Contents

DARED TO DREAM

Dedication

Acknowledgements

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

Chapter TWO

Chapter THREE

Chapter FOUR

Chapter FIVE

Chapter SIX

Chapter SEVEN

Chapter EIGHT

Chapter NINE

Chapter TEN

Chapter ELEVEN

Chapter TWELVE

Chapter THIRTEEN

Chapter FOURTEEN

Chapter FIFTEEN

Chapter SIXTEEN

Chapter SEVENTEEN

Chapter EIGHTEEN

Chapter NINETEEN

Chapter TWENTY

Chapter TWENTY-ONE

Chapter TWENTY-TWO

Chapter TWENTY-THREE

Chapter TWENTY-FOUR

Chapter TWENTY-FIVE

Chapter TWENTY-SIX

Chapter TWENTY-SEVEN

Chapter TWENTY-EIGHT

Chapter TWENTY-NINE

EPILOGUE

QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MORE BOOKS BY J.J. CLARKE

Praise for the

KATE ANDERSON MYSTERY SERIES

and J.J. CLARKE

“Mystery fans who like smart, gritty reads with a bit of humor on the side will fall in love with the premiere installment of the Kate Anderson Mysteries . . .5 Stars! Recommended!”

—Chanticleer Reviews

“ . . . a wonderfully engaging mystery story. The author’s real-life experience in the world of police work and legal systems gives the reader a fascinating look into such an interesting culture . . . The story of murder and mayhem is interspersed with humor that reveal the author’s clever and mischievous wit. I highly recommend this delightful read.”

—James F. Stark, Author

“From the first page as Kate puts her fist in the face of a bully, I loved this character. Her trials and tribulations are a wild adventure that I am certain you will enjoy!”

—D. Domann, Author

“ . . . fast read, kept me on the edge of my seat, action packed, and I easily related to Kate—the strong heroine!”  —Sue

“A gutsy female, a fast-moving crime mystery . . . From Missouri to Georgia and back, Kate runs from the law. The reader will have a fun ride themselves as they devour this exciting and fun tale.”

—J. R. Minard, Author

“Intriguing, suspenseful, and enjoyable . . . The book we’ve been waiting for is here! And once again J.J. Clarke has a hit with this Kate Anderson Mystery . . . J.J. Clarke combines intrigue and plot twists to keep the reader in enjoyable suspense. Kate Anderson is smart and strong and so is this book!”

—Riley Moon

“Great for lovers of hard-boiled mysteries. Kate Anderson is back. Hard boiled + women helping women + an engrossing read.” 

—MA

“Gripping, enticing, and highly relatable! Loved this book . . . It is staged in a ‘normal town’ with the local politics that everyone kind of suspects, but that never come to light.  In this book they do! It is nice to have a hero that you can root for. Could not lay it down, read pretty much nonstop. Ready for another in the series with this character.”

—Larry Anderson

DARED TO DREAM

A Kate Anderson Mystery

This novel is a work of fiction.  Characters, organizations, names and events are a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally.

The one exception is Chariton County, Missouri. It is an actual place and holds a special place in my heart.

Copyright © 2022 J. J. Clarke

All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

ISBN: 9798843945428

Dedication

To Lane, Dylan, Ethan, and Owen

Acknowledgements

To my family—thank you for your love and support.

Thank you, Mr. Barry, for your plot assistance, cheerleading, and editing.

To Bona Hayes, my editor, who has stuck with me through this entire series. I couldn’t have done it without you.

To the Writers of the Villages group, who showed up every week to edit, encourage, and enlighten.

To my Circle of Friends golf group for your cheerleading and support. You are the best.

We owe our cover and graphic design to Josh Lucchesi. Thank you for all you do for this project.

Photograph by Adam Mast. You perfectly captured my memories of balloon fests in Pershing Park, Missouri.

PROLOGUE

Journal Entry

“I shot him. Is he dead?”

Let’s call her Velma.

Velma came to us because she had nowhere else to go. She’d been in prison for five years after killing her husband. We placed her at the convent but needed to move her after a week. Unfortunately, they could not tolerate the F word, and poor Velma couldn’t stop using it.

July 4, 2008 was the day she had no choice but to fight back. He had escalated the violence, taking great pleasure in humiliating, hunting, and hurting her. She’d run, he would hunt her down and drag her back to the trailer and beat her.

The YMCA offered a women’s kickboxing class. She told him she was attending Bible study.

“Fitness and Fun” was the reason she gave for attending the class. The male instructor became suspicious when she came to class with a black eye.

In wasn’t long before the husband found out she was not attending Bible school. He suspected an affair and decided killing her might be fun.

He made her watch as he loaded a pistol with one bullet. He called the game “Russian Roulette.” He spun the gun on the coffee table and when it landed on her, he aimed it at her face and pulled the trigger. He drank, laughed, and watched her quiver. He spun the gun again and she prayed the shell was not in the chamber. By now she didn’t care what happened to her. He drank almost continuously from the bottle of Old Crow.

Fireworks lit up the sky when the gun landed on her for the third time. She quickly calculated she had one out of three chances of being shot. Survival instinct kicked in. She hit him with a half-empty beer bottle, grabbed the gun, and pointed it at him. He stood glaring at her, blood running down his face.

She pulled the trigger and shot him in the chest. Velma wasn’t sure the gun would go off, or that it did go off. Pulling the trigger on the empty pistol over and over was how the neighbors found her.

When the police arrived, she admitted to shooting him. The officers might have taken pity on her and called it self-defense, but when she asked for a lawyer, they booked her and closed their case.

Velma, held without bond, stayed in jail two years before her case went to trial. She finally pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and Armed Criminal action. She received a five-year sentence for the two crimes.

Her public defender had assured her she was immediately eligible for parole saying, “You’ll be out in a couple of weeks.” He closed his case.

He was wrong.

A young, female probation officer broke the news to inmate 100322 at an open-door session at Chillicothe Correctional Center. “I’m sorry, Velma, you’re not eligible for a parole hearing. We’ve given you credit for time served, but you must serve at least the entire three-year sentence for Armed Criminal Action per Missouri State Statutes.”

The parole officer sat at Dirty Sally’s and drank a whiskey on the house after her rough day at work.

Velma was not paroled after three years. She refused to show any remorse for shooting her husband. Her maximum release date finally opened the prison gate, and she walked out onto the highway homeless.

Sequence 1, 2, 3, 5

CHAPTER ONE

Eighty-first Birthday Party

August 3, 2016

Kate Anderson and Susie Jones sat in first class on the plane that would arrive at MCI in Kansas City, Missouri for Dirty Sally’s birthday bash. Susie insisted they discuss edits for Kate’s new book while she had Kate trapped on the plane. Kate looked out over the Missouri landscape, realizing they were about to land.

“Saved by the bell,” grinned Kate, as the seat belt sign dinged and lit up.

The airline attendant appeared from behind the curtain with a white trash bag. She pasted on a smile, offering the bag to passengers, and checking for seat belts as she strode past.

The pilot’s announcement broke through the noise. “We’re making our final approach to Kansas City. If you were headed to Memphis, I’m sorry to say, you’re on the wrong flight.”

“I wonder how many times he’s told that joke?” Laughing, Susie looked at Kate and shook her by the arm. “Kate, are you all right? You’re not dreading this landing thing again, are you?”

Kate shook her head. “No, I had the strangest feeling—I thought I saw Sally.”

“Out the window? You thought you saw Sally out the window, like in the clouds?” Susie stared wide mouthed at her friend.

“No, not out the window. Just here . . . with us . . . on the plane. She was here with us.”

“Do you know what I hate worse than all your other quirks? This . . .” she waved her hand in front of Kate’s face . . . “this sixth sense thing. Don’t do that. I hate it. It’s so creepy.” Friends and business partners since college, they even knew each other’s panty sizes.

Kate grabbed the arm of her seat as the plane dropped for the landing and rolled to a flawless stop.

The pilot announced, “Welcome to Kansas City! It’s a balmy ninety-eight degrees in the beautiful city of fountains and barbecue. We hope to see you on your return flight.”

◆◆◆

The pain shot through Sally’s back like an arrow. She arched her back, clutching her chest and felt the pain radiate to her heart. Not yet. Please, God, not yet. It eased a bit. She sat up straight and swiveled around to gaze at the party in the historic bar she had managed for twenty-five years. She managed a smile.

Sally O’Malley’s birthday always started on August 1 and continued for five days. People from all over the United States and Canada travelled to this small town’s annual event. This year’s celebration would be the biggest party Kingseat, Missouri had ever seen.

Kate Anderson, successful author, and Susie Jones, the blonde bombshell, would arrive on the third—the day before the big birthday bash, and would stay until the sixth.

Sally stared at the door and imagined the tall blonde and the shorter brunette bursting through the entrance. She wondered if they would wear their famous Dolly Parton attire, or if they might dress up in some other costume. She clapped her hands as if she could see them.

Swiveling on her stool, Sally glanced out the back door where two skids of beer, one of Budweiser and one of Bud Light, were stacked on a concrete pad. The ice-filled horse troughs were fully loaded with beer for the taking. The crew from the local volunteer fire department deep-fried fish, potatoes, and hush puppies. Smells permeated the air and neighboring dogs howled with hunger. Women hurried in and out the back door of the old tavern, bringing ingredients to prep the side dishes.

Sally hoped to get a look at Andy Mayes, the love of her life.

The clock struck noon. A crowd had already gathered in the bar, sitting around the room with hot, heaping plates of food and bottles of beer. Sally sat straight and tall, her petite frame like a rod. Her long denim skirt snapped down the front and stopped at her cowboy boots.

She pretended to sip on a whiskey as she thought about her doctor’s severe warning. “Sally, stop drinking if you intend to live another year.”

“None of us have much time, Doc. I’ll be eighty-one in a few days. I have so many things I need to do.”

“You need to get your affairs in order.” His tired blue eyes might have held a tear.

“I’m afraid it’s too late for that—much too late.”

Sally had given up smoking years ago, but her clientele had not. Twelve-hour days of second-hand smoke at the tavern took her breath away. She drank too much and ate too little, and all her vital organs were in major distress.

The bar stool creaked as Sally swiveled to address a couple of local men. “Boys, lift me up on this bar and play my song.”

An off-duty waitress, wearing tight Wrangler jeans, flipped a switch on the back of the juke box.

Two large men in boots and Pioneer Corn Seed advertising hats lifted Sally onto the bar. She started dancing before the music started playing. The singer crooned about an old man, good beer, and how people were crazy while Sally danced a jig. Her red cowboy boots clicked like tap shoes.

The waitress swung up and joined her. “The party has officially started, Sally’s dancing on the bar.”

Breathless, Sally whispered, “Jim Bob, lift me down.”

Jim Bob wrapped his giant hands around her waist. As Sally’s feet landed on the floor, she folded into a small curtsey, then gracefully slipped to the ground. Her head tilted . . . she stopped breathing.

“Call nine-one-one!” yelled Jim Bob, “and get Andy out back. Somebody, go get Andy.”

He knelt next to Sally, putting his arm around her.

Andy Mayes, recently retired sheriff of Livingston County, ran in, dropped to the floor next to Sally, and relieved Jim Bob, placing his arm around the small woman, holding her close.

He talked softly. “It’s okay, Pumpkin, Andy’s got you.”

He straightened her Reba wig and in his deep baritone voice announced to the crowd, “She signed a DNR last week, but somebody call the ambulance. Oh, God, she’s gone.”

Women gasped. Men removed their hats.

A younger man ran over with his cell phone to take a quick selfie with Sally. Andy reached out and grabbed the phone. “Get out, get out, right now! What’s wrong with you? Did your folks not teach you any respect?”

He flung the phone across the room. It skidded along the sanded dance floor and crashed into the music player, where it spun like a top.

The bartender announced, “One drink on the house for everyone, then the bar is officially closed. I'll bring whiskey outside, we'll make a toast to Sally, then you all need to go home." He ushered the people out the door.

A woman with pink hair strode to the juke box and pulled the plug. The music stopped.

Chapter TWO

THE ARRIVAL

The jumbo jet ground to a halt at Kansas City International Airport.

Susie stood up shortly before permission from the pilot. Reaching for the overhead compartment, she knocked Kate in the head with her elbow. “Let’s go, sister, what’re you waiting for? I’ll grab the bags; you get the rental car. I’ll meet you out front.”

After unbuckling her seatbelt, Kate got to her feet. “Bossing me . . . already . . . bossing me. The plane just hit the bloody ground. Wasn’t it enough that you edited my book all the way here? It was like being waterboarded.”

“I told you to have a drink and chill.” Susie pulled her Louis Vuitton bag from the compartment. With her six-foot height, it was no problem, but Kate had to duck as Susie swung the heavy bag down.

Susie had acquired her luggage from a Saturday morning dumpster-diving session in Tampa, Florida. “The things rich people throw away always amazes me,” Susie announced the day she rolled them into Kate’s apartment. “One little hole, one little hole is all there is.”

Besides the editing and promoting of Kate’s book, and the private investigation business, Susie had developed yet another side hustle: selling designer clothing and bags on social media. With this business, she created a new eclectic crew of creative entrepreneurs. Kate's favorite was a wizard of a seamstress, who wore tiny scissors in her hair.

Kate stepped into the aisle with the small black bag she had pulled from underneath the seat directly in front of her.

Susie waved her off. “That was the plan, wasn’t it? You only have the one little bag to carry, and I have three. By the time you catch the shuttle and come back, I’ll have strutted to the curb.”

“I’ll be glad to grab the rental car, Susie. That way, I can pick the vehicle—without your nagging.”

Susie flipped her blonde hair and swung her head. “It doesn’t really matter, Kate. I plan to be riding with that steamy Reese Matthews.”

Kate moved into the aisle and inched her way forward toward the door, thanking the flight attendant and smiling at the pilot. “Nice landing, thanks.”

The suitcase rolled behind her as she put some distance between herself and Susie. The jetway moved and moaned as the passengers exited the plane. Passing several families, she hit full stride and zoomed into the entrance of the airport. The building bustled with activity as Kate searched for the rental car shuttle. Taking mental snapshots of characters in her brain, she smiled at a man who looked like he was wearing Kansas City Chiefs’ pajamas. He swaggered while he walked.

Kate, now a seasoned visitor of airports, maneuvered through the stream of people. Book events had become a part of the job Kate enjoyed, since it allowed her to rendezvous with Will Johnson, a flight attendant who flew in and out of airports. She matched her itinerary of small bookstores and coffee shops to places that coordinated with Will’s flying schedule.

Her phone dinged. She pulled it from her sling bag and glanced at the screen.

The text from an unknown number read: Sally’s dead. Get here fast.

Susie rolled up next to Kate, her Louie bag keeping pace. “What’s wrong? What is it, Kate?”

“I received a text. It must be from Rosie.” Kate looked up at Susie. “Sally’s dead.”

“Oh, no. Kate . . . it can’t be. Not the day before her party.” Susie shook her head and hugged her friend. Touching Kate’s arm, she asked, “What happened?”

“Oh, Suze . . . the text was a burner phone, Sally’s dead. That’s all it said. Most likely from Rosie. She's not gonna give any information over the phone.”

Rosie Martin, Kate’s older friend and a trucker from Kingseat, Missouri, had been Kate’s only contact to and from home when Kate was a fugitive, framed for a murder she didn’t commit.

