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She checked, and sure enough, it was right where he’d said it would be. She pulled it down, then looked in another cupboard to find the mugs. “Do you put honey in yours?”
“Heavens no. I like mine strong, not sweet.” He shook his head. “Honey will rot your teeth. Take it from someone who knows.” He opened his mouth, showing her his loose dentures.
“I see you speak from experience.” Where in the world was Brett? Was he lying dead on the floor at his grandmother’s house while she was here talking to the neighbor and peering at his false teeth? She could hardly bear not knowing what Brett was doing next door.
“Had my choppers pulled going on twenty years ago. But what does it matter now? The damage is done.” Rex yawned again. “On second thought, don’t know as I’ll need any tea tonight.”
The doorbell chimed. It had to be Brett. But whoever had barged into his grandmother’s house could have killed Brett and come over here looking for her. She hoped not. She couldn’t bear it if she’d led danger to this kind, elderly man.
Rex struggled to stand, then gave up. “Would you be so kind as to answer the door? I’ll stay behind and fix your tea.”
“Of course.” To avoid being seen in the front room window, she crept low past it, then sprinted to the door and looked through the peephole.
Brett smiled at her.
Relieved, she jerked open the door. “Are you all right?” She couldn’t help but notice that the Tahoe was gone from the driveway. In its place was Brett’s Pathfinder that he’d parked in the garage before. He must be getting ready to leave.
“I’m fine, but we have a problem.” His shoulders slumped, and he looked as though he carried the weight of the world on them.
“A problem?” Rex stood at the threshold between the kitchen and living room.
“Yes. Rex, I’m so sorry.” Brett smiled at the elderly man. “I think there’s a gas leak at Gran’s house. Nothing major. I mean, I’m not worried about the place blowing up, but I did call the gas company, and they’re sending someone out first thing in the morning. We’ll be on our way.”
“Where are you going?” Rex blinked at him.
“I’ll take her to my apartment to spend the night.”
“Clear downtown? No, stay with me.” Rex motioned for him to come in. “Then you’ll be here should they come bright and early. I’m afraid my spare bedrooms are full of an old man’s clutter, but you and your lady friend are welcome to sleep in the living room. Stay as long as you need to. I’ve got some blankets somewhere.” He toddled down his hallway to a closet.
Dania leaned close to Brett so Rex wouldn’t hear. “So, what’s wrong? Who broke into the house? And are you telling the truth about the gas leak?”
“There’s no leak. The intruder was my boss. And what’s wrong is Val called him and told him that he thinks you and I have a romantic relationship.”
“After your talk with him this afternoon, he’s trying to cause trouble for you. He doesn’t know for sure that we’ve even seen each other.” Dania stepped back.
“Gabe didn’t believe him, but we’ve got to be extra careful. We can’t stay here very long.” He glanced around the room. “I don’t want to put Rex in danger.”
“Where can I go?” Her mind scrambled for a place.
“The safest place would be jail.” He’d said it like he knew the words would not go over well.
She said nothing. He was right, but she couldn’t agree.
He continued. “You can still turn yourself in and solve two things: stay alive and...”
“Save your career.” That had to be what he was thinking.
“Well, yes. And I promise I’ll keep searching for the real killer. Plus, with you safe, I can more freely do my job. Gabe has given me a couple of days to work the case.” He paused, looking at her. An odd expression came over his face.
Not knowing what to say, she glanced down the hallway where Rex had disappeared. Still no sign of him. “Please, Brett. There has to be somewhere else I can go other than jail.”
“I’ve racked my brain, and the only other place I can think of is my cabin.”
She shook her head. “That’s too far away. I need to be here. I can’t find the man responsible for Matthew’s death on top of Mount Rainy.”
“Then it’s only a matter of time before you—make thatwe—get caught.” He paused. “However, that’s true no matter where you hide because you’re going to be found.”
“Well, if that’s going to happen anyway, why don’t I rent a room downtown, close to your office.” Winging her thoughts as she spoke, she kept going. “That way if I think I’m going to get caught, I could easily turn myself in. And if I’m in danger, I can easily get help. The bonus is I can also keep an eye on people.”
