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A whimper escaped Jane. Was this her fault? Should she have resisted Conrad’s magnetic appeal? Would he have a better chance at recovery if she called off the wedding? Ended their relationship for good?
She lifted his lifeless hand to her mouth and kissed his knuckles as he’d so often done to hers. Whatever the answer, she couldn’t bring herself to let him go.
In an eternity, perhaps a matter of minutes, masked EMTs and firefighters arrived. She recognized Christopher among them. Someone must have briefed them on the situation.
An EMT pulled Jane from Conrad to examine her while two other techs worked on stabilizing his and the deputy’s vitals. Masked paramedics rushed in soon afterward and took over. After Jane was cleared, she could only watch, pray and let the professionals cart off her fiancé. She trailed them outside, intending to follow in Conrad’s SUV. Except, she was climbing behind the vehicle’s wheel as the ambulance drove away, but she didn’t have the keys. He did.
“No!” She burst outside, intending to chase down the ambulance. They’d already vanished. “No, no, no!”
“Jane, are you all right?”
Christopher’s familiar voice hit her ears, and she spun, facing him. He’d removed his mask, revealing a grave expression.
“I need a ride to Pinetum.” Beau or Fiona or Tiffany could come get her, but how long would that take? “Drive me in the firetruck, lights flashing. Please.”
“I can’t do that, but my car is next door at Maggie’s.” He pointed to the driveway, where a brand-new shiny truck sat at the ready. “Give me two minutes to speak with my boss, and I’ll drive you.”
“Okay yes. Thank you.”
Off he went. She wrung her hands as she waited for his return, her mind roiling. Once, she’d wondered if the killer did all this for Christopher. Now, here the fireman was again. Involved. If the killer knew his schedule…
What if Christopher was entangled in another capacity? Though, yes, okay, he’d been doing his job at each scene. Gah! She didn’t know anything anymore.
Conrad was in danger. Had the sheriff been the target all along? Meant to be the third victim? If anyone had a reason to arrive at a murder scene, it was Conrad. Had the killer wanted the lawman to open that envelope and inhale that substance, whatever it was?
What if Conrad’s harm was meant to energize Jane’s investigation? Was she dealing with an adrenaline crime junkie?
If Jacob had worked with a partner, like his dad or Christopher, perhaps that partner simply sought Jane’s misery. Abigail certainly fit that bill.
One fact remained clear. Whoever had done this would pay!
“All right, let’s go,” Christopher said, jogging over. He’d removed his equipment.
Maybe he was involved. If so, this car ride might offer proof. Either way, she’d have access to a vehicle. Once Christopher unlocked the truck, they both jumped inside. Within seconds, they were winding along the roads. At first, they didn’t speak. She texted her friends, as well as Conrad’s family, letting everyone know what was going on, doing her best not to imagine her sweet Conrad dying alone in a cold, sterile hospital. Hot, fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. She also asked Beau about possible bugs at the cottage.
“He’ll be okay,” Christopher said, using his most comforting tone. He didn’t sound like a killer. “He strikes me as a fighter.”
She swallowed the barbed lump in her throat. “Did anyone say what poison was used?”
“No, but that doesn’t mean anything. The only poison we’ve ever dealt with is the one used on Ana Irons.”
Jimsonweed, with its irregularly toothed leaves and trumpet-like purple flowers, had taken the life of the young reporter.
Her phone beeped, and she glanced at the screen. Texts came in one after the other.
Beaudyguard: I’m on my way to Pinetum. I’ll be in the parking lot waiting for you. Doubtful on the bugs, but I’ll have the boys do a check.
Fionality: Oh, my sweet Jane. I know this is devastating, but I also know Conrad will recover. He’s one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. Raymond and I are on our way.
Tiffinator: Stay strong! Conrad will live for you if nothing else!
Why Guy: I’m picking up Susan, and we’re heading to Pinetum. Conrad has overcome worse. This? It’s nothing! Right? Tell me it’s nothing, Jane, and mean it.
She wasn’t in a mental headspace to respond yet, so she moved on to the next message.
NewsKat: What can I do to help?
So she already knew what was going on. Probably thanks to her police scanner.