“Let’s sit down and give you a minute.” Susie pointed to a concrete bench by one of the small boutiques selling Kansas City Royals sweatshirts. “C’mon, let’s sit down.”

Susie led Kate to the bench. She glanced at the items for sale in the window, then refocused and studied Kate. People hurried by the two women: Susie, a walking, talking, shopping, six-foot Barbie doll and Kate, a Sandra Bullock look-alike, hair styled in a French braid.

“What’s the fastest way we can get to Kingseat, Kate? If my memory serves, it’s more than a two-hour drive.”

“We might charter a plane at the municipal airport near here, but then we’d still be without a car. Don’t you have any blokes with private planes in your call log?”

“No. And I’m not riding in a crop duster, Kate.”

“Warren died too, remember?”

“Oh, sorry, Kate. I forgot. You have a lot of old people in your life.” Susie grabbed her mouth, squeezed her lips and made a fish face. “Dang, there goes my foot again. I’m sorry, Kate. I don’t have any family like you do.”

Laughing, Kate nudged Susie’s leg. “I’m glad you’re here, even if you are more interested in shopping in that store than in my problems. Go ahead, shop, look at the Royals’ shirts. They’re fifty percent off. Leave me alone and give me a minute to think.”

Kate jumped when she realized they weren’t alone. A looming presence joined the two women and a deep voice said, “Excuse me, ladies, do you need a ride?” Reese Matthews stood over them, shaking his head and grinning.

Susie jumped up, threw herself into his arms, and planted a big kiss on his mouth. “How’d you find us, how’d you know?”

"I heard the news about Sally and thought I could haul you home.”

Susie slapped him on the shoulder. “What, like a prisoner? You’re gonna ‘haul us’ home? What a sweet talker you are. Trained investigator? What movie line was that? Never mind, I’m just so glad you’re here.” She hugged the grinning man.

Kate stood up. Oh no, I needed this like a hole in the head. Can the day get any worse? The pair danced the awkward shuffle of law enforcement who didn't care to hug, but had had a secret affair. She held out her hand for a handshake, while Reese tried to hug her, then he tried to shake her hand as she moved forward with a hug. He finally grabbed her with both arms and held her close. It’s great to see him.

“Thanks, Reese,” Kate grinned. “It was so thoughtful of you to come and”—she stuck her fingers in the air in air quotes—"fetch us and haul us home.” She patted her head and spoke to him in sign language. “Where’s your hat?”

Reese raised his hands in reply. Susie stepped in and grabbed them. “Don’t you two start that again. I hate it when you two use sign language.”

Kate reached down, picked up her suitcase, and marched toward the exit.

◆◆◆

Susie took Reese’s arm, snuggling against him for a moment before she followed Kate. “I guess she’ll lead the way.”

He turned her toward him, a slight smile on his face. “You getting on Kate’s nerves, Susie? I don’t think she’ll have any trouble spotting the ‘Chief of Police’ car parked in the fire lane.”

“I’m so glad you’ve come to rescue us, Reese. It’ll help us a lot. This will be extremely hard on Kate. I think Sally is the last of the old guard.”

He threw his arm around her and started moving through the crowd. “Yeah, but you don’t know the half of it. I’m afraid Sally may have left Kate in a real mess.”

“What do you mean, ‘Sally left Kate in a mess?’“

“I should’ve kept my big mouth shut. Let it go, Susie. You’ll find out soon enough.”

Susie stopped and stood her ground. “You can’t say something like that, Reese Matthews, and ‘let it go.’ It better not have anything to do with that underground network.”

Reese stared at her. “Please, Susie, stop. Let’s not ruin our trip. You want me to grab your luggage while you shop?"

“I’m not a child, Reese, you can’t just divert me with some shopping.”

“No, but you might as well take advantage of my skills while I’m here. I will not say anything else about Kate’s business. C'mon, let's go get your luggage."

Chapter THREE

KATE FLEES

Kate stood on the curb and watched the large hotel shuttles rumble by, making their runs to the hotels in Kansas City. Sweat beaded on her forehead and neck in the ninety-five-degree heat. She stared at the police cruiser at the curb, its engine running, no doubt with the air conditioner on full blast. “Chief of Police” was boldly painted on its side in shades of black, blue, and gray. The colors shimmered in the sun and appeared to pulse to the rhythm of the traffic.

Irritated, Kate glared at the car and fumed at the thought of sitting in the back seat of a police cruiser on the two-hour drive back to Kingseat. She mimicked Reese in her head: Don’t worry, I’ll save the day. I’ll go fetch those hens and haul ‘em home. Kate edited her thought. He wouldn’t say the word “fetch.”

She sidestepped into a spot of shade made by the awning from the bus stop. Susie loves the attention. Don’t I want that? Someone watching out for me. Did I not get any of that Cinderella or princess syndrome? What’s wrong with me? Why am I so damn independent?

A blue shuttle bus stopped in front of her, the doors squealing open as the driver motioned for her to get on board. Oh, he thought I was waiting for a bus. Why not? It’s the best offer I’ve had all day. She boarded the large fuming beast, not really caring where it would take her. She needed to think, cry, flee, call Will.

Will Johnson, her flight attendant boyfriend who was also studying to be an engineer needed to know she might not make their rendezvous next week. Kate hoped he had some comforting words and that he would drop a flight and come to Kingseat like he had done when Pops died.

She settled into the first seat by the window and started to cry. Sally O Malley, the one woman left who knew her parents and her past, no longer existed in this world. Pictures of Sally flew through Kate’s mind like memory photos on Instagram: Sally teaching Kate, a little girl, to play shuffleboard; Sally laughing at one of Pops’s dirty jokes; Sally giving Kate a tour of the secret room at the tavern. All these images slipped through Kate’s mind while the last passenger boarded.

She glanced out the window and saw Susie and Reese at the curb, Susie waving frantically. “Kate, stop!” Reese looked down and shook his head. Smiling through the overflow of tears, Kate grabbed her phone and texted Susie:

I’ll see you in Kingseat. Take your time, there’s really nothing we can do now.

The bus made a wide turn into the rental car parking lot and Kate grabbed the overhead bar in time to keep her seat. Angels are watching over me. Smiling, she made a sign of the cross. The rental car lot is exactly where I need to be.

The shuttle came to abrupt stop. Kate slid out of her seat and tipped the driver a couple of bucks. “Nice ride. Thanks.”

Pulling her suitcase behind, she stepped down the stairs. As the bus cleared the curb and wheeled around the corner, a blue puff of smoke whiffed her in the face. Kate squeezed her eyes closed, coughing and waving her hand in front of her face. When she opened them, she saw the red and blue lights from the patrol car light up the space.

She pointed a finger at the couple in the patrol car. “Really? You followed me?”

Reese lowered his window. “Just making sure you’re okay, Kate. You don’t have to rent a car. You can drive my personal vehicle while you’re in Kingseat.”

“Thanks, but no thanks. I’ll get a rental.”

Susie stuck her head in front of Reese’s face. “I think it’s a good idea for you to get a car. We’ll need one. I don’t want to drive his Land Rover. I feel like I need to wear khaki clothes as if we’re on safari.” She sat back in her seat and addressed Reese. “Really, that car is ridiculous.”

Kate peered in the window. “Susie, I’m glad you agree. It makes my life so much easier. But, maybe, I’ll get a truck, so you won’t take my ride.” She crossed her eyes at her editor. “You two lovebirds have fun driving home. You could stop at the Casino. It’s two o’clock, so it’s probably Happy Hour.”

“We can’t stop at the Casino in the patrol car,” said Reese.

Kate forced a smile. “Don’t wait up for me. I might find some trouble on the way home.”

Reese put the car in gear. “I hope you’ll go straight to the tavern, Kate. I think Andy will need your help to make memorial arrangements.”

◆◆◆

Kate ignored Reese’s advice and drove the sporty Mazda CX-9 to the Ameristar Casino. Kate wasn’t a gambler, but she loved the massive complex with the blue-sky ceiling, plus the bells, whistles, people, and food. She parked the rental by the entrance closest to the buffet. Her stomach growled. She looked down at her belly. Just like Pavlov’s dog, you know where we are, don’t you?

Checking her watch, she decided to make a couple of calls before entering the chaotic casino. Kate spoke into her phone. “Call Andy Mayes.”

Siri parroted. “Calling Andy Mayes.”

Andy’s deep baritone sang through the phone as if nothing was wrong. “Hello, Little Lady, how are you holding up?”

Andy Mayes, Sally’s long-time love, had made his first appearance at his retirement party from the Livingston County Sheriff’s office by pulling his RV into Sally’s parking lot and refusing to leave. Ten years her junior, he bragged that he had loved Sally O’Malley since he was five years old.

“I’m doing fine, Andy. How are you?”

“Where are you, how soon can you get here?” Andy’s voice cracked at the end of his question.

“I’m at the Casino. I’ll grab a bite to eat at the buffet. I’m starved.

“Never mind the buffet, I think you better get here. Grab a snack. We’ve got tons of food, and more coming all the time. Word’s gotten around about Sally’s passing, and the neighbors are bringing food. I could really use a hand here.”

Kate pictured Andy, lost without Sally.

“Oh, Andy, I’m sorry. I didn’t think there would be much for me to do, so I wasn’t in a hurry.”

“She didn’t tell ya, did she?”

“Tell me what?” Kate chewed on her bottom lip.

“Listen, I don’t want to go into it on the phone. The most important thing to know—I’ve had a woman call. You know, from . . . that project I never got involved with.”

“The network?”

“I’m not in the loop, darlin’. Not . . . even slightly in the loop, you understand? All I know is some of the message sounded urgent.”

“Okay, Andy. Gotcha. Reese and Susie left before me. Can you call them and tell them plans have changed and that there’s food at the tavern? Put Susie to work. This is her department—she’s an expert in event planning. I need to make one phone call, then I’ll be on my way. I’m about an hour and thirty out.

"Andy, are you still there?”

“Yeah, I’m still here.”

Kate pictured Andy, who could be Sam Elliott’s twin, sitting on a bar stool at the tavern. “Is anyone there with you?”

“Jim Bob’s here. We’re crying in our beer. I’ll call Matthews and then the highway patrol. I’ll offer to feed them. If the patrol is off the road, you should be able to make good time. Unless, of course, you want me to send an escort.”

“No, sir. I’ll take the speeding option. An escort won’t be necessary.” She heard Andy’s deep, rich laugh.

I never know when that man’s kidding—or is he? Would he send a police escort?

“A woman called.” I wonder what that’s about? What did Sally not tell me?

A familiar gnawing growled in the pit of Kate’s stomach. It wasn’t hunger. It was fear.

Chapter FOUR

NO BIRTHDAY PARTY

Kate rounded a sharp curve on Highway 24, cruising at seventy-five in a fifty-five-mile per-hour zone. I should slow my ass down. She tossed some cashews inside her mouth, munched, and swallowed. I should have cell signal for another twenty miles. Touching her earpiece, she said, “Siri, call Will Johnson.”

Will answered on the first ring. “I was just about to call you.”

“It’s good to hear your voice. Cell tower coverage is spotty—we may get cut off. But I have some bad news. Sally passed away, and I don’t know what the arrangements are, so I may not make our date Monday night.”

“Oh, Kate, I’m sorry. Isn’t tomorrow her birthday?”

“Yes, it’s going to be hard. I feel bad for Andy. If there is a bright side to it, many of her friends are coming to town, and there’s plenty of food. We don't have to worry about feeding them. She would’ve liked the big send off.”

“How are you doing?”

“I think I’m in shock or denial. I don’t imagine it’ll hit me until I reach the bar. I won't make our date Monday night."

“Kate, I have something to ask you . . . I know this is the worst possible time, but since we won’t be able to meet, I must do it. Decisions need to be made.”

“Okay, so spit it out.”

“Would you consider moving with me to Iceland?”

Kate slowed down and looked at a deer grazing on corn near the side of the road. “Iceland? What? Did I hear you correctly? What’s in Iceland?”

“A beautiful little girl named Gretta. She’s three. I just found out. The paternity test confirms she’s mine. I’m planning to go live there for a while and make up for lost time. I want you to come with me.”

Kate flushed with anger and felt her ears turn the color of beets. “Let me get this straight. You have a daughter in Iceland. Her mother, no doubt, is a beautiful Icelandic woman, who you'll have constant contact with. And you think I want to be part of some ‘love-triangle-raise-a-child-threesome?’"

“No, no, nothing like that. Kate, you know I love you—we’ve made plans to be together. Leave it to me to bungle this whole thing. Why didn’t I wait until we had a nice candlelit dinner? I thought maybe we could get a ninety-day Visa, have an adventure. You can write anywhere. Maybe we would love it there and stay. I bought a ring and everything.”

“We never talked about raising a child. Go, Will. Go to Iceland. Reunite with your beautiful ex-lover. Play at being daddy. Please don’t call me. I have enough to worry about.”

Kate disconnected the phone, wishing she had one to slam down. She stomped on the accelerator and increased her speed.

Sally’s dead, and I’ve been invited to be the third love in a man’s life. Wow, who says my life is looking up? She increased her speed again. Ninety’s good. And, to top it off, Andy thinks I know how to handle problems with the network.

Kate spotted a car looming in front of her. Cop. Hah, so much for Andy clearing the road. Oh, holy cow, that’s the Chief of Police of Kingseat and his blonde bombshell girlfriend.

Switching lanes, she zoomed past Reese and Susie.

◆◆◆

In Kingseat, Dirty Sally’s Tavern had been transformed for her birthday party. Sally’s friends had turned it into an Old West saloon with swinging doors at the entrance and six-shooters adorning the walls. Red bandana tablecloths covered the tables and cowboy boots served as vases. Sunflowers, some as big as a person’s face, bowed their heads. Bales of straw, wrapped in blue bandanas, made cute benches for the crowd that was expected.

When the country western band arrived, Andy Mayes took them to the stage outside. “When a young brunette pulls into the lot, start the music. You have about an hour to set up.”

Andy went inside the tavern to finish his beer. Jim Bob sat on a barstool next to him.

“Ya wanna wager what time she’ll get here?” asked Andy.

“Sure. She’s at the casino? I bet she’ll walk through that door at four-fifteen.”

“Naw, she’ll arrive in one hour. Four o’clock. I’ll bet the next drink on it.”

They laughed, a deep, rolling, masculine sound.

“Hell, let’s switch to whiskey,” said Andy.

Molly, Sally’s German Shepherd, paced around the room and finally settled her head in Andy’s lap. “You’re a good dog, Molly.” He patted the dog on the head. “I know you’re looking for Sally. Me too.”

The dog stared at Andy, who scratched behind her ear. “Don’t look at me like that, Molly, you’ll make me cry. Kate will be here soon. Molly, Kate’s coming.” He pointed at the window.

The dog left the man’s lap and ran to the window.

“Jim Bob, I’m a poor sulk of a love-sick pup. I’ve been that way my entire life. I was five years old when I first met Sally O’Malley. She was my fifteen-year-old babysitter. She’d twirl her long red hair around her finger and kiss me on my cheek. ‘Come see me when you’re seventeen.’ That’s what she told me.

“I found her on her twenty-seventh birthday. She held a joint with her thumb and finger and took a long drag when she saw me. I professed my love again. She told me to look her up in ten years. And so it went. Aww, Jim Bob, you know this story.”

“Yeah, I know the story, but if we don’t talk about you—we’ll have to talk about the weather or crops—and that’s all kind of depressing. We’ve had the worst year. No reason to talk about it. Plus, it might help you. You’ve got several hard days ahead.”

