“But you kept your head,” Gina told her. “Not everyone would have. It’s admirable,” she added, her voice full of genuine warmth. “If they’re watching systems, they might be watchingwhichsystems light up and when. Credit card in Denver for a few days, then on to Iowa? It reads as a woman who stopped to think or maybe thought she could hide in Denver, realized she needed to get farther away or didn’t have the support network, and kept moving.”
“Depends on how we layer it,” Kyle said. He looked at Maren. “When did you last use your credit card?”
Maren thought back. “Gas station outside Grand Junction. I paid cash after that.”
“Good. That helps.” Kyle pulled out his phone and started typing notes.
“Elissa can put a hotel charge in Denver starting the day you got here,” Gina said. “Makes it look like you stopped, regrouped, then moved on.”
“Can she do that?” Maren asked.
“Elissa can do a lot of things,” Kyle said. “Some of them even technically legal.”
“The car’s the bigger problem,” Gina said. “We’d need someone to drive it. Someone who looks enough like you on a traffic camera that nobody asks questions, but who can also defend herself.” Gina’s mouth curved. “I’d suggest Charlie and she’d be more than happy to help, but she’s got about a foot of height on you.”
“Officer DeVivo,” Kyle said. “I happen to know from Alex that Carla’s off-duty this week. She’s about Maren’s height. Build’s close enough. Hoodie, ballcap, sunglasses?” He shrugged. “Low-res traffic cameras are forgiving.”
“Who is Officer DeVivo?” Maren asked. “And do you really think it’s a good idea to involve the police?”
Gina actually laughed. “You’re learning.”
“Yeah, right, from true crime shows.”
Gina considered that. “Maybe I should watch some.”
“So who’s this officer?” Maren asked again.
“Carla DeVivo. She’s the partner of Alex’s wife, Sylvie. Alex is Watchdog’s kennel master. Carla’s smart and terrifyingly funny. You’ll like her.”
Maren bit her lower lip. “I’m still afraid of putting someone else in danger.”
“She does this for a living,” Gina said, grinning. “Knowing Carla, she’ll get a kick out of it. Plus, Watchdog pays well.Verywell, right Kyle?”
“Affirmative.”
“Have you given Jodie that raise yet?” Gina smiled widely, tilted her head, and pinned Kyle with her stare.
Maren prayed to God Gina would never have a reason to stare at her like that.
Kyle actually swallowed. “She’s getting a big bonus next pay period and then a raise after.”
“That’s what I like to hear, Pup.” Gina stood up and stepped away to make the call. Fleur trotted beside her like a ginger-colored shadow.
Kyle watched her, smirking and shaking his head.
“Did she just call you Pup?” Maren asked.
“Old nickname,” Kyle said, fondness in his voice. “And she’s Spooky.”
Yeah, she is.
“Speaking of paying,” Maren started.
When Kyle looked at Maren again, his gaze was gentler than before. “Don’t even think of offering me money. You’re family, now, Maren. Not just Juni.You. Understand?”
Tears pricked Maren’s eyes and she looked away as she nodded.
“This was good thinking,” Kyle said, his tone still gentle.
