The Hidden

“This is great hot chocolate,” Meg said, when their drinks arrived. “The kid in me will never get over my love of marshmallows.”


The food came quickly, and as soon as they finished eating, they asked for their bill, which Matt picked up, explaining that it was on the Bureau. The family from the table next to them left when they did.

As they walked back toward the car, Diego’s phone rang. He looked curiously at the caller ID, then answered. His side of the conversation consisted mainly of “okay” repeated several times, then “goodbye.”

Scarlet was more than a little curious as to who was on the other end, and judging by their expressions, so were the others.

“Adam Harrison,” Diego told them as he pocketed his phone.

“Is he on his way?” Meg asked.

“He’ll be here in the morning,” Diego said. “But he’s already set things in motion. The police have requested our help, and we’re scheduled to talk to the ME after he finishes the autopsies in—” he looked at his watch “—about two hours.”

“Great,” Matt said. “We’ll drop Scarlet back at the ranch, then head to the county morgue.”

Scarlet didn’t like the idea of them all leaving, but she didn’t exactly want to join them at the morgue, either.

“I’ll hang at the ranch with you,” Meg said. “Want to teach me some local history while they’re gone?”

“You’re sure you don’t need to be there, too?” Scarlet asked, hoping she was doing a good job of hiding her relief that she wouldn’t be left alone.

Meg shook her head. “I’ve been to more than my share of autopsies,” she said. “Between the three of them, they should be able to handle it. I’d like to find out more about Nathan and Jillian Kendall, and the investigation into their murders.”

“Okay. Sounds like a plan.”

When they reached the museum, however, they were surprised to find that the local police were there, along with Ben, who was pacing back and forth in front of the building, looking anxious.

“Search warrant,” he said. “They’re taking the guns—all the guns! They’re antiques, and they’re handling them like...like water pistols!”

“Because the couple were killed with an antique gun,” Diego explained to him. “I’ll go talk to someone inside and make sure they’re careful with them.”

“Did you know about this?” Scarlet asked Brett.

“No, but I’m not surprised,” he said. “He was killed on the ranch with an antique Colt in working order. It’s only natural that they think someone might have used one from the museum, then put it right back.”

Scarlet nodded and tried to smile reassuringly at Ben. “I have a full inventory of what we have. Will that help them any?” she asked.

“I’m sure it will,” Brett told her.

He went with her into the museum, where she was pleased to see that the police were actually being extremely careful. She also saw Diego speaking seriously with a man in a suit.

Lieutenant Gray.

He still looked weary and put-upon. But he was nodding agreeably as he listened to Diego.

“It’s going to be all right,” Brett said. “Diego’s good with the locals. He always gets them on our side. I’m sure they’ll be out of here quickly, you’ll see.”

Just as he’d predicted, the guns were collected in good time, along with a copy of Scarlet’s inventory, and the police left.

Gray narrowed his eyes as he looked at Scarlet, passing by her with a stiff nod.

“Jerk,” she muttered as soon as he was out of earshot.

“Gotta admit, he doesn’t seem like the warm-and-cuddly type,” Brett said lightly.

“Good thing that guy didn’t want to be a doctor,” Diego said, joining them. “His bedside manner would suck. Shall we get going? I’d like to talk with the medical examiner before Lieutenant Gray finishes checking those guns into evidence and makes it out to the morgue.”

“Sure—Scarlet and I can get started on some historical research,” Meg said.

“Sounds good. We’ll be back as soon as we can,” Diego promised.