Abandoned? That didn’t sound good. “Who does the truck belong to?”
“A summer tourist who reported it stolen about an hour ago. Apparently, he was out on the lake all day, and by the time he returned to shore, he discovered the truck was gone.” There was a brief pause, then he added, “Told you the truck didn’t belong to a local resident.”
“Yeah, you did.” He sighed at the news. “I don’t suppose the guy left any useful evidence behind?”
“Not likely, but I’m having the techs go through it anyway.” Rueger didn’t sound any happier than Cam was about the situation. “I thought you should know there’s no reason to look for the truck any longer.”
“Yeah, thanks. Did anyone see the truck get taken?” It wasn’t likely Rueger would give him any useful details, but he had to ask. “I mean, someone should have noticed if our killer stole the truck in broad daylight.”
“Who said anything about the thief being a killer?” Rueger demanded. “For all I know, you’ve made enemies, and this was nothing more than an attempt to seek revenge.”
“Revenge?” His grip on the phone tightened to the point he thought he might shatter the case. “Come on, Rueger. You don’t believe that. Not after the way this guy has taken potshots at Evie.”
“Yeah, well, maybe those shots were intended for you, Walker. Did you ever think of that?” Then Rueger quickly added, “I have another call. But don’t leave town, Walker. You hear me? Stay here where I can keep an eye on you.”
Before Cam could respond, the line went dead. Stunned, he could only stand there, shaking his head. Clearly, Rueger was determined to pin the murders on him.
And if the detective wasn’t careful, his clouded judgment would allow the real killer to get away.
13
Having only heard Cam’s side of the conversation, Evie stared at him expectantly when he’d finished the call with Rueger. Bruno stretched out on the ground beside her, taking a well-deserved break. “What was that about the truck being taken? And why is that related to someone seeking revenge?”
“The black truck with tinted windows was stolen from one of the summer guests. It’s being processed for evidence, but I’m not holding my breath they’ll find much.” His frown deepened. “Especially with Rueger working the case.”
She was astounded by the news. “You’re telling me the killer stole a car just so he could try to kill us?”
“Pretty much. Criminals often steal cars to use for committing crimes. It happens more than you realize in big cities like Chicago and Detroit.” Cam scowled. “As far as the revenge angle, Rueger is being his usual stubborn self, refusing to consider the possibility that the killer is someone who’s lived here for years. He still thinks I’m responsible and that the stolen truck and the gunfire attacks against us are because someone is seeking revenge against me.”
“That’s ridiculous.” Evie had to admit the first round of gunfire didn’t take place until after Cam arrived, but how would the killer have known he was on his way? No way did she believe that was a coincidence. She knew she was the target. This guy had seen her through the kitchen window that first night and had fired his weapon to kill her. An attempt that might have worked if she hadn’t stumbled over Bruno. She sighed and propped her hands on her hips. “I’m starting to think Rueger wouldn’t be able to find the killer unless he waltzed into the police station and confessed to the crime.”
“I have similar concerns about his narrow-minded approach to the investigation. And he ended the call so quickly I couldn’t ask if he’s reached out to the FBI.”
“I highly doubt it. Although I wish he would.” Evie thought about that for a moment. “What if we called them? As concerned citizens?”
“Can’t hurt to try.” He gestured to the house. “Let’s head inside.”
“I don’t know if staying here is a good idea.” Evie glanced around the backyard. It looked peaceful enough, but the isolation they’d thought would be a bonus might turn out to be a problem. If the killer did show up here, how long would it take for local law enforcement to arrive?
Too long for her peace of mind.
“I’m sure Doc will return my call very soon. We’ll be safe enough in the meantime.” Cam gestured for her to head back. “Bruno and I will make sure nobody gets close.”
Swallowing her frustration, she looked down at her dog. “Come, Bruno.” Without hesitation, the dog scrambled to his feet and followed her across the lawn to the back door. Yet even being inside the house didn’t provide a sense of relief.
Evie dropped into one of the kitchen chairs, wondering if she’d ever feel safe again.
As if on cue, Cam’s phone rang. She straightened in her seat as he flashed a grin. “Hey, Doc, did you get my message?”
She would have liked to hear the entire conversation, but as it turned out, Cam kept it brief.
“Great, appreciate the assist. I’ll text you the address. See you soon.” He lowered the phone, then thumbed the screen. After he’d sent the information, he smiled reassuringly. “Doc will be here in about five hours.”
“Five hours?” Evie couldn’t hide her dismay. “Where is he coming from, Mars?”
“He lives outside of Lexington, Kentucky, but happens to have been north of Cincinnati when he got my call. He’s already partway through Indiana.” He smiled reassuringly. “He’ll make good time.”
“Okay.” She told herself five hours was better than nothing. But what concerned her the most was that they’d be out of daylight by the time Doc arrived. If the killer was going to show up to make his move, he’d likely wait until after dark.
