get one of them to talk, we might be closer to finding Jared’s killer.”

“And your attacker,” Colt said. “Mae, tell them to get a lawyer, because they’re going to talk to us. Schedule an interview time. Have Rhett take lead. He’s no-nonsense, and the lawyer and the mothers will recognize that. Have him crack hard, and when one of them breaks—do what you do.”

“Be empathetic and sweet and get them to talk to me as a confidante.”

“Whatever it takes within bounds to find a name. We have a killer to catch and no major leads.”

“I’ll have Poppy run interference with the lawyer.”

Poppy was excellent at distraction and getting in the middle of something. He chuckled. “Get it done.” He hung up, and they nosed through the mailbox—federal offense. Oh, well. Nothing there.

“Now what?” Georgia asked. “It’s obvious no one is living on this land. I thought maybe someone put a camper out here, but it’s not even cleared land.”

“We’re not far from Southern High. How about we swing by and talk to Harry Benard? Let’s make sure Chance Leeway sees us, too. If he had any part in Jared’s murder, seeing us at the school will rattle him. Feel like rattling some cages?”

“Do I feel like rattling cages? Me? I’m just a consultant.” She feigned innocence, all wide blue eyes and pouty lips open in false shock. “I think it’s high time someone else’s cage gets rattled besides mine. I’m over it.”

She seemed to be out of her funk—which he suspected was the anxiety. All he knew to do was pray for her. She wouldn’t let him do anything else, and it wasn’t his job. “Speaking of consulting, I’d like for you to sit in on our interviews.”

Georgia expressed surprise then narrowed her eyes. “I feel like this consultant job is to keep me from nosing around alone.”

Georgia had a way of getting into all sorts of hot water. He’d once had to save her from an upperclassman when she’d taken a photo of him at the movies with a girl—who wasn’t his girlfriend—and posted it in the Whodunit column of the school paper. Whodunit—who cheated with Meg Frowlick? Cody Weinbeck. If Colt had ever known a guy to want to hit a girl, it was Cody when Tillie Maycott stormed into the lunch room and poured a Diet Coke over his head and shoved the school paper in his face.

“Two words,” Colt said as he pulled back onto the highway. “Cody Weinbeck.”

Georgia laughed. “Hey, I only did my job, and as my mama used to say—”

“‘Time will lift the truth to the surface and it’ll bob in the water of lies for all to see.’ Yes, I’m well aware of that. You said it all the time. Guess you still do.”

“Well, it’s true, and Cody was a cheater and a liar. I just kinda helped his lies lift.” She used her hands and pushed upward. “By the way, ole Cody is a deputy with the sheriff’s office.”

“Nice.” He never liked that guy.

“He’s still a cheater, too. Right in the middle of a divorce with Tillie.”

“She married him? After he cheated on her?” Colt shook his head.

“Forgiveness is a thing.” Georgia pointed at him and gave him a stern look. If she was talking about Colt forgiving his dad for being a drunk, a verbal boxing champion and a terrible dad, then forget it.

Colt’s cell rang. Mae again. “What’s up? We’re heading to Southern High to talk to Harry Benard—”

“Yeah, well, he isn’t there. I called to set up an interview, and the school said he went home sick this morning. He hasn’t answered his cell or landline. That’s why I’m calling. He might be a runner.”

That’s all Colt needed—to chase after a town skipper. “Give me his address. Georgia and I will stop in for a wellness check.”

Mae snorted and gave him the address. “Jared’s parents will be here in an hour. Don’t be late.” She hung up.

“Feel like checking Harry Benard for a fever?”

“I imagine if he’s in eyeball deep, he’s feeling some heat. Probably got the sweats.”

“I know just the cure for that.”

“Prison.” She held out her fist, and he laughed and bumped it with his. Like old times. Partners. A pair. A couple. This was not keeping to professional lines.

He turned left as he came off the bypass. Colt still remembered all of Magnolia. Harry’s home was at the end of a dead-end road on the left. His Mazda was in the drive. “At least he’s here.”

Colt led the way to the small porch and peeked in the living room window. The place was dark inside. No TV. Maybe he was sick.

“Colt,” Georgia said in an antsy whisper. “Be careful.”

Colt guided her back a step with his hand and drew his weapon. “Stay here. Better yet, go get in the truck and lock the doors. I’ll gauge the situation and determine if you can come inside.”

“What if someone is with him? What if they shoot you—kill you? I...” She fanned her face and inhaled deeply. That was her openly panicked face.

“I’m fine,” he reassured her. “I have a gun. I’m trained. Please, Georgia. Go get in the truck. Go on, now.” He gestured for her to return to the vehicle, then he knocked and tried the door. Unlocked. He opened it. “Harry, it’s Colt McCoy. MBI. I’m coming in.”

Colt wanted to shrug off the dark feeling that hovered as if something sinister had taken place. He cleared the living room and entered the kitchen.

Harry Benard was facedown in a bowl of cereal. Colt checked for a pulse, but the stab wound in his back made it evident he was deceased. He lifted his phone to call it in. A thud came from the back of the house. Quickly, he moved through the small