His expression didn’t soften. It settled. “I won’t turn in an innocent woman for a fee.”
Crystal stopped breathing.
My fingers tightened on the chair back.
There were sentences a person expected from men with cuffs and recovery packets. Orders. Threats. Terms. Warnings about making things harder.
Dex said something else, and his hand didn’t move toward the cuffs.
“You don’t know she’s innocent,” I said, because someone had to be difficult and apparently the family had elected me.
“I know the file missed an identical twin.”
“That isn’t proof.”
“I know Crystal copied records before the money charge landed on her. I know someone searched her place for those records. I know you were willing to get arrested in her name, and I know you’re reckless, not stupid.”
“Careful. That sounded like a compliment.”
“It was one.”
Crystal’s eyes widened.
I ignored her. “You should practice. It came out painful.”
Dex didn’t look away from me. “I also know if I bring Crystal in before we move that evidence, whoever’s looking for it gets a cleaner shot at finding it first.”
I couldn’t make a joke out of that.
He’d said we twice now.
I took a drink of water so I wouldn’t have to answer too fast.
Dex pushed away from the counter. “So we protect Crystal, move the evidence, and get it to her attorney. After that, it goesto someone with authority who isn’t taking Frank Dugan’s word as gospel.”
“You say that like you’re in charge.”
“I’m saying it like I have the truck.”
“I stole it once.”
“I’m not sleeping this time.”
I turned away before he saw the motel come back into my face.
Crystal stared very hard at her cracker package.
Dex didn’t smile.
I set the water bottle down. “We can use Crystal’s car.”
“We shouldn’t,” Dex said.
Crystal lifted her head. “Why?”
“If someone has that car from last night or the cabin office, it’s riskier. My truck has already been seen all over this mess. It also has a full tank, better clearance, and me driving.”
“I can drive,” I said.
