Page 5 of Safeguarding the Witness

“Bethany stayed in the mansion with Aunt Irma. She managed the household and financial affairs, which was pretty much a full-time job.”

“And Erin?”

The second eldest of the threesome had gone through hard times. Not as catastrophic as Mollie’s disappearance into WITSEC after her twin’s murder, but difficult. He skimmed over the painful details. “Married and divorced. She has a four-year-old daughter.”

“I have a niece?”

“Technically, she’s your second cousin.”

Mollie avoided his gaze. Instead, she stared through the windshield at the fading light of a summer afternoon. Her fingers twisted in a knot. Her tension returned and wrapped around her like a shroud. “I should have been there for her birth. And for Erin’s wedding and divorce. Did she marry that dope from high school? Smitty?”

“Emerson Smith,” Spence said with undisguised contempt. Smitty wasn’t a run-of-the-mill scumbag. He was worse. He ran his dad’s five trailer parks, collecting fees that totaled about thirty thou a month. Like a big-city slumlord, Smitty did almost nothing in the way of maintenance.

“Never liked that guy,” she said.

“Nobody does.”

“Wish I’d been there for Erin,” she said. “And for Bethany, too. How was Irma’s health before she died? Did she require much care?”

“As a precaution, she had regular checkups and monitoring, but her health was excellent. Your great-aunt Irma was strong, independent and clear-minded. She played bridge once a week. For a while, my grandpa was her regular partner. They usually won. Irma exercised daily, baked fresh hazelnut bread, cakes and pies.”

“I remember the baking,” she said. “She always smelled like cookies…and horses.”

“She went riding at least twice a week.”

Mollie slowly inhaled and exhaled before asking, “How did she die?”

“Horseback riding accident. Usually, she went with a companion, but on this particular day, she rode alone. Her body was found on the far side of a low stone fence. The coroner said her injuries were consistent with being thrown from her horse or falling. Blunt force trauma to the head and a broken neck. Her death was ruled accidental.”

After a shuddering sob, Mollie brought herself under control. “I’m guessing she wasn’t wearing a helmet. She liked to feel the wind in her hair.”

Irma Winchell had been a stubborn woman, and he suspected Mollie took after her great-aunt. “We’re almost to the airport. I need your decision.”

She stiffened her posture and sat up as straight as a steel rod. “You know how people say you can never go home again? Things are always different than you expect. You’ll never find new answers to old questions.”

“Such as?” She’d already peppered him with questions. “What else do you want to know?”

“You know, personal stuff. Things about boyfriends, jobs, college. Should I settle down or travel to Europe? Will I ever get my dream job in a small town like Cloverdell?” Her full lips flattened into a taut, straight line. “Being in WITSEC limited my options.”

“You believe you might find answers in Oregon.”

“I sure won’t learn anything hiding out in Denver.”

“It’s not a bad place to be. I’ve come here several times on business.”

“It’s me,” she said. “I’m paranoid here. Back in Cloverdell, I’ll feel safe.”

That could be wishful thinking on her part. Though the cartel was far less powerful, they were still a danger. “It’s not too late to go back into WITSEC.”

“I know.”

He exited the twisty streets leading through the Tech Center onto Arapahoe Road. “What’s it going to be, Mollie? Tomorrow is a memorial service for your aunt Irma.”

She slapped both hands on her thighs. Her decision was made. “I want to be there.”

“That’s all I need to hear.” He launched into a plan of action before she could reconsider. “We need to take precautions, starting with your cell phone. Do you know how to disable your device so you can’t be tracked?”

After another disdainful snort, she said, “I’ve been on the run with my dad for five years. Of course I know how to disable a phone. But I have a quicker solution.” She buzzed down the passenger door window and pitched her cell phone out. “How’s that?”