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Kaden muttered a curse. As grateful as he was to the deputy for contacting them about Burke’s death, he could happily throttle him. His habit of interrupting them at crucial moments was as annoying as hell.
“His timing really sucks.”
“We need to find out what happened.”
“I know.” He nuzzled soft kisses over her upturned face, savoring the satin softness of her skin.
There was a sharp knock on the back door and Lia pressed her hands against his chest.
“Kaden.”
Grudgingly, Kaden lifted his head and dropped his arms. “Okay.”
Lia reached up to smooth the short strands of her hair, her cheeks flushed and her eyes smoldering with a hunger that pulsed inside him. But with a brisk motion she grabbed the plate of chocolate chip cookies she’d left for him before he’d announced they were heading to Madison. He wanted to protest. He didn’t want to share the treats with anyone. Instead, Kaden quickly joined Lia as she headed to the back door and pulled it open. He didn’t think the deputy was involved, but he wasn’t taking any chances. Anthony had, after all, lured Lia back to town with the promise of information about the recently deceased Ryan Burke. Maybe he intended to get rid of anyone who threatened his secret.
Including Lia and Kaden.
Not nearly as cautious, Lia pulled open the door and smiled warmly at the man who was wrapped in a heavy jacket and wearing a fur hat with a sheriff star stitched on the front.
“Hi, Anthony.” She stepped back to wave the deputy inside with the plate she held in her hand. “How’s your mom?”
“Good, thanks.” Anthony widened his eyes as he caught sight of the wound on Lia’s temple. “What happened to you?”
“It’s just a scratch. Come in.”
The deputy paused, looking over his shoulder as if he was worried he’d been followed into the alley. Only when he was sure he was alone did he step over the threshold so Lia could shut the door.
“I really shouldn’t be here.”
“We can talk upstairs,” Lia said, leading them up the steps to her private loft. Once they were in the kitchen, she set the cookies in the middle of the table. “Have a seat. I’ll make some coffee.”
Kaden hid a smile, realizing what Lia was doing. Like any businesswoman, she understood the first rule of dealing with a client, which was making sure they were comfortable. Anthony was clearly nervous and she was taking swift action to keep him from bolting.
Taking his cue, Kaden moved behind the deputy and gently pressed him into the chair.
“You’re worried,” he said, taking a seat next to Anthony. He was prepared to tackle the man if he tried to leave.
“Yeah.” Anthony cleared a lump from his throat. “I’m worried.”
“So are we,” Kaden assured him.
“That’s why I called.” Anthony grimaced, his squint more pronounced than usual. “You guys seem to be the only people in town who don’t think what’s been happening is a bunch of crazy accidents.”
Kaden leaned forward. “There’s nothing accidental about anything that’s happened since Vanna’s skeleton was discovered.”
Anthony heaved a deep sigh and pulled off his hat, tossing it on the table. “It’s been a freaking nightmare. I wish Zac was here.”
Lia crossed to the table to set down a bowl of sugar and a creamer. “Tell us what’s bothering you.”
Anthony took a second to gather his composure. At last, he grabbed a cookie and settled back in his chair.
“Like I said, they found Ryan Burke in a freezer at the meatpacking plant.”
Lia returned to the coffee maker, as if trying to make the meeting seem like a nice visit between friends. Not a discussion about dead bodies and potential murder.
“When?” Kaden asked.
“Early this morning.” Anthony shivered, taking a bite of the cookie.
