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Victor shifted his weight from foot to foot and kept talking. “He’s in prison. He knows people who owe him favors. I don’t want to die. It’s his fault. I want a deal.”

Burke nearly rolled his eyes. Anyone who watched television thought they could get a deal. The real world wasn’t nearly that simplistic.

Rissa’s voice was steady when she spoke. “Did Curt tell you what was in the gift box you dropped off?”

Victor shook his head before she finished her sentence. “He said he needed me to deliver a present because no delivery service went out to the boonies.”

Burke swallowed his grin. With her simple question, Rissa had the man admitting everything.

“Did Curt give you the instructions to make the explosive device you put under the RV?”

“Curt told me what website to use. He said if I didn’t do it, I’d be dead. He has friends who would make it painful.”

Victor obviously believed Curt. It was obvious this man was a patsy, but he was a patsy who was facing serious charges and a long jail sentence. Burke didn’t know the specifics surrounding charges for the explosives, but the more serious charges would be assault with a deadly weapon and attempted murder. Claiming Curt made him do it wasn’t going to fly.

Burke’s heart ached for Joel. This was another connection to his family. Joel would consider it another mark of shame, even though it had nothing to do with him.

Maybe Burke would invite Joel out to visit the farm in the new year and stay at the inn for a few days. It would be a good break for the man, and it would show him that Burke and his family held him no ill will.

Marcus opened the cruiser’s back door and assisted Victor into the seat. Once the door was closed, he grinned at Rissa. “Great job. With two questions, you had him confessing and identifying Curt as an accessory. Anytime you want to apply as a detective, say the word.”

Rissa smiled, but shook her head. “Not a chance. I’m much happier working with kids.”

Marcus nodded. “Let me know if you change your mind. I’ll get him booked and contact Boston and the FBI. I’ll need full statements from you all, but it can wait until tomorrow. Lia is on her way out to check Rissa over.”

Rissa stiffened. “I’m fine.”

Marcus smiled. “We need the doctor’s report for the file, and it’s smart to have her check.”

Then he popped into the cruiser and left.

Rissa frowned. “I don’t need a doctor.”

Burke laughed. “That’s what I said a few days ago. You didn’t agree.”

Her lips lifted. “Fine. I’ll talk with Lia, but I’m fine.”

“You sure are.”

Boomer’s sharp bark had them all turning. Had the shepherd sensed another threat?

Gray was already racing after the dog, who headed for the inn. Burke tucked Rissa in front of him and followed, the others surrounding them to keep Rissa safe.

What was wrong?

Rissa’s heart hammered against her ribs. Scenarios ran through her mind. Maybe Victor hadn’t been alone after all. Another man might have breached the inn after watching the police chief leave. Was anyone hurt? Should they call Marcus back?

They piled into the lobby as a group, but the group inside didn’t look worried or scared. Everyone was almost exactly where they’d been when Rissa had headed outside.

Boomer barely slowed as he weaved his way through the group, straight to where Amber sat on the couch.

Boomer nuzzled Amber’s face and then sniffed at her belly.

Amber smiled and buried her face in the dog’s fur. Gray knelt at her side and took her hand. “Amber? What’s wrong? What is it?”

She watched as he ran his hands over her, obviously looking for injuries. When he brushed his hand over her belly, his eyes widened. “Amber?”

Amber finally lifted her head. Her face showed she was in pain, but she smiled at Gray, her face full of love. “I think Sprout wants to make an appearance.”