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She needed to talk to Jamie and Cal. Maybe she should talk to the police, though that seemed a bit of a stretch.
But Jamie was so happy right now, Rena didn’t want to throw a damper on it. And Rena was probably mistaken, overreacting because of the bomb and all that. And a baby! Rena was so excited and happy for her. Jamie had rushed out of Pete’s office after she and Cal decided to get marriedthis Sunday!And asked Rena to be her maid of honor.
Of course!
Rena loved Jamie like a sister, and she thought Cal was the best thing to happen to her. He was a good guy, and he worshipped Jamie. The best dad to Hazel.
Rena would love to have a family and a husband who adored her, but she hadn’t found the right guy.
Well, she thought as she glanced at Pete restocking the bar, shehadfound the right guy, but he didn’t know she existed. Well, he knew sheexisted, but he wasn’t interested. She didn’t think he’d actually gone on a date in the seven years since his wife died. Maybe he was waiting until his girls were grown up. Or maybe he just still loved his wife.
It was romantic and sad all at the same time.
After she was done with her side work, she left the restaurant and walked out to the parking lot behind. The bar was open another hour, but the kitchen closed at ten. She unlocked her car, tossed her purse on the front seat, and sent Jamie a text.Want to meet for breakfast in the morning? Talk about the wedding and stuff.
And stuff...or not. Damn, Rena didn’t want to make a mountain out of a molehill.
Jamie responded.I’m going to my dad’s in the morning. Want to come with?
Rena texted,I’m working the lunch shift, after?
Jamie:I’ll be back early afternoon! See you whenever!
She added a half dozen kissing emojis, hearts, and happy faces.
Rena called Cal. His phone went to voice mail. Of course.
“Cal, it’s Rena. Can you meet me tomorrow morning for coffee? Maybe after Jamie leaves... I just need to talk to you about something, I don’t know if it’s important, but it’s just weird, and I don’t want to stress Jamie out. Text me and let me know what time you can meet. And congrats—I’m happy for both of you.”
She ended the call and put her keys in the ignition.
A bright light out the driver’s-side window startled her, then her door opened.
Before she could even realize she was in danger, a sharp pain in her neck prevented her from screaming. Warm water rolled down her body.
Not water. Blood. You’re bleeding.
Her mouth opened and closed, and Rena tried to reach for her neck, but her hands felt so heavy...
The light disappeared, turned off as suddenly as it had turned on. But in that moment between light and dark, she glimpsed a familiar face. And realized her worst fear was true.
She tried to call out for help but couldn’t speak. Couldn’t scream. Couldn’t beg for help.
I’m dying.
THURSDAY
28
A sharp knock on Kara’s door had her out of bed, reaching for her gun. She’d been in the middle of a disturbing dream, remnants still haunting her. She’d pushed her way through an explosion, bodies flying all over the place, only to find her old partner Colton lying in the middle of the street, a bullet in his head.
Then the knock.
“I’m up!” she said before she was fully awake. It was 4:00 a.m. Damn.
Through the door, Ryder said, “There’s a body behind the Fish & Brew. Matt wants you and Jim with him.”
“Coming. Three minutes.”