Andy checked the clock.

“Okay, then—until the band starts playing, or I tire of jawin’ about myself. After Sally’s rejection, I joined the Navy to see the world. On my twenty-seventh birthday, I dressed in my Navy whites and called Sally from a phone booth in San Diego. I offered her a plane ticket and a duplex in Navy housing two blocks from the beach.

“Three of my Navy buddies stood outside the phone booth, waiting for her response. When I shook my head and said ‘Nope,’ my fellow sailors laughed at me and offered me a swig of whiskey.” Andy chuckled. “Truthfully, they didn’t want to lose their wingman to some old lady.”

“I bet you had some fun in the Navy.”

“You know, I never wanted to live in a small town. They gave me the creeps. People talking to you, knowing your business, always presuming to know who you are. The one finger waves. I never understood that. Still don’t.” Andy waved with his index finger.

Jim Bob waved back at him. “You suppose we should get the food set out for the troopers that’ll be coming in? I wonder where they are.”

Mayes squinted at Jim Bob. “You hungry? Again?”

“Hell yes, I’m hungry. That hash brown casserole is calling my name.”

Mayes laughed. “Well, let’s get it done. Kate will be here in about five minutes.” He stood. “You know what I dread the most? I’ve got to show Kate the letters.”

◆◆◆

Chapter FIVE

STAY

At Dirty Sally’s Tavern, Kate parked her SUV and pulled her suitcase from the trunk. The country and western band Sally had hired for her birthday party started playing Pretty Woman. She glanced at the stage, looked around, and blushed.

The police car pulled in next to Kate’s rental. Susie bailed out of the passenger side of the car. “They’re playing our song!” She came over and hugged her friend. “Andy knows how to make women feel welcome. I know this is sad, and we should all be sad, but we always have fun here, Kate. Don’t look so glum.”

Andy strolled out to greet them, stretching out his arms to Kate. “Hello, little lady, it’s about time you got here.” His mouth slid into a crooked grin. “You must’ve been flying down the highway.”

“I drove as fast as I could, even passed the Chief of Police.” Kate’s eyes met Reese’s, and she quickly glanced away.

Andy turned his attention to Susie. “Hello, darlin’. Where’ve you been all my life?”

Susie hugged him. “Sweet talker—you know I love sweet talkers. Andy, I’m so sorry for your loss.”

He held her at arm’s length. “That’s a quote from Melanie Griffith, isn’t it?”

Molly bounded out of the bar. Kate knelt in the gravel to greet the large dog, who nearly knocked her to the ground in excitement and joyful wiggling. “Hello, Molly! I’ve missed you." She gave the dog a good ear rub, receiving her licks as kisses.

“Kate, don’t let that dog maul you—she’s supposed to be a guard dog.” Their host waved them into the bar. “Let’s get on in. The music is too loud, and it's too hot. I know you’re hungry. Jim Bob’s been getting the food out. I understand we have casseroles.”

Andy opened the door wide for the two women to walk through. “I was thinking Susie might bunk in Sally’s spare room, and Kate can take the cabin. Molly’s used to staying with guests over in that she-shed. I know Susie’s not crazy about the dog.”

“I love Sally’s guest room. It’ll work perfectly for me. Of course, I might need a little help getting my luggage up those stairs.” Susie winked at Reese.

“Good, it’s settled then. Sally wanted us to have a big party. Kate, I have some things to discuss with you, but we should concentrate on our friends tonight. People will come to pay their respects.”

Touching Andy’s arm, Kate said, “We’ll do our best to help. Whatever we can do—you just let us know. Most of these people are strangers, but I can certainly smile and shake hands.”

He eyed her sideways, looking through his good eye. “It’s more like . . . whatever I can do for you. Hell, I might as well say it. Sally left you everything: lock, stock, and barrel. I’m just the old man in the RV, squatting in your parking lot.”

Kate felt like she had had a bucket of ice water poured over her head. Susie gasped and put her hand over her mouth. Wide-eyed, the women stared at each other.

Reese broke the silence. "Andy, are you okay?"

Andy waved Reese away. "Come to think of it, I might be in shock. I'm pretending nothing's wrong when nothing will ever be right again. Now that you're here, I think I'll go kick back in my trailer. C'mon, Molly."

He headed toward the door. “I’m afraid you’ve inherited a bushel of headaches.”

◆◆◆

By seven, Andy returned to the bar with Molly, and they all played the parts of receiving people. Drawn by free beer, food, and support for Andy, people had flocked to the bar. At ten o'clock, Andy abruptly cut the power to the band, shut off the yard light, and announced, “Party's over!” It was pitch black outside, not a star in the sky. After the initial confusion, folks used the flashlight apps on their phones to get back to their pickup trucks. Andy retired to his RV.

Five minutes after he left, Kate turned the light back on so the band could break down their set. She offered them more food, but they declined.

She sat in a booth, nursing a whiskey, when Reese slid across the seat, facing her. I can’t take my eyes off his long lashes. I broke up with Will a few hours ago, and I’m already attracted to another man. My best friend's boyfriend?

“Earth to Kate—I asked you a question.”

“What? No, sorry. My mind was somewhere else. Where’s Susie?” Kate turned around and looked at the juke box, expecting to see the tall Barbie doll.

“Listen. I’m glad you’re in town and Susie is with you, but it sounds like you might be here for an extended stay.” He shuffled in his seat, took a sip of whiskey, and studied her over the rim of his glass. “You might be in danger.”

Why does he have to look like he’s reading into my soul? “Susie said she was going up to change out of her traveling clothes. I should go find her.”

“Kate, are you planning to stay? What are you going to do?”

The urgency in his voice caught her attention. “I have no idea what I’m going to do. This bar is an institution in Kingseat. It’s more than a tavern. It’s the tie that binds the community. Don’t worry about my safety. Sally has more security than the bank. Have you seen the security system? It would wake old people across town. Besides, retired Sheriff Mayes lives in the parking lot, and Molly is a trained guard dog. I doubt the killer lives in Kingseat anymore or will give me a second thought. It's been more years than I can count."

He leaned in close. "Is there a possibility he saw you?”

“Yes, yes, Reese, I was there when Robert O’Dell was shot. Are you satisfied? The killer might have seen me. He might have seen me run away, too. That means he may think I can identify him, but it also means he can identify me."

“Then stay, Kate. Stay and let’s catch the killer once and for all.”

“I thought I saw her.”

“Who?”

“Sally. I thought I saw Sally on the plane.”

He laughed. “Way to change the subject. You’re a little creepy. You’re doing that thing again.”

“She was trying to tell me something. I can’t quite figure out what it was she was trying to tell me.”

Reese raised his arms and pretended to sound like a ghost. “Woooooo . . . She’s trying to tell you, ‘Find the killer.’”

A gust of wind blew a tall woman with long blonde hair and wearing a cocktail dress through the door. Susie said, “Why am I always blowing through a door around here? For God’s sake, can’t a girl make a decent entrance?” She scanned the room. “What happened to the party?”

Reese stood up with one effortless motion, as Susie sashayed across the room and draped herself on him like he was a stripper pole. She stared at Kate. “Why did you two have your heads together?”

“He wants us to stay, Suze. He wants to play kissy, kissy face with you.” Kate puckered up her lips and made obnoxious kissing sounds.

“He does, does he?” She sat down, slid into the booth, and waved her hand up and down in front of Kate’s face. “Kate, you should go clean up. Really, you have jet lag written all over you. Draggy. You look all draggy.”

“In case you haven’t noticed, the party’s over. I am not sticking around for whatever party you’ve cooked up for this guy. I’m going to bed.”

“Oh, Kate, stay. We’ll turn on the music and dance and drink. It’s only ten-thirty,” Susie whined.

“One man, two women—no thanks. I’ve already been asked to be a threesome once today.”

As Kate moved to the edge of the booth, Susie grabbed her arm. “Don’t say something like ‘threesome’ and think you’re getting out of here without spilling. What’s going on?”

“Will and I broke up.”

“What? When in the hell did you have time to break up with Will? Kate, he was your fun. How could you do that right now?”

“I don’t need your tone.” Kate scowled at Susie. “I should’ve known you’d jump to his defense without even listening to my side of the story.”

Reese backed away from the booth. “I think I’ll leave you ladies alone. It sounds like you need some girl time.”

“Don’t you dare leave,” the two women yelled in unison.

He pointed at the bar. “I’ll just go pour myself a drink.”

Their looks at him were withering.

“The dog needs to go out. How about I do that?”

Folding her arms across the table, Kate, angry and tired, sunk her head into the crook of her elbow. Her body shook. Stretching her hands across Kate’s back, Susie steadied the shaking frame. “I’m sorry. It’ll be okay. This is hard on me, too. We had so many plans. We were on schedule for once—now this.”

Kate lifted her head and faced Susie. “I’m just so mad, I can’t even cry. I called him and told him we couldn’t meet Monday night. Susie, he has a daughter in Iceland, and he’s moving there to get to know her. He asked me to go with him.”

“That jerk—he didn’t! Did you explain to him Sally passed away?”

“Yeah, that’s what’s been eating at me all day. How could he do that? But then again . . . when would be a good time to tell me? He’s finishing his degree, so studying like crazy. I've been obsessed with this book launch. Now I’m in Kingseat—not Tampa.”

Susie raised her voice. “He could have cancelled a flight and driven over here. Don’t defend him. It’s only a two-hour drive from Kansas City."

“It just hurts my pride. It was a pity proposal. He’d already made up his mind. Besides, what’s our motto? Work hard, play hard, men on the side—until we turn thirty-five.”

“You know it, sister!” Susie grinned at Kate.

“It’s just that it was my first serious relationship other than . . . “

“You were going to say ‘Reese,’ weren’t you? You had real feelings for him, didn’t you? You’ve lied to me all these years.” Susie jumped up and stormed out of the bar, carefully missing the dog and Reese on their way back in. Reese watched her stride off, her high heels wobbling in the gravel.

He went back to Kate, who had her head down on the table, sobbing.

Chapter SIX

A LETTER AND A LAWYER

As arranged, Kate and Susie met Andy at the tavern at eight o’clock the next morning. Both women were unusually quiet. They helped themselves to large cups of Andy’s steaming Folgers, then sat at the table where Sally had conducted a great deal of her business: ordering food and liquor, paying bills, and settling tips for the wait staff. Andy handed Kate a letter. She glanced at it, smelled the sweet smell of lavender, and handed it to Susie to read out loud.

My Dearest Andy:

You have always been the love of my life. I would have married you on your seventeenth birthday, or twenty-seven, or thirty-seven . . . or now. You’ve had my heart, my soul, my thoughts all these years. We could have had kids … and I’m sure in our many lives together over the centuries, we have done all those things. Sadly, that was not the path for this life. Someone had to help these women. I know you still don't understand why it had to be me. I absolutely needed to be true to my calling. You’ve always allowed it . . . no, insisted on it. That may be the truest gift a man can give a woman.

Susie glanced at Andy and Kate, put her hand over her heart, then went on.

These last twenty years with you have been almost perfect. Even though most of the time we slept in different beds in different counties, my heart was always yours. My only wish is that I’d taken better care of this old body so we could have had ten or more years together—or at least one more day. You’ve kept me young, Cowboy.

I’m afraid my birthday party may also be my wake.

Andy shook his head. Kate grabbed his hand. "She had this sixth sense about her."

Susie waited a moment, then read on.

Hopefully, my premonition is only an old woman’s dramatic ranting. No matter when I go, please celebrate my life and don’t be sad. Our destiny was written in the stars many years ago. Know this for sure, I’m just a little ahead of you on the path, scheming a new plan for us. I'll be waiting for you.

Susie's voice broke with emotion. Andy tightened his hand around Kate's. "Dagburn it, I wasn't gonna cry."

"Me either," Kate said.

"Do you want me to stop?" Susie asked.

Andy shook his head. "No, let's get through this."

I’ve gifted all my worldly goods, even the gifts you’ve given me, to Kate. I’ve often imagined if we had a daughter of our own, she would’ve looked and acted just like Kate. I only hope this act will be a relief to you. I don’t want to burden you in any way.

I’ve left my darling girl more headaches and heartaches than she can shake a stick at. You’ll have to help her the best you can. Rosie knows some things.

I give to you the best gift of all, our loyal friend, Molly. I hope she brings you comfort and makes you laugh. She needs her exercise, and so do you, so walk her every day. Promise me. Get in that RV and go see the great USA like we planned.

I leave you now, my sweet, sweet man. Look up at the stars and I’ll be blinking at you. I’ll come back in signs—you know I will. Never doubt that it’s me.

Yours always, Sally O’Malley Mayes

A red lipstick kiss signed the letter.

Andy wiped tears with his shirt sleeve. “Excuse me, I’ll take Molly for a walk now. Dale White, her attorney, is expecting you this morning at nine.” He looked down at the German Shepherd. “C’mon girl, let’s go to the park.”

Molly jumped up, wagged her tail and, trotting to the front door, sat underneath her leash, which snaked down from a peg on the wall.

Andy slapped his leg, calling the dog to him. “You don’t need that thing. You’re better trained than any child we’ll run across at the park.” He walked out, careful not to slam the screen door

◆◆◆

Susie touched Kate’s arm. “Are you okay?"

"Thanks, I'm okay, it'll hit me later. I really didn't know she loved me like that. It's going to be hard to throw a party. I wish we didn't have to. You may have to carry the ball with that."

“What do you think it means, ‘she’s left you a mess and Rosie knows some things?’ Have you heard from Rosie?”

“No, no word from Rosie.” Kate paused, thinking. “I guess the first step is to see the attorney. Will you go with me?”

“Sure, let’s see what kind of mess we’re in.”

“Will you change your plane ticket and stay a couple of days or weeks?”

“Let me check my calendar.” Susie pulled out her phone, checking her calendar. “No sellers coming by next week. My inventory is at the storage facility—Meg knows how to ship it out. Your book is my major project.” She cleared her throat. “I thought your writing was supposed to get better with practice.” Susie laughed, breaking the tension.

“Oh, shut up, it’s as good or better than the last one. Let’s go meet this attorney.”

◆◆◆

Dale White, Attorney at Law, opened the outside door at precisely nine o’clock, even though the two women had been standing outside the white clapboard building for ten minutes. He scowled at them in the morning sun, waving them into a tiny office which housed a steel desk, a swivel chair, five file cabinets, and two worn chairs facing him.

White, about seventy years old with long strings of hair plastered over his almost bald head, did not smile, or introduce himself. He said, “Have a seat. I’ll get straight to the point.

“Against my advice, Sally left you her entire estate. This includes the tavern, her apartment which is housed above it, the building out back, and the lot. She also left you the business, such as it is. There’s a pink Cadillac parked in a storage facility. She leased her SUV—it will need to be returned, penalty to be paid. Sally made a list of the assets and liabilities last month."

White picked his bald head. “I have a buyer for the buildings. It’s a fair offer at ninety-nine thousand dollars. You’ll not get a better offer. I’ll get a contract for you this afternoon.”

“Wow,” Kate said, frowning. “I only came to pick up paperwork. I didn’t authorize you to advertise anything for sale.”

Susie sat up straighter and gave him her best haughty appraisal.

