Temptation Trails - Page 167

“Thank you,” she said.

“You three have been through a very traumatic ordeal. We’ve already got several therapists lined up. You can reach out and choose who you feel comfortable with, or we can do it for you. Either way, we’re going to make sure you get the support you need. And Garrett, you’re on administrative leave. Don’t argue, it’s protocol.”

I wasn’t about to argue. I knew I needed it, so I just nodded.

“Phillip didn’t just kill Jasmine,” I said. “He told me he’s killed more. He wouldn’t give me any details, but who knows how many other victims are out there.”

“We’ll reach out to the FBI. Hopefully we can track them all down. Give their families some closure.”

“I know I can’t investigate this case, but I want to see what you find. He has to have something. A guy like him would keep trophies.”

“We can keep you in the loop.” He turned to Owen. “You were more than brave today. The whole department is proud of you.”

“Thanks, Sheriff.”

“You’ll make a great deputy someday, if you decide to follow in your dad’s footsteps.”

“I was just doing what my dad would have done,” Owen said quietly.

I tightened my arm around him and cleared the lump from my throat. Jack met my eyes and nodded.

The door opened again and Kade walked in, carrying three greasy bags from the Zany Zebra.

Jack grinned. “I did need to talk to you, but I was also stalling for time. We figured you guys needed food.”

Nothing had ever smelled so good.

That wasn’t quite true. Harper’s cookies always smelled like the best thing I could imagine.

But my stomach growled at the scent of burgers and fries.

“Thanks, Jack.” I took the bags from Kade and handed them to Harper and Owen. “Thanks, man.”

“No problem. It’s the least we can do after the day you’ve had.”

Jack stood and I got up so I could properly shake his hand.

As Jack left, and Owen dove into the food like he’d been starving for weeks, I stepped aside so I could talk to Kade.

His lip curled in a smirk. “Glad you didn’t die.”

“Thanks, man.” My brow furrowed. I hated that I still had to wonder. Kade couldn’t have been involved, could he? Working with Phillip somehow? My instincts said no, and it didn’t add up. Phillip would have been a lone wolf. He wasn’t the type to have an accomplice. Too much risk, and he’d have to share in his sick version of glory.

But something had been up with Kade.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” he said.

“Is everything okay? It seems like something might be going on. I know, I’m one to talk. But what’s up?”

He glanced away and let out a breath.

“I don’t mean to pry if it’s personal.”

“It is, but I should have just said something. My wife has been dealing with some health problems. It’s been pretty frustrating, but I think she finally has a diagnosis. We should be getting somewhere.”

“I’m sorry, man. That’s rough.”