I didn’t blame the woman. The scene was grisly, to say the least.
A figure near the fallen animal straightened, and my eyes flared in surprise.
“Roan, good to see you. Wish it was under better circumstances.” Dr. Miller snapped off his gloves, disposing of them in a trash bag.
“I thought it might be helpful to have a vet’s take,” Lawson explained.
Dr. Miller glanced at my brother. “I wish you would’ve called me about the first victim. It would’ve been helpful to see it, as well.”
“Sorry, Damien,” Lawson said. “We weren’t thinking this had the potential to turn into a serial.”
That was true with the deer. Now, it was blind, dumb hope. And hope was a death sentence.
“Can you tell us anything?” I asked.
Dr. Miller nodded. “The cougar was caught in a trap and then shot. The body was mutilated postmortem.”
“Small mercies,” I muttered.
“Trapping’s illegal on state land,” Lawson said, a muscle under his eye fluttering.
“Doesn’t mean people don’t do it,” Dr. Miller said. “I’ve seen several animals who were caught in traps.”
“People are assholes,” I grumbled.
“They certainly can be,” Dr. Miller agreed. “I’m no crime scene expert, but from the photos you’ve shown me of the deer, I’d say it’s likely the same person. The cuts are in the same places. Only these are deeper.”
Lawson scrubbed a hand over his stubbled jaw. “Getting more comfortable with it.”
“That’d be my guess.” Dr. Miller glanced at his watch. “I have to get back for a patient.”
Lawson extended a hand. “Thanks for coming out on such short notice.”
Dr. Miller nodded as he shook the proffered palm. “Happy to do what I can to help. Please let me know if there’s another victim.”
“I will,” Lawson assured him.
Dr. Miller stopped near me. “Question for you.”
I just stared, waiting.
He shifted on his feet. “Do you know if Aspen is single?”
It was as if someone had jabbed a hot poker through my chest. My hands fisted as I fought off the shock of pain. “She’s got a lot going on right now and doesn’t need guys giving her trouble. Leave her alone.”
Each word vibrated with fury, and Dr. Miller’s eyes flared. “Not in a place to date. Got it.”
I glared at him.
“All right, then. I’m gonna head out.” He hightailed it down the trail.
The moment he was out of sight, Lawson barked out a laugh. “Hell, Roan. Pretty sure you just made the vet crap himself.”
I turned my glare on my brother. “You think Aspen needs someone messing with her head right now?”
A little of the humor fled Lawson’s expression. “No, she doesn’t. But she could probably use a partner. Someone who has her back. Someone to share her burdens with.”
That burn in my chest lit again—some dead part of me trying to flare back to life.
“But it seems like you’ve been playing that role pretty well the past few days.”
My back teeth ground together. “That’s not what this is.”
Lawson stared me down, dead-on. “If that’s the case, then you shouldn’t care about a good man showing interest in her. Have never heard anything but great things about Damien. Maybe I’ll invite them both over for dinner and get the ball rolling.”
“Law…” I growled low.
His lips twitched. “Just think about why you hate the idea so much.”
I didn’t want to think about it. Didn’t want to admit what it might mean. Couldn’t.
“I gotta bring you up to speed on something else,” Lawson said, interrupting my spiraling thoughts.
“What?” I snapped.
“Went to The Brew this afternoon to talk to Aspen.”
I stiffened.
“The podcasters were there, hassling her.”
Fury lit in my veins. “Why. Didn’t. You. Say. Anything?” I could barely get the words out.
“I was going to call you but then got word about this.” Lawson gestured to the scene.
“You should’ve told me the second I got here,” I clipped.
The image of Aspen trembling on her couch flashed in my mind. Was she scared now? Alone? How had she been when Lawson left?
“I knew you’d freak, and I needed your head in the game when you got here. Aspen’s fine. I told her we would meet after she picks up Cady and Charlie from school.”
“You wanted my head in the game?” I gritted out. I was going to kill my brother.
20
ASPEN
Charlie and Cady ran out of the double doors, holding hands and giggling as if there was no one else in the whole world but them.
“Don’t you think that’s a little inappropriate?” Katelyn sneered.
I had to close my eyes for a moment and breathe. It had been the longest day in recent history. I’d been confronted with a shirtless Roan this morning—my dry spell making itself abundantly known—a full day at work, the run-in with the podcasters, talking with Lawson, trying to smooth things over with Elsie and Jonesy, and attempting to concoct a story they would believe without outright lying.
I did not need bitter, bitchy Katelyn on top of it all.
“I think their kind of friendship should be celebrated, don’t you?” I asked, casting a look in her direction.
Her casual perfection made me cringe at my sweater and faded jeans. Katelyn pursed her lips. “They’re holding hands. They’re too young for that.”
“They’re kids. It’s completely innocent.”
Katelyn scoffed. “I shouldn’t be surprised you’re condoning this behavior. You were what? Twenty when you had her?”
I stiffened. The judgment wasn’t entirely new. I was twenty-seven now, twenty-two when I’d taken custody of Cady. But I looked a little younger, and whatever piece of glitter Cady had stuck on me today didn’t help that fact.
I plastered on a wide smile. “Katelyn, you’re too kind. I love that you think I look so youthful.”
Her jaw dropped, and I turned to greet Cady and Charlie. “Hey, you two.”
“Hi, Miss Aspen,” Charlie greeted.
“How do you feel about coming home with us this afternoon? Your dad and uncle are going to meet us there.”
I heard a sound of annoyance come from Katelyn’s direction as she stalked away.
Charlie grinned widely. “That would be awesome!”
Cady jumped up and down while keeping hold of his hand. “Is Mr. Grizz gonna be there?”
A prickle of something passed through me. “He is.”
“This is the best day EVER!” she cheered.
“Come on, kiddos. Charlie, I’ve already got your booster in the car.”
“Aw, man. I keep telling Dad I don’t need one no more.”
I bit back a chuckle. “I’m afraid it’s the law, and it wouldn’t be very good if your dad didn’t follow the law since he’s the chief of police.”
Charlie’s shoulders slumped. “I guess.”
Cady tugged on his hand. “We can decorate your booster. I put pink glitter and stickers on mine.”
He looked at her thoughtfully. “Could we do frog stickers?”
“Totally,” Cady said.
“Okay.”
That being settled, I got the two of them situated in the back seat. “Ready to rock and roll?”
Charlie grinned. “You got cookies at your house?”
I twisted in my seat. “Do I look like an amateur to you?”