The attorney glanced at her and pushed back his chair, its wheels sliding to a stop against the file cabinet. He put on his reading glasses and peered at Kate over them. “She had a savings bank account that she’d added your name to years ago, and approximately forty-thousand dollars in Certificates of Deposit that you are co-owner on. You have rights-of-survivorship on the buildings and the Cadillac—nothing needs to go through probate. It’s just a matter of you liquidating her personal property, and then you can leave town.”

“What if I want to stay?” Kate glanced at Susie, who bristled at the man.

“What? You think you’ll run a bar here? Well, you’ll never get a liquor license with your arrest.”

“You’re misinformed. I don’t have an arrest record. What’s the rush to get me out of town?”

“Look, Ms. Anderson. I liked Sally. Your grandfather, I could take him or leave him, but you have no home here. Sheriff O’Dell doesn’t want you in Chariton County, neither does anyone else for that matter. Trouble follows you wherever you go. The last time you were here, people wound up in jail and in the hospital. Why don’t you do everybody a favor and let me sell Dirty Sally’s. In fact, I can find some ladies to organize an estate sale. You don’t have to bother.”

Kate smiled. “Sally had her own network of ladies, but thanks, anyway. How is Howard Bone? Did he ever get out of jail?”

White sputtered. “He didn’t spend time in jail, but he forfeited his law license. It’s an awful shame too, he was a fine attorney.”

“You think I had something to do with that?”

“I’m a bit like Leroy Jethro Gibbs from NCIS. I don’t believe in coincidences.”

“Susie, you’ve been awfully quiet during this conversation. What do you say about me being ‘run out of town on a rail’ so to speak?”

“Kate, darling, I like this little town. I’m mighty pleased to know the Chief of Police, and I think we should stay around for a while. I don’t know about running a bar, but we could make the tavern into a wonderful events center, don’t you think? It would also make a nice little boutique or bookstore.” She spread her arms out dramatically. “Oh, Kate, the ideas are endless.”

Kate looked at the attorney again. “How is Anthony Asmus? Is he still practicing as an accountant?”

“No, as you probably already know, he never returned to work.”

“If you don’t believe in coincidences, Dale, maybe it’d be a good idea for you to remember what happened to those two.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“I don’t bother with threats. Is that file mine?” Reaching across the desk, she grabbed the file. A key fell out on the desk. Kate and White both grabbed for it. Kate won.

Susie picked up her phone. “You know it’s season in Tampa—I bet we can get a fortune for your apartment on VRBO. Shall I list it, Kate?”

“You might have to explain to Dale what VRBO means, Susie. We want the rumors around town to be correct."

Susie got up and strutted around the desk, sticking her cleavage and her phone in Dale’s face. He rolled himself into the corner.

“See here. Kate has decided to stay, so I’m listing her apartment on Vacation Rentals by Owner. Because we do this often, I know all the ins and outs. See, I’m pushing the button. Thirty-nine hundred dollars for the next month. It’ll be rented within an hour.”

Kate stood up. “We’d better go, we have lots to do today.”

Susie patted White on the top of his head and waved bye-bye with her fingers.

Standing, he handed Kate the file and a large manila envelope. “Here’s the rest of your paperwork, extra keys, and title to her car. If you change your mind about selling the bar, let me know.”

“I believe you 're blushing, Mr. White. I may have questions, but I can sell property on my own.” Kate held up the prize key. “Is this for a safe deposit box?”

“I believe so.”

The cowbell on the door clanged as the two women left. Susie turned and shook the door back and forth, making the annoying cowbell play a loud exit tune.

Chapter SEVEN

PIECES TO THE PUZZLE

Kate and Susie returned to Dirty Sally’s and found Andy rummaging through the walk-in freezer.

Kate called into the iced room. "What’cha doin’ in there, Andy?"

“I’m looking for the good stuff.” He poked his head out of the freezer. “She’s got steaks in here. If we’re going to honor her wishes, let's serve some steak. Didn’t take you two long at the ambulance-chaser’s office. Did you get everything you need?”

“Can you take a minute to listen to Susie’s recording of our meeting?”

Andy eyed Susie and chuckled. “I should’ve known you’d record it.”

Sitting together at Sally’s business table, the three listened to Susie’s iPhone audio.

At the end, Andy said, “Don’t that beat all? You know, Sally believed you were set up for O’Dell’s murder, but I admit—I had my doubts. I’m not so sure now. It sounds like someone in town doesn’t want you here. Why would that be?”

He scratched his head. “He sounds mad—no, scared.”

Kate pulled the key out of her pocket and showed it to him.

“It looks like a bank deposit key. Sally banked over at First Missouri, but you’ll need the box number. It’s probably in her desk upstairs. I don’t understand why White would bull up at you like that. Sally paid him good money to represent her interest. I have half a mind to go over there and straighten him out.”

“I wasn’t on my best behavior either, Andy. I have a quick temper—you’re more of a slow burn. Please let it go for now. I’m sure we can figure it out.”

“And, on second thought, regarding White, there’s a reason he never made it to an executive suite at the bank. He’s an ass. I would’ve loved to have seen Susie back him into a corner."

“It would help if you would investigate the bigger puzzle of why I’m a threat or why folks don’t want me here. Reese thinks I might be in danger.” Kate glanced at Susie, who avoided her friend’s eyes. “He wants me to stay and try to figure out this mystery once and for all. I hoped you could work together with him.”

Redirecting the conversation to an easier topic, Kate said, “Andy, this can all wait until Monday. It sounds like you’re okay with having the party. I wasn’t sure after last night’s abrupt lights out.”

“Yeah, it was rude, but I was done, and drunk.”

Kate laughed, “I was done too. We need to make some plans. Do you know what we need to do, and are people arriving at noon?”

“Yeah, we should get things ready—who knows who’ll show up and when. If people from out of town haven’t heard, then it’s going to be hard. Oh, I forgot to show you the mail. It’s mostly bills, but there’s one postcard you might look at.”

He pushed away from the table and walked over behind the bar, with Kate and Susie following him. He handed Kate the card. “You don’t need to be a trained investigator to know this is some kind of code.”

Putting their heads together, Kate and Susie studied the card. The front was a picture of Mount Rushmore. Kate read the message on the back. “Package arrived—waiting. Do you think it means anything because it’s written in red?”

Andy interrupted them. “I think I need to return to the freezer. I can’t be part of this.”

“No, wait—let’s talk about today for a minute. Sally wanted this to be a party, but is there a way to get the word out that we’re going to start at five o’clock instead of noon? It would give us some breathing room. What would you think of that?”

“If it’s all the same to you, I’d just as soon stay busy. We mowed the grass on the lot next to ours, Jim Bob and some guys are bringing more picnic tables and some corn toss games, badminton, and a ‘Slip and Slide’. I can play host if you’re not up to it. We have music, a dance floor outside, plenty of food, cooks, waitresses. It’s all arranged. You don’t really need to do anything. If you could take care of Molly, that would be a big help. We can lock the tavern door.”

Susie interrupted. “I want to party. I missed out on all of it last night. I can help play hostess. I’ll keep a watch out for Rosie, and any of the women we know.”

“Thanks, Susie. Since this birthday party has turned into a wake, I thought maybe we should plan on saying something tonight to honor Sally.” Kate hesitated a minute before she spoke. “Andy, would you feel comfortable telling the story about how Sally earned the name ‘Dirty Sally?’ I was thinking about seven o’clock.”

“I don't know, I usually tell that story to a small crowd. Oh, what the heck. I can do it.”

Checking for his mood, she added, “Maybe, you could go easy on the whiskey until after your story.”

“You’re a chip off Sally, you know that? She knew how to handle me. Yes, you have my word. I’ll stay busy and go easy on the booze.”

Susie looked around the bar. “We need to get that straw out of here, it’s making too big of a mess. Let’s change the tablecloths and freshen the flowers. We can add some tiny lights, and I think the Famous ‘Just Dolly’ should show up. What do you think, Kate? Should I dress up tonight?”

“Sally would love it if you sang. I bet she has a karaoke machine around here somewhere. I agree this place is a mess. How about I help for a couple of hours, then I’ll go upstairs, make some phone calls, and sort a few things.”

Susie stood. “Let’s get to work now. I need to find some twinkling lights and a karaoke machine.” She raised her index finger. “First, we need a broom.”

Andy reached under the bar, opened a drawer, and pulled out Sally’s cell phone. “Kate, this might help you. Her code is 4-5-5-5—my first telephone number.” Handing her the phone, he added, “Just so you know, come Monday, it’ll be time for me to move on and get outta your hair.”

“Oh, please don’t, Andy. You’re not in our hair. I really need you here. I’m way over my head with all these details, and . . . well, you and Molly are my security team. Maybe you can help Reese with the murder he’s trying to solve.”

“You know Matthews is the guy on your team who holds the big picture in his head. He plays all over the field. Not me—I wear professional blinders. Most things are none of my business. I spent my years at the sheriff’s office worrying only about things that were happening in Livingston County, two counties over. What happened here in Kingseat—not my problem.”

Susie grabbed Andy’s hand. “Please stay and help Kate. I’ve decided I’m going back to Tampa soon. She will have to stay, but I need to get back. I’ve got a business to run.”

Kate studied Susie. “You’re leaving?”

“Yes, Kate.” It was the first time the two had made eye contact since the disagreement. “I’m taking Andy’s lead. I don’t want any part of the women’s network. I’ve always been an outsider to them. The whole time you were on the run, they never trusted me with any details. I don’t want to get sucked in.”

Kate protested, “But that’s the way they operate. As far as I know, it’s always been strictly on a need-to-know basis. No one knows anything except their own piece of the plan. I’m afraid Sally is the only one that knew the system. I need you to help solve the puzzle.”

“I’m going to give you some space. You’ve got decisions to make, and they just don’t include me. Do you want me to delete your listing on VRBO?”

“No, I think I’ll be here at least a month. I’m disappointed you won’t stay—but I understand.”

“I didn’t realize it until I read Sally’s letter. I need to get serious about my life. I’ve always had my side hustles, and my own life, but you were the star. When you were on the run, I spent most of my time trying to raise money for you and find you. I’m thirty-two years old. Time has gotten away from us. It’s time for me to grow the hell up—getting involved in someone else’s cause is a bad idea for me.”

“Is this about our quarrel last night?”

“No, not really. I’ve watched you grieve for your family, and I realized, maybe it’s time for me to reach out to mine. They’re getting old. I haven’t talked to them for ten years. I want to check on them. They may not want to see me, but I think it’s time.

“Wow, I think this is good, Susie. I can help, right after we wrap this up. We don’t have to keep to our schedule of launching the next book.”

“No, I need to do it on my own. We’ve become a dysfunctional pair. It’s sad, really.” Susie shook her head. “Let’s get to work now.”

Desperate, Kate grabbed on to the one sure thing. “Andy, you’ll stay?”

“Yeah, I’ll stay around. A murder investigation might be what I need to do right now. I like Matthews. Besides, Molly and I need to bond some. I don’t know what she would do in the camper most of the day. I think I have a lead on the network. Sally had one good friend in town. I don’t think you’ve met her. She’s home bound so you’ll have to go see her. Rosie can take you when she gets here.”

◆◆◆

It was one of those days a girl was thankful she had a solid alibi. Rosie Martin sat in her eighteen-wheeler in traffic on I-29, heading south to Kansas City, Missouri. She blasted the horn in frustration. This route was boring, but it paid well and allowed her to accomplish her goal of occasionally delivering a woman to a new life. Today’s route brought her from North Dakota, delivering potatoes to the Farmers Market in Kansas City.

A text pinged for her attention: Rosie, I’m free. He’s dead. Can you pick me up for Sally’s birthday party?

Rosie shouted at the screen. “Sometimes you women can be damn annoying. Who in the hell are you? What state are you in? It’s not like I have your name stored in my burner phone.”

Solving a puzzle keeps me occupied. That anger support group might be paying off.

Rosie’s life had improved a great deal this past year. She had health insurance, a benefit of working for S & H Trucking company. This year, she had received a much-needed knee replacement, which also helped her lose twenty pounds. At age fifty-two, she was finally living her best life.

The truck inched forward in traffic and Rosie breathed in a deep sigh of relief. The truck breathed out. Whoosh! One of our girls is free. Rosie spread her fingers wide, waving both hands above her head in a jazz-hands routine.

“Free, free at last!” She sometimes talked to the hula girl that danced on the dashboard of the truck. She cranked up her radio and butt-danced a little jig in the seat of her truck.

Rosie never grieved one second for any of the abusers. Some women drove themselves nearly nuts on the roller coaster “Ride of Emotion.” First the women were all high with freedom, then they cried themselves crazy with relief, followed by the weird reaction of grief. That angry dragon could be hard to slay. She vowed she’d not spend one moment of grief on her abuser if she’d be lucky enough to outlive him. Rosie figured the man was too mean to die.

She checked the mile marker. One mile to the rest area. I might as well take a break. Whoever the woman is, she doesn’t know about Sally passing earlier today. Cranking the wheel of the big rig into the rest area, Rosie backed into a parking spot, exited the truck, and stretched. She scrolled through her phone to the convent number.

“Hello, Sister. Do you have any messages for me?”

“No, my dear, I do not. Do you wish for me to make some inquiries?”

“No, thank you, Sister. I’m walking at a rest stop, stretching my legs.”

“I’ve forgotten to ask you how your new knee is working?”

“You never forget to ask.” Rosie smiled, “It’s doing great. Thank you again for all your help and allowing me to rehab there at the convent. Are you having a slow afternoon?”

“I’m a little lost without Sally being in this world. I know she’s with the angels, and no longer in pain, but I can’t seem to concentrate on my work this afternoon. What will happen to the network?”

“I don’t know. As you know, the network was breaking down before Sally passed. I just hope we don’t have women stuck halfway through the pipeline.”

“I can assure you—we do.”

“Do you know how many?”

“I do not, but maybe we should Skype with our fellow members.”

“Yes, if you can arrange it, that would be great. I’ve taken the weekend off my route. The only thing I have on my schedule is my volunteer work at the hospital on Sunday morning.”

“Of course.”

“I have some good news. Someone texted me and said they were free. Her abuser is dead.”

“Oh, that’s Denise.” Sister paused. “God rest his soul.”

“Denise? Our handy woman Denise/Dennis? The person who custom built Sally’s little bunkhouse? Oh, that’s wonderful news! If she calls again, please have her call my regular cell phone number so I can call her back. We don’t need to hide our friendship anymore.”

“I just heard from her before you called. She’s heading to the convent.”

“That’s good news, too. I need to get this truck back to Kingseat, but I’ll check in tomorrow.”

Chapter EIGHT

SALLY’S STORY

At seven o’clock, a crowd gathered outside Dirty Sally’s Tavern in Kingseat. The sun had stopped glaring and softened, turning the sky to beautiful hues of tangerine, pink, and yellow. The band stopped playing, the dancing ended, and people returned to their seats. Susie ran up the steps to the stage and waved, pretending she was performing in Nashville. “Hasn’t this been a fantastic tribute to Sally O’Malley? She would have loved this party!”

Like every great entertainer, Susie paused and waited a few seconds to give the audience time to agree. They rewarded the tall blonde bombshell with applause and whistles. “And didn’t we pick a beautiful evening to celebrate her life?” Raising her arm like Vanna White, she saluted the night’s sky. “Today’s her heavenly birthday!”

She held up a hand-written letter. “Sally wrote us her last message. I’ve been given the incredible honor of reading it to you. I hope you hear Sally speak to each one of your hearts.”

