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“Then who?” I was getting angry now. Somebody had the audacity to threaten us.
“Maybe his asking about Marie? His inquiring about her might have tipped off somebody involved. You know what kind of crony network we’ve got going on around here.” Tanner stood and paced.
“It sounds conspiracy-theory-ish, but who sends death threats these days? What on earth would compel somebody to do that?” It was like a suspense drama from Netflix, but it wasn’t.
“Someone with a big secret. One they would kill to keep.” Tanner picked up his phone and dialed. “I’m calling Alan Litrell. I’m betting money he isn’t in on this.”
“You’re betting with our lives. I hope you’re right.” I hated the drama in that statement, but it was the truth. “But I trust your judgment.” I didn’t want Tanner to think I didn’t have his back.
Tanner’s expression was grim as he went through the assistant and finally got the DA on the line. “Alan, someone left us a note on the front door. It was a note telling us to back off ‘digging up the dead’ or we could end up just like them. I need to know who you told about our conversation.”
Tanner was silent while he listened as Litrell spoke.
“Okay. Can you get that done today? Oh, and for my peace of mind, can you ask Judge Watkins instead of Judge Keller? I’ve got my reasons.” He waited. “Thanks, man. I appreciate it. I’ll wait to hear from you.”
“He’s sending over a couple of patrol cars to sit outside the front and back of our office.”
I exhaled hard. “I can’t believe this is where we are.”
“Should we leave and go home? Stop what we’re doing for now? Or do we sit tight and wait?” Imogene, who was normally so confident, didn’t seem like it now.
“We wait until we hear back about the warrant.”
I was not a fan of waiting…
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Tanner
Tanner peeked outthe front door of the office. There was a patrol car sitting front and center, which made his shoulders relax just a bit. Alan had followed through on his promise. Hopefully they would get word soon about the warrant.
Having Imogene and Carly to worry about made this so much worse. And Lisa. He’d hated calling Lisa to tell her about this. She’d agreed to check out of her lodgings immediately and come over to the office. At least there was a police presence here.
They’d all gone upstairs, as it was more comfortable there. Tanner joined them once he double-checked the doors again.
“Can we get you anything, dear?” Imogene was a comfort to Lisa right now. She usually knew instinctively what to do during stressful times, but this seemed to have her rattled a little. After working with Carson, Tanner figured not much would.
“I’m fine, thanks. I wonder where I’m going to stay now. I hate the idea of heading back home now that we’re on the verge of finding what happened to Marie.”
“You could stay here if you’d like. It’s small, but the police are nearby to keep an eye on things.” Tanner motioned to the small efficiency apartment space where they sat. “There’s a pullout here and the kitchenette has a microwave and a toaster oven. There’s a shower in the bathroom.”
“Hmm. Yes, I guess it’s a good solution for the present. It’s nice. Thanks, Tanner.” Lisa smiled a little sadly. “I just hate that my coming to you has put everyone in danger.”
“I’m not sure a threatening note means the sender would actually carry out the threat, but it’s a chance we can’t take until we learn more.” Carly paced the edge of the room. Tanner could tell by the tone of her voice and her body language that she was anxious.
Tanner had a loaded gun in a holster strapped on to his person now. He was licensed to carry one though he rarely did, but now seemed a good time.
“Are your bags in the car, Lisa?” Tanner asked.
She nodded. “I don’t have a lot with me, so packing up didn’t take long.”
“I’ll turn the TV on if that’s okay.” Carly used the remote and flipped channels until she got to the home and garden network. The hosts of the show were renovating a turn-of-the-century craftsman-style bungalow. Perfect.
“Oh, I’ve seen this episode. Wait until you see what they do with the backyard.” Imogene sat down beside Lisa. At least it was something to get their minds off the current dilemma.
Tanner and Carly slipped downstairs to discuss what was happening. Tanner shut the door so they wouldn’t be overheard. No sense upsetting either of the other women. “What next?” Carly asked him.
He was about to speak when his cell phone rang. He looked at the screen. “Hey Alan, what’ve you got?”
