“One sec, let me put you on speaker. Laiken and Parker are here.”
He taps his phone, then a gruff voice comes through the other line. “Can you hear me?”
“Yeah. Go ahead,” Ryder instructs.
Memphis clears his throat. “I just wanted to let you know the medical examiner was able to pinpoint the cause of death. Notonly was he well above the legal alcohol limit, but he had crotalid in his bloodstream. That led to a thorough physical examination. Cause of death ruled accidental. Snakebite.”
“Snakebite?” Laiken questions. “That’s…”
“Random. Yes. But when officers searched the house, they found a rattlesnake den beneath the pier and beam. The weather changes must have brought them out and one found its way into the house. He was too intoxicated to recognize what happened and he needed medical attention.”
A fucking rattlesnake? What are the odds?
“So it was a freak accident?” Laiken blanches. “I’m sorry. I just…” She shakes her head. “I guess I was nervous this was—”
“A homicide?” Memphis interjects. “It wouldn’t be surprising given his record. But this was a very unfortunate turn of events.”
“Damn. Karma’s a bitch,” Cooper mutters.
“Apparently, so is Mother Nature,” I add.
“I gotta get back to it. Just wanted to give the update and let you know there will be no more questions or further investigation.”
“Thank you, Memphis,” Laiken says, clutching my hand in hers. “Don’t be a stranger. Maybe next time you visit, it will be on better terms.”
“I wouldn’t hold my breath,” he deadpans. “Duty never stops calling.”
When he ends the call, Laiken hugs me, squeezing me so tight I almost can’t breathe. I can practically feel the tension leave her body. Like she can finally breathe again. The room empties, giving us a moment alone. I tilt her chin up to give me her eyes.
“You seem relieved.”
“I am.” Her eyes search mine.
“You thought it was me, didn’t you?” I ask.
“It crossed my mind,” she admits.
“I’d never jeopardize a life with you and Trace. Ever.”
“I know.” She links her fingers with mine. “What do you say? Should we start living it?”
Fuck, I love her. “Yes, ma’am.”
Chapter forty-nine
Parker
One week later.
“Happy birthday, dear Emmett, happy birthday to you!”
Claps and cheers echo around the farmhouse. Emmett yanks the cardboard party hat off his head, narrowing his eyes at his wife, who presses a kiss to his burly mustache.
“Time for cake!” she calls.
The crowd moves toward the cake table. Mostly the women, which would include Penelope, Ivy, Dakota, and even Millie. Laiken’s mom was floored about what happened, but she’s been very supportive of me being back in her daughter’s life.
I scan the yard, searching for the woman I plan to marry as soon as she’ll let me. I find her at a table with Brady and Trace, hands waving as she tells an elaborate story.