I was born in Kingseat, Missouri on August 4, 1937. I graduated from Kingseat High School in 1955 and earned a beautician’s license from the Kingseat Beauty Academy two years later.

I worked for Clip It until I stumbled onto Mary Kay Products. I loved the products, the philosophy, and the business plan that allowed women to start their own businesses. I soon developed an unconventional approach to make-up sales by buying a teardrop camper and holding Mary Kay parties in camper parks across the country. Of course, I threw in a few new hair styles, wardrobe changes, and posture reminders along with the make-up. I was known for my phrase, ‘Stand up straight, young lady.’”

Susie stood up a little taller, but also adjusted her dress and fluffed her hair. The spectators laughed.

I visited forty-nine states in my camper, Sunflower, meeting women from all over this great country. I introduced them to make-up and, more importantly, a business they could create and run on their own time. I earned three pink Cadillacs in my career with Mary Kay.

She looked up from the letter and added, “They were all named Pinky.” The audience nodded and approved.

Every year I participated in the Kingseat Christmas parade featuring my pink Cadillacs and my products. I won several first-place awards. In 2015, Pinky and I were honored to be Grand Marshals of the parade. It was one of the best days of my life.

Susie pointed over to the far corner of the parking lot. “Jim Bob will be giving rides in Pinky starting in about an hour.” In a sassier tone of voice, she continued to read.

My favorite actress was Melanie Griffin, and movie posters and memorabilia decorated my little trailer. I often pretended Melanie was my best friend, and I told elaborate stories about our escapades.

She looked directly at Andy, who nodded his head and grinned. She changed into a serious tone.

I was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. I loved this town and called it “the town who raised me.” I spent my life giving back to the community.

I leave behind many great loves, but particularly Andy Mayes, Kate Anderson, Molly, and my network of friends who are my family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Green Hills Women’s Shelter or the Kingseat Women’s Defense Fund.

Susie lowered the letter and wiped a tear from her face. “Could we pause for a moment of silence and prayer?” She shut her eyes and bowed her head. After a few moments, she opened them, raised her arm like a circus entertainer, and said, “I think Andy’s got a story for you. Andy, how are you doing? Do you need a short break?”

Andy stood up. “Naw, I’m good. That was beautiful Susie, thank you. Sally wouldn’t want us moping around. This is a party!”

Susie strutted off stage and walked over to Reese Matthews, who put his arm around her and whispered into her hair. She glanced at Kate, standing stoically behind the makeshift bar.

Clearing his throat, Andy announced, “Kate asked me to tell the story about how Dirty Sally’s Tavern got its name . . . prob’ly so I wouldn’t bore you again with tales of how Sally was the love of my life, or some other dadburn baloney I tell every other night in this place.”

Several older ladies jiggled as they laughed. Susie whispered to Reese. “Look at those old ladies, they all love him.”

Jim Bob handed Andy a microphone, but he waved it off with a big gesture. “I don’t need that thing.” He stood up straight, as straight as an old sheriff with holster hip can stand, and launched into the story with his deep baritone voice.

“This bar was originally Mike’s Tavern. Now, Mike was a huge man, and a bully. He didn’t need bouncers—he took care of any problems with his fists and the baseball bat he kept on the ledge behind the bar. One night, the guys were playing cards in the back room. Sally pulled up in her freshly washed pink Cadillac. The first thing she noticed when she came into the bar was one of the servers had a black eye. Sally hated men who hit women. She ordered a whiskey and asked to join the fellas at the poker table in the back room.”

The sky turned a beautiful shade of pink and Andy’s silver hair shone in the moonlight. “Mike was winning at five-card stud. He roared with laughter and downed his Old Crow whiskey when the server told him of Sally’s request to join the men. The other men laughed too, mostly to go along with Mike.”

Andy pointed to the crowd. “There’s a few old fogies still around here that was here that night.” He peeked his head up as if he were looking for someone. “Don’t worry, I won’t point you out.” The people laughed.

He waited for the noise to die down. “Anyway, the men laughed at Sally wanting to join their poker game. But Sally was a good-looking woman, and they reckoned they could take her money.

“She played poker with them all night, placing conservative bets, and building her stash of chips. As she told it, she was finally dealt ‘the hand’ about dawn the next morning. Sally picked up her chips and placed them out slowly in a straight line, enough to make the maximum bet. She looked Mike square in the eye.

“Mike said, ‘She’s bluffing. She raised her left eyebrow—that’s her bluffing tell.’ He matched Sally’s bet and then doubled it. The four other men folded.”

“Sally said, ‘Surprise, surprise. Mike wants to change the rules. A max bet is a max bet. But, okay, Big Man, put your money where your mouth is.’ She shoved all her chips across the table and slowly pulled her Cadillac keys out of her bra.”

Andy pretended he was pulling keys out of his shirt. “Sally told this story better than me,” he added, winking at the women seated at the front table.

“She threw the keys in the pot and said, ‘I’ll play down-n-dirty. My Pinky for this tavern.” Andy paused, then leaned into the crowd. “Now, Mike was in a bind. The tavern was his livelihood, but he couldn’t back down—especially since Sally was a woman. Mike pulled the keys to the tavern out of his pocket and tossed them in the pot.”

Taking a deep breath, Andy waited a moment for effect, then continued.

“Sally spread out her Royal Flush.”

There were gasps from the listeners.

“Mike jumped up, pushing the table over. He grabbed the black-eyed server by the arm and pulled her toward the door. ‘Let’s go,’ he hollered. Sally ran behind the bar and grabbed Mike’s Slugger. She smacked the bat on the bar twice. That little lady had this loud teacher-tone-stop-traffic voice. She said something like, ‘Hold on, Mike! You’re not going anywhere with Dakota unless she wants to go!’ She ran around the end of the bar, holding the bat like it was a poker. She was about to charge him like an angry bull right in . . . well, you know where.” The women listening shook in laughter, and men slugged their beers.

“Sally said, ‘Mike, I mean it, let her go.’ Mike shoved Dakota into the bar and growled, ‘We’ll see about this’, then left, slamming the door behind him. From that night on, Sally was teased about being ‘down-n-dirty.’ So,” he shrugged his shoulders, “she named the tavern Dirty Sally’s and owned it ever since. I think maybe this would have been twenty-five years.”

Andy sat down chuckling, amidst loud claps and whistles. “God, I loved that woman.”

Kate stepped out, shaking her head and laughing. “I met Sally when I was four years old. She taught me how to play shuffleboard, dried lots of my tears, hemmed my prom dress for me, and I ran to this tavern when I flunked my driver’s test and didn’t want to tell Pops.” She smiled at the spectators. “I’m sure you all have stories about Sally, and we would like to hear each one of them.”

A man hiding behind a dark post yelled, “Why, so you can put it in your next book?”

Susie, Andy, and Kate had prepared for this moment, planning for her to ignore any hecklers, but Kate went off script.

“She also taught me not to take any grief from anyone.” She stared down the heckler. “We’ll lock the tavern tonight at midnight. Sally called midnight ‘the witching hour.’ It’s when magic happens. You’re all welcome to set up tents on the grass or continue to drink beer and party.”

Jim Bob stood up. “Kate, I’ll ask the question no one wants to ask. What’s going to happen to this bar? It’s the lifeblood of this little piece of town west of the tracks. Sally helped everyone. If someone needed money to make it through the month, she gave them a loan. She always listened to people’s problems and fed a lot of us in exchange for work.”

Kate put the microphone to her lips. “There’s no doubt Sally’s irreplaceable. I inherited her estate and I’ve been mulling over in my mind, ‘what would Sally do?’ We all know what Sally would have done—when she saw a need, she filled it. I’m looking for the best candidate to take over this tavern and I’d appreciate any referrals you can give me. Next thing on my list is to gather the staff. Let’s open for Taco Tuesday next week. Thank you all for coming and making our day special.”

Andy stood up again. “Jim Bob, why don’t you see how many kiddos you can get packed inside of Pinky and take them for a ride?”

Kate and Susie had discussed every minute of the party, flagging this moment as a time when people who had too much to drink might turn ugly. Right on cue, the streetlights came on, and Susie, dressed as Dolly Parton, ran across the stage. “Hi’ y’all, it’s time for karaoke!

◆◆◆

Hank Digance, nicknamed Diggins, searched the area from a nearby tree, looking for the dog. The women thought they were clever and safe with the police dog, but their routine was too predictable. People made themselves targets by the predictability of their routines. The dog always checked the fence. The old hag wanted to keep night creatures out of her garden. Of course, the women were only as smart as the stupid security experts they put their faith in. There were blind spots in the cameras all along the fence.

Diggins climbed over the eight-foot fence in the back of the compound at Dirty Sally’s bar. His pants pockets were stuffed with dog treats and a small ball of ground beef, laced with Xanax for the dog. This was the sixth time he’d baited the German Shepherd—designed to make the animal just a little bit mellow. Tonight, it would get the horse tranquilizer. It was not in Diggins’ make-up to kill the dog. But he needed it to be out of the way. Hopefully, the dog would recover.

He assumed he could kill the woman. Kate would be his first. First woman, and the first person he had killed that he knew personally. He liked her, he thought it to be such a waste to kill her, but he’d been paid to do it, so there was no backing out. Failure was not an option.

Chapter NINE

WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT MOLLY?

Kate said her goodbyes and left the tavern out the back door. Molly, leashed, led the way into the confines of her little compound which was fully surrounded by a wooden eight-foot fence. Her bunkhouse was set square in the middle of a manicured holly-green hedge. Kate could smell gunpowder from the firecrackers that were launched at midnight and breathed a deep sigh of relief. I made it through this day.

A German shepherd restrained on a leash is a massive powerhouse of a beast with the ability to jerk a woman's arm right out of its socket. Molly reminded Kate of Sic’em, her beautiful dog that Robert O’Dell had poisoned, setting the wheels in motion for Kate to go on a five-year run from the police. Sic’em and Molly were littermates, but he had been a semi-trained pup, whereas Molly was now a fully trained, award-winning guard dog.

“Good dog, Molly.” Kate unhooked the leash from the muscled animal. “Search.”

The dog trotted off, searching the ground for any signs of an Intruder.

Kate didn’t wait for the dog to finish her route. She punched in the familiar numbers on the keypad to unlock the bunkhouse, which was exactly one hundred steps from the tavern’s back door. Kate had counted it several times. She spent her idle moments counting to pass the time and relax.

When she unlocked the door, a shiver ran up the back of her spine. Sally, is that you?

Kate laughed at the absurd notion that Sally was somehow contacting her from the other side of the unknown. I think I'm a little drunk.

She stepped through the doorway and stopped. There's something different in the room. She chuckled another time at the absurd notion of someone breaking in while there were a hundred people partying in the front parking lot. A retired sheriff and the chief of police were not the only cops out front. Molly barked at the back of the lot. She’s probably found an opossum again.

She sensed Sally’s presence once more. Trying to identify the essence, her eyes checked the shadows. There's something else. She took a couple of steps into the familiar darkness.

The door slammed shut behind her. Kate pivoted, her hands in a defensive posture, ready to fight. She peered into the darkness and stared into two eyes. Throughout all of Kate’s training and hundreds of fights on the mats, she’d never encountered a situation like this.

Her hand reached for her gun that wasn’t there. Precious seconds lost. Her mind reeled into a scream which stopped one second before she released it. The hands hidden by the blackness choked the noise back down her throat.

Training and instinct took over. An arm-over-arm defensive tactic maneuver met human steel rods. She kicked, aiming for the groin area, only reaching air. She clawed at his blackness. He's wearing military grade black Kevlar. A useless tidbit if I don't survive. Survive! Your job is to survive!

The eye jab failed. She kicked at his kneecaps, one, then the other. Neither kick landed. Fight harder, be stronger, do not die here. In a last risky attempt, she let herself drop deadweight onto the ground. She loosened the choke hold enough to manage a pocket of air, throwing a punch to what she again hoped was his groin. He followed her to the ground and shook her violently. The room spun as Kate fought not to lose consciousness. The black turned into a subtle grey.

In the grey dream, she saw Sic ’em running in a field, her younger self sprinting alongside him.

“It’s time for you to die, Kate. You’ve been a nuisance to me and my buddies.”

She heard the loud breaking of glass as Molly crashed through the large double-pane window. The attacker let go of Kate's neck and she gasped for breath, grabbing her throat as air spilled through her lungs.

Molly waited for the signal. She barked ferociously, protecting Kate from the man in black, but did not attack. Kate foggily realized Molly would not strike unless given the command. The unmistakable slide of a retractable night stick brought Kate out of her stupor. She snapped her finger and pointed in the direction she thought her assailant stood. "Attack!"

The alarm system, triggered from the shattering of the glass, lit the cabin with flashing lights. Fire-engine red and neon blue streamed from the center ceiling fan and flashed around the room. As the second phase of the burglar alarm engaged, sirens blared, and horns honked.

Reese will be here soon. Half the town will be here soon. Placing her hands on her throat, Kate allowed herself to drift off.

◆◆◆

Susie, still dressed as Dolly Parton, ran alongside the stretcher as the EMT’s wheeled Kate out of the compound through the gate. Ignoring the chaos, Susie stood back as they loaded Kate into the ambulance.

Reese left the officer he was speaking with and joined Susie.

Kate, secured in a neck brace and strapped to the stretcher, reached up, grabbing the EMT’s hand. “Wait!”

The young man leaned over and looked into Kate's eyes. “It’s okay, we’ve gotcha. Don’t talk.” She squeezed harder and croaked, “Please.”

The EMT turned to the tall Dolly Parton lookalike. “She woke up. I think she wants to talk to you.” The blonde rushed forward and leaned over the stretcher, while Reese watched over her shoulder. Releasing the attendant’s hand, Kate grabbed Susie’s, and squeezed. "I know the attacker."

Susie said, “I’m going with you. She won’t go without me,” as she grasped the attendant’s arm. With a pleading look at Reese, she added, “Tell him I must stay with her.”

She tore off her Dolly Parton wig, hair pins flying, and threw the wig to Reese, who caught it easily. Grabbing her black skirt and petticoats, she easily stepped into the ambulance. “See, I fit right here.”

“You heard the lady. I’m the Chief of Police. I’ll take any flak from your supervisors."

The technician checked Kate. “She’s struggling to breathe.” He slipped an oxygen mask on Kate’s face. “We need to start an IV right away.”

Kate shook her head and gestured toward the tavern. Susie, moving in rhythm with the technician while staying out of his way, struggled to see out the small window in the cramped space.

“Oh. Kate, calm down. Molly’s fine. The vet is checking her."

“Keep talking to her,” said the tech. “She’s probably having a panic attack, but it could be internal injuries, too. It’s just a short way across town to the hospital.”

“Molly’s fine, sweetie, and so are you,” Susie said. “As soon as we get to the hospital, I’ll text Andy and get an update on the dog . . . I mean, Molly. Don’t worry. Don’t worry about a thing. And I’m going to change my plans. I’m not leaving yet.” She snapped her fingers. “Shoot, miss all this fun? Where else am I going to get an ambulance ride?”

Kate nodded her head, closing her eyes as the ambulance bumped over the curb in the parking lot.

Susie whispered to the attendant, “Is she going to be all right?”

“Yes, she’s calming down, her breathing has returned to almost normal. Her pulse is still rapid.”

Kate opened her eyes, pointed at Susie, and then circled her own face.

Susie replied, “Oh, for god’s sake, I know I’m a mess. I’ve been crying. What would we do without Molly? You scared the hell out of me. I thought you might be dead."

