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Frustration smoldered in the smoky depths of his eyes. “There has to be a connection between him and Vanna.”
Lia considered the limited opportunities the two could have crossed paths. The judge obviously traveled to Madison for his job. It was possible they met there. It seemed more likely, however, that their relationship was based in Pike.
“He was the local judge at the time she would have been visiting the area,” she finally pointed out.
Kaden nodded. “The most logical answer would be that he used his influence to keep her from filing an official report against a local business.”
Lia didn’t have any trouble imagining the older man storming his way into the EPA headquarters to threaten them with legal action if they didn’t drop their investigations. He always seemed like the sort of man who took pleasure in throwing his weight around.
Then she furrowed her brow as she realized the explanation didn’t make any sense.
“But if he managed to prevent any violations, why would anyone pay her bribes? Unless we’re mistaken about the meaning of the numbers on the back of the map.”
“The money could have come from companies in other towns,” Kaden suggested. “Not all of them would have a local official with enough power—or the lack of morals—to hide their sins.”
“True. Or . . .” Lia’s words died on her lips as she was struck by a sudden thought.
Kaden studied her with a faint frown. “What?”
“Or it might not have been a local business that was in trouble. The EPA inspects city water and landfills and waste management, right? The judge was the president of the Chamber of Commerce for years. He would do anything to protect the reputation of Pike.”
“So would the mayor. If he was hiding a toxic danger in town, it might have endangered his chances of getting reelected.”
“That explanation would tie Vanna with both Judge Armstrong and the mayor.” Her heart picked up speed at the possibility that they might be making progress in solving the mystery of Vanna’s death. If she was a threat to the town of Pike, it would make sense that the judge and even Mayor Erickson would do whatever was necessary to prevent her from . . .
She abruptly blew out a resigned sigh. “If the judge managed to get the violations dismissed, there was no need to kill Vanna.”
Kaden considered her words. “Maybe she offered him the same deal as the other companies. The city of Pike could pay the bribe or be exposed. The judge might have decided it was simpler to get rid of her than try to use his influence to stop the report.”
“Maybe.” It seemed a lot easier to blackmail the owner of a company than an entire town, she silently conceded. Plus, there was something else bothering her. “None of this explains why someone would want to hurt Drew Hurst.”
Kaden shook his head, his expression annoyed. “Being a detective isn’t as easy as I hoped.”
“Does that mean you’re keeping your day job?”
“For now.” His gaze swept over her face, lingering on her mouth. “You, however, should consider changing careers.”
Lia shifted in her seat, battling against the odd urge to lick her lips. “To a detective?”
“To a chef. Anyone who can cook chili like this needs to share it with the world.”
She smiled as a burst of pleasure raced through her. “It’s my grandpa’s recipe.”
“I’d ask you to share it with me, but it would be as Greek as Vanna’s reports.”
“You don’t cook?”
“Not unless it’s throwing something on a grill.”
A silence descended. It wasn’t uncomfortable. It was . . . loaded. Yes, that was the word. As if there was a pressure building between them that was destined to explode. Shoving herself to her feet, she stepped away from the table.
“I should go down to the store,” she babbled. “It’s time for Della to take off.”
He straightened, appearing far more graceful than she had. “I’m going to drive around town to see if anything catches my attention.” He glanced down at his sweater. “I don’t suppose there’s someplace I can get some clothes around here?”
She resisted temptation to take a survey of his lean, muscular body. “There’s a thrift shop, but if you want something that actually fits, you’ll have to go to Grange.”
He grabbed his jacket and pulled it on. “Gotcha.”