She reached up to fluff her hair and realized she had removed her wig . . .and was wearing a panty hose knotted at the end, used to corral her blonde hair under her Dolly Parton wig. “I still have my hose on my head."

She pulled her phone out of her cleavage and the padded stuffing in her bra popped out with it. Susie handed the stuffing to Kate. “Here, hold this.” Making a face, she posed and snapped a selfie. “Are you satisfied?”

After pulling the hose off her head, she clawed at her long hair, then addressed the technician. “What kind of information can I give you? She’s not ‘approximately twenty-five,’ she’s thirty-two. She’s not taking any medication. She doesn’t do illegal drugs, even though I try to get her to smoke a little pot. She’s far too uptight. I don’t know how much she’s had to drink. We've been at Dirty Sally's wake. She might have had some whiskey. Maybe a lot of whisky. I’ve got somebody trying to find her purse and her insurance card.”

For the first time, the attendant smiled. “Just keep talking. We’re almost there. My name’s Gabriel.”

◆◆◆

Chapter TEN

EMERGENCY CARE

Chief Matthews paced in the waiting area of the Kingseat emergency room and checked for texts from Susie and Andy Mayes. He gulped the rest of his coffee, threw the cup in the trash, and slid a dollar bill into the mouth of the coffee machine for another cup. Glancing around the room, he counted how many people might be ahead of Kate, waiting to see a doctor.

A young doctor in a short white coat strode through a door from an inside area and addressed Reese. “Are you Matthews?”

Reese stepped forward, “Yes, I am.”

“We’re keeping the patient overnight for observation. We’re running tests. You may talk to her in the morning.”

“I take it she's conscious?”

“I can’t give you any more information. Her friend, Ms. Jones, can fill you in once we get the patient settled in a room.”

Matthews motioned the physician over out of hearing distance of the two families waiting for news.

“Did she give her consent to be hospitalized here?”

The doctor sighed. “I’ve advised her to rest and not speak.”

“Just because she can’t talk doesn’t mean she can’t make a decision.”
“Look, Deputy, she shouldn’t talk. We’re giving her a sedative.”

“Chief,” Reese corrected. “I’m not a deputy. I’m the Chief of Police. Take me down the hall to where she is. If she gets upset, I’ll leave. I promise I will not stay long.”

“Have you been drinking?”

“Yes, Doctor, I was off duty at a party. You can save yourself a headache. I’m a ‘P-I-A.’ You know what that means? Pain-the-Ass. I’m a PIA on steroids.” His voice rose. “It’s not against protocol to let the Chief of Police check in on a victim of a violent crime. It can be a supervised visit if it will make you feel better.”

The doctor threw up his hands in surrender. "I’ll take you.” He walked to the door, the chief trailing him. The automatic door opened as if it by magic. Pulling aside a curtain which surrounded Kate’s bed, he instructed the nurse, “Make him leave if she gets upset. Call security if you need help. I’ll arrange for the hospital room—you stay here.”

Reese glanced at Kate, who appeared to be sleeping. Susie, seated by the side of the bed, held Kate’s hand.

“How is she?” Reese whispered.

“She’s having a rough time.”

Kate’s eyes flew open, searching Susie’s face, and the machine monitoring her pulse beeped faster.

“It’s just Reese, Kate. Please breathe and stay calm.”

Releasing Susie’s hand, Kate searched for the electric button to lift the back of the bed. Susie leaned over, dipped her head to find the button, and pushed it, raising Kate’s head. “Is that better?”

Kate used sign language to spell Molly’s name.

“She’s asking about Molly,” said Reese

Susie rolled her eyes, “You don’t have to mansplain. I can pick up most of it. It’s only when the two of you sign too fast that I can’t follow it. I hate it when you leave me out of a conversation.”

Matthews lifted his hands in mock defeat, knowing from experience not to argue with her. “We’ll do better. We don’t mean to be rude.” Looking at Kate, he added, “Molly wasn’t shot. I don’t think she has any life-threatening injuries, but she’s got some nasty cuts on her face. She was pretty riled up and tried to get through the fence to chase the perp. No one knew the command to make her stop. The vet had to shoot her with a tranq gun. She’s very lucky—she could have broken her neck crashing through the window to save you.”

Kate shut her eyes and breathed deeply for a few moments.

A technician in navy blue scrubs, carrying a blood draw kit, entered the space.

Kate shook her head, then signed, “No blood test.”

“Kate, why don’t you go ahead and get it done?” Reese asked, but Kate glared at him while her hands flew in rapid-fire sign language.

He looked at Susie. “I didn’t catch all of that, did you?”

“I don’t need to know exactly what she said,” Susie answered, asking the technician, “Can you come back in a few minutes?”

“I’d rather not, I need to follow doctor's orders.”

The monitor pinged rapidly as the doctor walked into the area. “You need to leave. I’ve got a room ready for her in the hospital wing. Come back in the morning.”

Reese stepped outside Kate’s curtained area, but he did not leave through the automatic door. Susie will handle this. He found a corner to stand in, checked his texts again, and called Mayes. “Hey, how’s Molly?”

“They’re still stitching her up. We think she may have taken a beating. Her coat is thick, so it’s hard to determine. The vet’s worried about a neck injury. We believe she bit the perp, and now the vet is collecting samples from her mouth. We might get lucky with DNA. She also retrieved his night stick. The idiot. How’s Kate?”

“I’m not sure. I’m letting Susie handle it. They want to give her a sedative and keep her overnight. They’re watching her vital signs closely. Do you know how much she had to drink?”

“No.” His deep voice boomed over the phone. “I had too much. I wasn’t keeping track of her. Maybe she had some whiskey shots, but she could have just been sipping it. She’s not a heavy drinker.”

“Why don’t you get some sleep and call me after you’ve had a nap? I’ll send a car.”

“I don’t need a damn nap. What I’d like for you to do is tell your officers you’ve approved me to join the investigation.”

“Good to hear, consider it done.”

“I’ll talk to the alarm company and see what information they gathered. They can tell us if he used the keypad to get in. The perp exited through the back door. He came and went over the fence in the back. I’ll also follow the trail on the other side of the fence.”

“Sounds like a plan. Are my officers interviewing anyone in the area.?”

“Yes, they’re canvassing, and I’m coordinating with the highway patrol.”

“I think we both agree that we should keep the sheriff’s office at a distance as much as possible.”

“Yep, ten four.”

Both phones clicked off simultaneously.

Susie stepped out from behind the curtain and spotted Reese in the corner by the window. “What do you need for the investigation?”

“I need her clothes. I’m sending someone to come over, check under her fingernails, and take pictures of her injuries. Do you think she’s up for it?”

“Clothes, yep, we can do. There’s a gown in the closet.” Susie paused. “She knows who attacked her.”

Reese raised his eyebrows, “She does? How?”

“I’m pretty sure that’s what she told me. Kate and I have our own secret code. What I think we should do is have her tell me who it is, and you just believe her and then pick him up and question him. She can explain how she knows later.”

“Yes, ma’am." He gave her a mock salute. "Works perfectly. What about the blood test?”

“I think she’s stalling, or she doesn’t trust the ER to keep her records private. She’s refused admission. She says she’ll go to see her regular doctor when his office opens in just a few hours. That sounds reasonable to me. What do you think?”

“Tomorrow’s Sunday. I’m not sure that’ll work.”

“When she's in town, she sees her previous doctor at the Urgent Care Center, and it’s open on Sundays. They’re discharging her against doctor’s advice. It’ll take a few minutes to do the paperwork.”

“I’ll call my technician and get her in here right away. Find out the identity.”

Reese turned to go and pointed out the window. “There’s a big rig in the parking lot.”

Susie joined him at the window. “You bet your ass. Rosie’s here.”

The two turned and were shocked to see Rosie, dressed in bib overalls and a plaid shirt, standing behind them in the ER. Her hair was tucked under a trucker’s cap, and she carried a backpack slung across her shoulder.

“Rosie, thank goodness you’re here.” Susie attempted to hug the much smaller woman.

“No hugs, Amazon. You know I hate hugs.”

Susie laughed, “Where in the heck have you been? “

“None of your beeswax.”

“It’s good to see you, Rosie. I've got to check on Kate."

Matthews, left outside the curtained area with the trucker, asked, “How'd you get through the locked door?”

The woman stood up a little taller. “I’m Rosie—that’s how.”

He frowned.

"Damn cops, always so nosy. Figure it out, you're the trained investigator."

Like two wrestlers in a ring, they moved to opposite corners of the room.

◆◆◆

Susie pulled back the curtain and stepped by Kate’s bed. “Are you asleep? Can you change out of your clothes, have pictures taken, and your fingernails checked?”

Kate pretended to write in the air.

“Neither one of us has our purses, or phones. I’ll find something for you to write on. You just stay calm. We’ve got plenty of time.” She searched the room for some paper.

Rosie stepped around the curtain. “Sometimes you two are like Lucy and Ethel, I swear. Here’s a change of clothes I keep in the truck. They’ll be too big, but it’ll get you back to Sally’s apartment. And, for heaven’s sake, just talk. What’re you saving your voice for? You’re not going to be an opera singer, are you?” Her gruff voice overshadowed a slight tenderness in her eyes when she talked to Kate, and then the toughness returned.

“I’ll have ‘the cop’ take me to get your rental car to transport you home. He’s got better things to do than babysit you.”

Chapter ELEVEN

A NEW DAY

It was almost dawn when Kate, Susie, and Rosie arrived back at Sally’s apartment. The bouncy house, deflated on the parking lot, bellowed in the wind. No campers stirred from the tents pitched on the lot. A fire smoldered in the barbecue pit and the sweet aroma of charred marshmallows lingered in the air.

The three headed toward the back stairs to Sally’s apartment, Kate trailing the other two women. Rosie mounted the stairs like a mountain climber, her backpack slung over her shoulder. Susie followed—barefoot, her spike heels between two fingers. She yelled up at Rosie, “Your knee replacement is working great, isn’t it?”

Rosie ignored her, unlocked the door, and disappeared inside.

Kate, in her two-sizes-too-big trucker clothing and her feet crammed into Rosie’s boots, followed Susie.

Rosie peeked out the door as Susie arrived on the landing. “Did I hear you say no one is in Sally’s room? Are you afraid of Sally’s ghost?”

“Sally’s ghost is already visiting Kate—that’s enough for me.”

Ignoring her again, Rosie took the first door left, Sally’s bedroom, threw her pack on the bed, and shut the door.

Sitting on the vintage loveseat in the living area, Kate pulled off the too-tight boots. This was the third time she had visited Sally’s since Pops died last year. She had helped Sally carefully craft the old apartment, clearing clutter, and modernizing the two-bedroom, two-bath energy-efficient space.

“How can Rosie have such small feet?” Kate said.

“How long do you believe she’ll stay?” Susie whispered.

Kate shrugged. “She’s already snoring.”

Susie studied Kate. “Do you want to crash? I’m not tired.” She sniffed the shoulder of her sleeveless dress. “I smell like the ER.”

“I can’t sleep. I’ve got to remember that perp’s name. Why can’t I remember?”

“Because he tried to kill you. You scared the hell out of me.”

“Help me remember. I used to spar with him after work. He’s the one that taught me how to kick box. That’s why I couldn’t land a blow—he knew my sequence of moves.”

“You didn’t land any blows?”

“Not one. He was like a ghost. All I saw were the whites of his eyes. He planned to kill me. It’s so unreal—a broken record, playing in my head. Will he try again?”

“Let’s not worry. You’ve already figured out who he is. Reese said for us not to do any internet searching. We can’t contaminate your testimony. I’ll text Reese the info we have now. He’ll figure it out.” Her thumbs worked the keyboard of her phone. Kate moved closer to peer over Susie’s shoulder as her friend sent:

Kate’s info: Liv Co deputy, 6 years ago, Kate’s sparring partner.

Looking up from her phone, Susie said, “He’ll piece it together. He’s the one that worked with you back then. You remember—you worked here, I worked in Kansas City. You don’t suffer memory loss?”

“No, no. You’re just good at remembering men.”

“I’ll give you that. Do you want to shower first? Oh, clothes—never mind, I’ll find you something in my bag.”

“Don’t you want to get all dolled up for Reese?” Kate laughed at her own joke, coughed, and instinctively grabbed her throat.

“Yes, you need to save your voice, smart-ass. I’ll find you something for you in my bag. They’ll be too big, but better than the clothes you’re wearing.” Susie looked Kate up and down. “How about a t-shirt and some leggings? Wait . . .coffee, coffee, coffee. “

She waved for Kate to move down the hall. “Reese Matthews will be happy with my messy bun, and my robe. Maybe some fresh lipstick.”

“Coffee would be great.”

Susie yelled down the hallway. “You know we had tons to do before you got yourself strangled.”

◆◆◆

Susie’s robe fell seductively off her shoulder as she opened the door. “Andy? I expected Reese.” She pulled her robe over her shoulder and cinched the tie tighter at her waist.

“Sorry to disappoint. He’s organizing a manhunt. Matthews got your text. He knew the perp. I came to ask Kate a few more questions. Is she awake?”

“Yes, she’s awake. I’ve made coffee, some bacon, and I found a cinnamon coffee cake in the freezer. It’s in the toaster oven. She’s worried about the creep coming back. Take a seat, I’ll pour you a cup.”

Kate rounded the corner wearing Susie’s flowered leggings and a designer white t-shirt that hung to her knees. Her combed wet hair hung straight down her back. She hadn’t bothered with make-up and looked like she could be in high school.

“Do you have good news about Molly?” Kate carefully lowered herself into the chair and grabbed her coffee.

Susie handed Andy a small plate with a slice of coffee cake. He smiled at Kate, launching into his prepared speech. “Good news on Molly. She’s fine. I’ll need help with bandages, learning all her commands, and other rehab stuff. I expect you to stay here and help me until she recuperates.”

Kate nodded. “Sure, whatever you need.”

He continued, “She had a nasty gash above her eye and cuts on the pads of her feet. Nothing’s broken. All guard dogs have a limited time they can work. Sally left Molly to me, and I’d been worried she’d be bored, riding in the coach, and not working. Well, my working days are over and so are Molly’s. She’s earned early retirement.”

Kate wrinkled up her nose. “Is it because she can’t smell?”

Andy kept his voice light. “You’re right, he maced her.” He scratched behind his ear, smirked, and a pleased look spread across his face. “It didn’t stop her from grabbing his baton and tearing a good deal of the back of his pants. Hopefully, they’ll get DNA from his ass. Maybe we’ll get lucky, and he’ll seek medical attention. We’re contacting hospitals.”

Kate and Susie waited for Andy to continue.

He finished his coffee cake. “The vet thinks she’ll get her smell back. I just want her with me. It’s a good time for her to retire. She’s served seven years.”

Kate nodded. “That makes sense. Unless you become Jack Reacher and start solving crime across the country.”

“Oh, don’t put that on me. I’m hoping this is my last case. I’ll be looking for a campfire and some old guitar cowboys. No more small talk. Let me update you. The officers canvassed the area. No one saw anything. We’re certain he came over the back fence, most likely walked through the woods. No one got anything on any cameras. We can’t track his movements after he left the bunkhouse, and we still haven’t figured out how he got into the cabin.”

Kate said, “Dressed in black, he was a shadow.”

“Can you walk me through what happened without getting too stressed about it?”

“I pushed in the numbers on the keypad. Now that I’ve had some time to think, I realize it was the same code as Memorial Day, which is odd. Sally always changed the code once a month. The motion light didn’t come on.

“I hesitated when I came through the door. Gut intuition, I’m not sure why. He slammed the door behind me. I only saw the whites of his eyes. Andy, it happened so fast.” She handed him a hand-written statement. “I wrote it all down.”

He read through the document. Susie joined the two at the table.

Andy asked, “How fast, Kate?”

“Thirty, forty seconds.”

Andy slid the paper back to Kate. “Hang on to this. I’ll leave it to the official investigator. If you think of anything else, scribble it down. Kate, why didn’t you want them to draw your blood?”

She shook her head. “Pops taught me that. He used to say, ‘They’ll find something, they always find something.’ I was more scared of being in the hospital. Haven’t you watched any cop shows? The killer always comes to the hospital to finish the job. I’m fine.”

Susie interrupted by placing another helping of bacon and coffee cake on Andy’s plate. “I agree. Besides, it’s none of Reese Matthews’ business.”

Andy studied her, then sucked in the sweet fragrance of his coffee cake. “Thank you, Susie. I love this cake. Sally’s specialty.”

He pulled a device out of an envelope. “Your contact at that security firm mailed this in an overnight package. It’s like a cell phone gadget but used for fingerprints. Will you try to get prints off Kate’s neck?”

Susie nodded. “How thoughtless of me to bake this cake. I’m sorry, Andy. There’s another one in the freezer. We’ll save it for you, I promise. And, yes, I’m certified on that device.”

Andy patted her shoulder. “I savored it. I’m glad it was me who came calling, not that oaf, Matthews.”

He stood. “While you talk to people today, make a list. We need to know who else had the code for the bunkhouse.”

Chapter TWELVE

KATE’S DREAM

After Andy left, Kate snuggled down into the comfort of the quilt on the spare room’s bed. When she shut her eyes, images of her attacker’s murderous ones burrowed into her brain. She gazed around the room, studying the photos of Sally’s travels to beaches. Each piece, Kate realized now, had been Kate’s favorite, chosen from the wide array of pictures Sally had saved. The seashells displayed in glass bottles and even inside the glass lamps they’d found at the flea market were all Kate’s idea.

Her mind drifted to Sally and the two of them working in this room. Sally had researched and organized her decluttering project: one large black bag for charity, one sack for trash, one pile to keep, one pile to make a display. Kate and Susie had worked together to edit the pictures and make canvas photos of the favorites.

Kate allowed herself to linger in her sweet memories. She didn’t feel Sally’s loss because she still felt her presence as if the red-haired protector were just in another room.

She drifted off to sleep. A field of sunflowers took shape and formed into a small teardrop camper bursting with large vibrant sunflowers painted around the window and door. The camper was parked near a beautiful blue lake. A fire in the round rock-formed pit crackled and sent sparks into the midnight sky. The sparks and smoke drifted up to the stars. Sally played the guitar as others sang—women whom Kate did not recognize.

The scene morphed into a memory of Kate and Reese lying on the roof of the dilapidated building in Kingseat. They were trying to solve the mystery of Pops’s missing money. As he was leaving, he said, “Run away with me,” leaning in slowly as if he were going to kiss her.

Kate sat straight up in bed. Not this again. She swung her legs off the side of the bed, jogged into the bathroom, and splashed water on her face. She stared at herself in the oval-shaped mirror. Isn’t that what I said to him? “Not this again!” She looked at her neck. Ugly bruises were forming on her sleek neck. She could hear people talking in the other room and picked out Reese’s voice. It was just a dream. I probably just heard him in the other room. She picked up her ever-present journal and scribbled this poem:

She Becomes Her Dreams

Small miracles,

Unnoticed miracles,

Miracles—Angels.

She saw the love of God

Shine through the eyes of a man.

A man—part angel?

He gazes at her and she becomes

A ballerina —

Long legs, graceful, alive -

Another life remembered.

He gazes at her and a song

Forms in her heart -

She sings her soul song.

He gazes at her and she becomes

A flower

Bursting forth,

First bud, then bloom.

Lover, color, passion—deepest red.

He gazes at her and she becomes

—her dreams.

Susie knocked on the door, walked in the bedroom, and plopped down on the bed. “It’s about time you woke up. It’s nearly three o’clock. How are you feeling?”

Kate peeked her head out of the ensuite. “How d'you know I was up?”

“I heard the bed squeak. Isn’t it funny she modernized the apartment, but kept this antique bed? Reese is here, he brought you some of your clothes that did not need to be processed by the forensics team. I guess you hadn’t fully unpacked.”

“I loved the bed. That’s why Sally kept it. I realized she arranged this entire apartment for me—us. That’s why she was so insistent we visit. She wanted us to be comfortable here. You don’t think she wanted me to keep this place, do you?”

“Kate, you’re still groggy from your nap. Finish washing your face, change your clothes, and let’s go down and get something to eat.”

“You’re pretty chipper. Did you get a nap?”

“Yes, of course, but I don’t need as much sleep as you do. Come on out, we’ll mix up some drinks.”

Kate walked back into the bedroom and pulled the covers from underneath Susie. She tucked them in and made the bed around her friend. “I need to figure out what I’m doing. Weren’t we supposed to meet with staff today? Is Reese here on official business?”

“Are you avoiding him?”

“I don’t want to go through it again. I thought I might call Will.”

“Will? I thought you were through with Will. Come on out. You should see the outpouring of support from the town. You’ve got food, flowers, cards. We’ve left it all downstairs at the tavern. Andy’s been receiving items most of the day. You can’t even tell there’s been a party. Everyone’s been very busy.”

“Wow, that’s so nice. I hadn’t thought about the clean-up.”

“Do you ever think about the clean-up?” Susie laughed, “I’m the one who thinks about the clean-up. I’ve been thinking we should have an author event or maybe a buyer event. I bet there are some women here that have designer clothes or accessories we could purchase and flip for a good profit.”

Kate nodded, still in a daze. “I thought I should let Will know what happened. Maybe I don’t want to close that door for good. I mean, he’s trying to do the right thing with his kid. I don’t even know anything about this other woman. It’s not like he cheated on me. So what if he has a kid? I’ve lived my whole life in reactionary mode.” Kate paused and watched Susie. “Have you thought about what you really want to do with your life?”

Susie traced the stitches of the quilt with her perfect pink painted fingernail. “You’re serious, aren’t you? I’ve been thinking too. I have dreams. That’s why I’ve started the new business. I love it so much, Kate. Sure, we were doing okay with your author business, my photos and our side private investigations, but Kate, I’m making good money with my resale shop, and it’s so much fun.”

“I’ve noticed my bank deposits are bigger. Is that where it’s coming from?”

“It’s your referral fee. I’ve been dreaming of living in California, and I think I’ve made enough money to make that happen. I made eight thousand dollars profit last month. And we’re just getting started.”

“Wow, California? Really? I had no idea.”

“Why would you know?” Susie readjusted on the bed. “I just realized it for myself. I watched you with this extended family. We used to vacation out there. It was like a great big movie set all the time. I’m older, but I still might get a gig on TV. Maybe QVC. My marketing videos have always produced. I just need to market. I really could be an internet influencer.” Susie’s voice trailed off. “It would help both of us.” And then she lowered her voice more. “I’ve also been thinking about my family. I need more than . . .”

“Go on, tell me, Susie.”

“My world revolves around you as my only family.”

“What about Reese?” Kate squirmed in Susie’s over-sized t-shirt.

“I realized today—he might be an extension of you. He’d never go with me to California. Maybe Montana, Wyoming, Texas—but never California.”

Kate plopped down on the bed next to Susie. “This is going to change everything.”

They gravitated toward each other until their heads rested on each other. It only lasted a few seconds before Susie sat up, leaving Kate to topple over. The two laughed.
“Maybe I’ll change my mind. We’ve only just begun exploring Florida. I hear Naples is great. Marco Island, or even the Keys.” Susie glanced toward the door. “Maybe I should go kiss that hunk of a man.”

“Isn’t it wild that it took me almost getting killed for us to talk about what we want in our lives?”

“What do you want, Kate?”

“I can’t see much past this moment, but I need to be doing something more with my life.”

“You don’t have to take on the burden of these women, Kate. Sally loved every aspect of her life. You need to follow your own path, not follow her path blindly, just because she’s left this mess to you.”

“You’re right. But can you see how this is all mixed up together? I don’t know how to unwind myself. Diggins tried to kill me. Susie—that’s his name, Diggins! It’s what we called him. I don’t know if I ever knew his real name. Wow, what a relief.”

“That’s great, Kate. Now you don’t have to dread seeing Reese.”

“Diggins either tried to kill me because of Sally’s business, or he tried to kill me because he thought I knew something about who killed Robert O’Dell.”

“You don’t know that.”

“What would it be then? It happened here. It’s something from here.”

Susie stood, putting her hands on her hips. “Maybe he’s a psycho. But, relocating to Iceland or wherever the hell Will is moving to won’t solve your problem.”

“I’m trapped, Susie. The last thing I want to do is trap you too.

◆◆◆

Chapter THIRTEEN

WARNINGS

Reese Matthews joined Andy downstairs in the tavern. They ignored the fifty flower arrangements crowded together at the other end of the beautiful walnut bar. They had not forgotten the casserole dishes and luscious desserts lined on the stainless-steel counters in the kitchen.

The two men—one young and muscled, the other aging and white-headed—leaned over the far end of the bar and studied the area of the bunkhouse on Google maps. Reese outlined all the escape routes the perp could have taken the night of the attack. There were three obvious exits out of town. Regarding the escape, the questions remained—did he leave town? Is he still in the jurisdiction of the Kingseat police?

Reese pointed at the map again, “Where would you have parked your escape vehicle?”

Andy traced a route with the butt end of his stylus. “We’ve been through this a hundred times. All we can do now is wait for a break. Either your rookie cop will find him on a camera somewhere, or we’ll catch a lucky break and grab him in a routine stop.”

Reese swallowed a mouthful of Budweiser, peering over his frosted mug. “Do you think she’s still sleeping?”

Andy stepped back and stared at him. “I get the distinct impression that you haven’t noticed that Susie is very jealous of your special attention to Kate.”

Reese stopped mid swig. His mouth dropped open for a few seconds, then he shook his head. “Nah, you’re reading that wrong. I haven’t been paying any ‘special’ attention to Kate. She’s a friend, and a victim of a violent crime.” He shrugged. “Besides, Susie’s a very secure woman.”

“You’re a clueless young bull, aren’t you? You know I’ve only loved one woman in my entire life, but I’ve been in your shoes.” His gravelly voice hit an octave lower. “I’m telling you the tension between Kate and Susie was thick enough to cut with a knife before the attack. In addition, Kate’s avoiding you.”

“Well, thanks for the warning. I’m not sure what I can do about it.”

“You’re a block head who’s oblivious. On the other hand, strong independent women—who can understand them? Remember these words . . . when the time comes, take cover. Don’t expect any back-up from me.”

Reese lifted his eyebrows, moving his head in disagreement. Then he laughed and gulped the rest of his beer. The two sat without talking for a few minutes.

Andy broke the silence. “Since we should assume Diggins left town, try to get Susie as involved as possible in the manhunt. She’s got important connections all over the country. That fingerprint gadget her old boss sent was very cool. It didn’t lift prints off Kate’s neck but think of the possibilities. These advances in technology are great.”

“Maybe you’d want to change uniforms and come to work for me,” said Reese. “I could use a community liaison. It looks like the town has changed its mind about Kate. Look at all these flowers and food. It’s most likely because of your involvement in the case.”

“It’s great to be asked, but after this is over, I’ll go on the road with Molly. She’ll be ready to roll by then. But you could use someone in that capacity. This is a tight-knit community. Outsiders are not welcome. It took a long time for them to accept me. You’d think this was a circus town or something.”

“Speaking of circus people, tell me about Rosie. What’s her story?”

Andy’s hearty laugh was as deep as his voice. “Rosie’s mellowing a bit, but I still wouldn’t want to be in her crosshairs. She’s also got connections. The best way to handle Rosie is to let her come to you.”

“At the hospital, she just appeared as if she’d walked through a locked door. It made me scratch my head.”

“Oh, that’s easy. Rosie volunteers at the hospital helping elderly patients, so she has the door codes. She receives a hot meal, and she can keep up with the gossip. That’s where she is now. Of course, it could’ve been court ordered to do community service—who knows?”

“So, speaking of code, did you figure out who might’ve had the code at the bunkhouse?”

“Everyone. Some of the tavern staff worked split shifts. Sally gave them access to the cabin. They took naps, watched television, occasionally made dinner for their families. Sally also rented the cabin out to nurses from the hospital. They came in from the small surrounding towns, worked twelve-hour shifts. You never know about the weather around here, so sometimes they waited out a storm. I’ve made a list. It may not lead to an accomplice, but it’s worth a try.”

“Okay, thanks. Let’s follow that list. It’s really all we have. Do you think I should go up and see if she’s awake?”

Andy threw his marker at Reese. “No, you idiot. Text your girlfriend if you want to know something.” He shifted and studied his notes. “You know, the real question is, why didn’t he kill Kate? According to her, she didn’t have a chance. He could have easily snapped her neck.”

Dale White, attorney, stepped through the door of the tavern, his comb-over hair standing straight up from the outside wind.

Andy muttered under his breath. “I wonder what the hell he wants.” He yelled across the room. “What in the hell do you want? Can’t you read the sign that says, ‘Closed?’”
White squinted. The attorney had no problem projecting his voice across the room. “In my experience, a Midwest tavern being closed is a relative term. I’m looking for Ms. Anderson. Is she here?”

“No.” Andy shouted. “Call for an appointment. You know how to get ahold of her, you’ve done it before.”

White stepped closer. “I don’t mean any harm, Mayes. I had a call from an investor interested in this property, and I thought she might want to hear the details.”

Reese crossed the bar. “I don’t think I’ve officially met you, Mr. White.” He shook the man’s limp hand. “Let’s have a seat. We’d like to talk to you about this investor.”

Stepping back, White said, “I’m not at liberty to discuss any details except with Ms. Anderson. You understand, Chief.”

Matthews moved closer to the man, dwarfing him. “And, Counselor, you understand that this is now a police investigation.”

“Police investigation?” White stuttered, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The attorney attempted to smooth down his hair.

“Someone tried to kill Kate Anderson last night.” Reese placed a firm hand on the attorney’s shoulder. “We need your investors’ name or names and any other information you have.”

“Chief, I hadn’t heard about the assault. My client offered Ms. Anderson, well truthfully it was a low-ball offer not knowing there was a fully functioning cabin on the lot. He used an old Zillow listing when he made his initial bid.”

Andy approached the two men. “That’s a damn lie. This place has been in Sally’s possession for twenty-five years. There’s no Zillow listing. And, as you can see by all these flowers, you were wrong about people not wanting Kate to stay in this town. You were paid to represent her interests, not be rude to her. You barge in here now like you’re family or a friend.”

The attorney winced. “Fair enough, Mayes. I understand why you’re upset. Would you leave a message for Ms. Anderson? I would like to apologize for our first meeting, and I have a new offer.” He sputtered. “Well, when she feels like hearing the news. And, please tell her I wish her the best.”

Reese let go of the man’s shoulder. “Here are your choices, Mr. White. One, we can sit down, have a drink, and you tell us what else you know. Two,” Reese held up two fingers, “we can go to your office, call your investor, and let me ruffle through your paperwork. Three, we can go down to my office and have a proper interview—but that will take some time.”

The attorney squared off with Reese and used his best authoritative voice. “Excuse me, let me make a telephone call. I’m sure my client will cooperate fully under these circumstances. I assure you, he had nothing to do with the assault. He’s one of your lodge brothers. You know a great deal about him. He may be guilty of trying to take advantage of a young woman, but he had nothing to do with an assault.”

Chapter FOURTEEN

JUSTIFIED

Kate struggled to get dressed. She rummaged through her suitcase, hoping to find something with a collar to cover the bruises on her neck, but all she had was t-shirts. She chose a tee with a Dirty Sally’s Tavern logo to wear with her cut-offs.

The assault flashed through her mind like a clip from a nightmare. It had happened in an instant—a flash, a gasp for air, the darkness. Before this one ended, the next began, this time in slow motion. Molly crashing through the window.

Kate blotted sweat from her forehead with a cold cloth. I’m awake. I can control these thoughts. I’ve been through this before.

The comfort and safety of her clean, efficiency apartment overlooking sparkling blue water in Tampa called to her. She wanted to be where the crashing waves talked to her while she picked up an occasional shell on her evening walks. Pops’s words found her: Be fiercer and stronger, Katrina. She dabbed her eyes, grabbed her purse, and flip-flopped into the living room.

Susie sat near the end of the island in the kitchen, scrolling through her most productive online store. She spoke over her shoulder, “Hey, that lead you gave me about the woman who made dog collars from designer bags paid off. She’s thrilled to work with us and broaden her network. This could be big. Everyone has a dog these days.”

Spinning on her stool, she looked at Kate. “I also ordered you some clothes on your business credit card. They’ll be here tomorrow. Let’s see what’s happening downstairs. It must be cooler there.”

Kate smiled and showed Susie her keys. “Better yet, let’s get out of here.”

“What? We can’t go anywhere. Reese and Rosie gave us strict instructions to stay here.”

Kate laughed, “Suze, they’re not my parents, and we’re not grounded. Let’s blow this joint for a bit.” She shuffled in her flip-flops, arms moving with the motion. “I’ve got gypsy feet, and I can’t face the sympathy cards and flowers. Let’s sneak out.”

Susie glanced at the door. “Let’s do it. The car’s parked out front, and I think they’re downstairs at the bar, facing the other way. It should be a piece of cake.”

The two crept down the stairs and walked swiftly to the rented SUV. Kate headed toward the driver’s side, but Susie stepped in front of her. “You’re not driving. I’ll drive.”

Kate held up her hands. “Okay, Longlegs, I know when to pick my battles, but I say where we’re going.”

Susie agreed, started the car, put it in reverse, and immediately slammed on the brakes when Kate said, “Let’s pull through Sonic, grab an iced tea, then head to the sheriff’s office.”

“The sheriff’s office? We can’t go there. Why would we go there? Reese and Andy were trying to avoid the sheriff.”

“That’s exactly why we need to go. Think about it, Susie. I need to hit this thing head on. What if they’re not even looking for a suspect? Wouldn’t that tell us something? I also want to show Sheriff O’Dell that I’m alive, kicking, and not afraid.”

Susie backed out onto the street. “There’s only one problem with your theory—you are afraid. You’re as fragile as I’ve ever seen you.”

“Maybe. I think I’m coming around. There’s something empowering about a near death experience. I almost died. I didn’t. There’s something freeing about it.”

◆◆◆

Kate walked up to the sheriff’s office and took a trip down memory lane. She saw her younger self as a bond investigator entering the sheriff’s office and interviewing offenders before court. She didn’t attempt to make the memories go away. They were a welcome change from the helpless fight scene she’d endured this morning. A flash took her back to the day she met Reese Matthews, her new boss. How inconvenient that Susie and I were both attracted to him at the same time.

Another flash. Kate smiled as she saw herself approaching this building, hands held high in surrender, the day she turned herself in.

She stopped walking. The pieces of a memory fell into place. The afternoon of the Robert O’Dell murder, she had interviewed a client, making detailed notes about his offense. Kate saw herself placing her duty weapon into the designated locker before she stepped into the holding cell. She did not remember removing the gun from the locker. I left my gun. That means the people who had access to my gun that night were sheriff’s deputies or the sheriff. How could I have been so stupid?

Susie walked up behind Kate. “Why are you standing here? Why don’t you go in?”

Kate jumped. “Damn, you scared me. You were staying in the car.” Recovering, she laughed. “I think I have a piece to the puzzle. Coming back here was the right thing to do.”

Susie opened the large plate glass door. “Reese texted me asking when we’re coming down. He thinks we’re in the apartment. I haven’t answered him yet.”

Kate allowed Susie to hold the door open and stepped over the threshold. “Or—he knows we left. I have a feeling we need to hurry.”

A memory flashed: Reese walking her out to the helicopter, the smell of his topcoat. She shook her head this time as a pang of guilt twisted her stomach.

She headed to the dispatch window, but heard the inner door click as if she were still one of the law enforcement team. Pulling the wooden door open, Kate turned to make eye contact with Susie, then walked through.

A deputy stood at the end of the short hall and approached, motioning them through the door. “Kate Anderson, I’ve not had the pleasure. I’m Chief Deputy Kirk Wizenger.” He turned toward Susie. “And you must be Susie Jones. Nice to meet you. You can call me Wiz, everybody does. Let’s visit in the sheriff’s office, my office is a mess.” He unlocked the door, reached in, flipped the switch, and turned on the light. “Have a seat.” The fluorescent bulbs blinked and crackled in protest.

Kate scanned the room. “I’m a little surprised you’re using the sheriff’s office. He used to be territorial. We knew better than to touch his stuff.” Kate stared at the man. She couldn’t believe his warm welcome, but she also couldn’t believe his looks. Susie and Kate constantly searched for movie star doppelgangers. Kate played up her resemblance to Sandra Bullock and sometimes copied the star’s wardrobe with thrift store finds. It was a marketing theme they used often on their social media pages.

This deputy was a ringer for her favorite new TV character, Raylen Givens, from their favorite TV series Justified.

The TV star spoke, “Oh, the sheriff hasn’t changed. He’s out of town. I’ll admit, Ms. Anderson, I’m a big fan. I’ve read your books and followed the articles on your website.

Kate felt herself turn red. “Please, call me Kate.”

Susie whipped out bookmarks and a schedule of Kate’s upcoming events in Tampa. “You should visit Tampa. The event at the end of October also features a Missouri comedian.” She leaned in, selling her major assets to the deputy. “I’m sure we could find someone to show you around town.”

“I might just do that."

Kate kicked Susie under the table a little harder than intended, causing her friend to kick the steel desk. Deputy Wizenger leaned back in his chair and peered under the desk, giving Susie a chance to mouth the word Raylen to Kate.

When Wiz looked up again, he grinned briefly, and his eyes met Kate’s. “I’m sorry about what happened last night. Are you sure it was Diggins?”

“Yes, I’m positive. I’m obviously letting the police chief handle the investigation. I assume you’re handling the broader investigation?”

“Yes. We’re checking all known associates, but the way I understand it, he was a lone wolf. No one knew much about him, and he left the department years ago. He’s got no on-line presence. We can’t even find an employment record since he left here.”

Susie took the stage again. “Does that mean you’re the man in charge?” She paused. “Could I have your card?”

The deputy reached into his shirt pocket, retrieved his business cards, and handed one to each of the attractive women sitting in front of him. “I’m in charge for a couple of weeks.”

Kate pointed around the room. “The sheriff’s done some redecorating. Didn’t he have his multiple awards hung on the walls and a picture of his wife and daughter on his desk? Is this fresh paint?”

“You have a fantastic memory.” Leaning towards her, he said, “I’m not telling secrets. His wife left him recently. He ordered the office to be painted.”

Kate stammered, “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Since you’re here, I should ask you a few questions.”

The intercom buzzed. “Incoming, sir.”

“I see them.”

Susie and Kate both cranked their head around the desk to look at the camera monitor.

“Oh, crap,” said Susie.

The two women stood up as Reese Matthews, followed by Will Johnson, entered the room.

Deputy Wizenger stood grinning. “Ladies, I believe the posse has tracked you down.”

Kate reached over to shake his hand. “Nice to meet you, deputy. Thank you for your help. Please join us at the tavern. We’ve tons of food, and we love to feed our public servants.”

She turned to Susie. “I’ll have Will drive me home. Would you grab a ride with Reese? Perhaps Deputy Wizenger would allow you to take his photo for our Instagram pages.” In a lower voice, she said, “Take a few shots around the room.”

“See how bossy she is?” said the blonde bombshell. “The pics are for our shopping pages. We won’t tag you in the post.”

“Can I see you two for a moment?” asked Kate as she steered Will and Reese into the hall. “Reese, I have a Skype call with Rosie at five o’clock, but can I talk to you later? Please give Susie a minute to take some photos, then we’ll meet you back at the tavern.”

She smiled at Will. “C’mon, you can ride with me.”

Chapter FIFTEEN

WOMEN’S NETWORK

Sister Anne waited in her office for the Skype call. She glanced out the window, straight into the glaring sun. Oh, my goodness, it must be one hundred degrees outside. She closed the blind, paced around the sparse room, and stared at the crucifix on the wall. She thought about being a young girl named Jennifer who entered the convent when she was fifteen. She knew her parents had done their best—after all, their family had been blessed with three sets of twins and fourteen children.

She retrieved the pad and pen from her desk. Please Lord, let there be six people on the screen. She prayed. Hail Mary full of Grace. The familiar ring of Skype boomeranged around the room and interrupted Sister Anne’s thoughts and prayers. She pushed the button and Kate and Rosie appeared on two different screens.

Kate spoke first. “Good afternoon, Sister. Are you missing evening prayers?”

“Yes, dear.” Sister Anne whispered closer to the screen. Her usual peaceful face turned into a slight grimace. “It’s the only time I have any privacy around here. I’m sorry for your many troubles. I’ve been praying and wouldn’t bother you now, but we have an urgent matter to discuss.”

Kate said, “We received a postcard. It said, package arrived—waiting. Did you get one too?”

“Yes. Sally adhered to the old ways of doing business. We couldn’t really understand why. The postcard system was very efficient and cost effective, but it is old school.” She laughed. “That’s what the school children say. You don’t remember the costs of long-distance calls or party lines where neighbors and telephone operators could listen into a private phone conversation.”

“Except Sally was right.” Rosie said. “All modern systems have broken down.”

“I hated to disturb you, Kate, you must be so distraught. The problem is—well it’s hard to explain, but I don’t know what to do. A mother and daughter who originated from your sector must be lost in our network. The mother was beaten badly and needed shoulder surgery. To complicate things, we don’t know how or where Sally made medical arrangements. We can’t transport her into Canada needing surgery. She’s what we call Code Hot Potato. We must move her fast.”

Kate spoke up, “Sister, I would love to help, and I’ll look for some records telling how Sally arranged medical assistance.”

“Here’s the other problem. I only knew Sally as my contact in your area. We’re second in the chain. They come to me, and I pass them to my contact in Nebraska. As you can see, we’re the only ones on the call.” She gestured palms up towards the computer screen. “We usually have three more women. They never show their faces. I only know my contact in Nebraska, and she’s not returning any calls. I don’t know the other people.”

“How long has it been?” Kate asked.

“It’s been a week since they left the convent. I received confirmation they arrived safely in Nebraska. I am worried sick. We know the woman and child got passed on to at least the next person in the network, because we received the postcard. They have our contact info, but we don’t have theirs.”

Rosie lifted her finger to be allowed to speak. “Sister, I might have two contacts here. Let’s talk again tomorrow.”

“Please try to get back to me before that. I’m afraid something has happened to my friend in Nebraska, and I fear for this woman and the child. I’m also lost myself. Sally and I talked frequently, and I miss her so. Actually, I might as well tell you, she’s not only a friend, but she’s also my sister.”

Rosie spoke up. “I’ll call you, Sister. We’ll find them. If I need to take off work, I will.”

Kate raised her hand. “Sister, I will do what I can this time, but if you are looking for a leader for the network, I can’t do it. I hate to burden you more, but I must be honest. This was Sally’s life. I believe in my heart this leadership is not my path to follow.”

“Pray about it, dear. God sometimes laughs at our plans.” She smiled. “All of us in the network are getting too old. My sister is seventy-six. I’m seventy-two. We need new blood, a new line, and more help.”

“I will pray about it, but it’s not something I feel any calling to do. I tried to help people when I worked at Probation and Parole, and I simply wasn’t any good at it.”

“Well, dear.” Sister Anne spoke in her teacher tone. “Those people were criminals. What would you expect?” She made the sign of the cross and smiled. “All souls should get equal treatment, but you can’t help someone who doesn’t want help. These women want help and are desperate. You were one of those women once. You will naturally have a connection.”

Kate broke into the conversation again. “If we can locate where they are, and where they need to go, I could be their transport to the surgery center. The way it worked when I was on the run, it was exactly like a giant game of hot potato. There were several people involved. Of course, I didn’t know anyone’s name. I know an RV spot in North Dakota.” Kate grinned. “I didn’t run in a straight line. I’ll go back there. That’s where the postcard came from.”

“Kate,” Rosie interrupted. “You can’t go. Someone tried to kill you.”

“It might be the perfect time to go. It will also give me a break from here. We’ll talk about it later. Let me grab something to eat. I don’t think I’ve eaten since sometime yesterday. We’ll start combing Sally’s papers. How late can we call you?”

“I’ll be up until you call. The sisters and I have television to watch tonight. If you wake me, it’s not a problem. I’ll go right back to sleep. Please check in.”

Kate leaned in toward the computer. “Okay, let’s all sign off for now. We all need to do some digging. Sister, I hope your friend makes contact soon.”

◆◆◆

Rosie knocked on Kate’s door. She had taken the call in Sally’s room to avoid any annoying computer feedback.

“Come in.”

“Yeah, I was on my phone.” Rosie, wearing a tie-dyed sundress with sea-shelled sandals, entered the room. Her short dark curls were held back with a hair band, and she was dressed for a fun time at the bar.

Kate shut her computer and gazed at the woman. “You look nice. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a dress. You have contacts here in Kingseat?”

“Possibly. The server, Patricia, in Andy’s story . . . the server the original owner beat up? She lives here in Kingseat, but hasn’t left her home for a couple of years. Pat’s in terrible shape. Sally has been paying her rent.”

“Oh . . well, I think I can continue to do that with some of the cash in Sally’s accounts. Have I told you how good you look, Rosie?”

“Thank you. Getting my knee replaced has done wonders. I’ve also lost thirty-five pounds. A steady salary, medical care, some decent clothes—they do wonders for an old gal like me. Patricia’s not the only one Sally’s been helping.”

Kate threw up her hands. “What else?” She took a deep breath. “No time to worry about things. Let’s see who’s next on my list. I need to talk to Will, then Reese. Would you call Patricia and see if we could stop by?”

“Let’s take her a plate of food for dinner. You asked what else? I might as well turn the fire hydrant on you full blast.” Rosie made a whoosh sound and cupped her hands like she was running a fire hose. “Sally’s the one that paid the hospital bills. She signed the contract at the clinics. I think she was making payments—but Kate, it’s not just a few bucks.”

“Okay, I can deal with that.”

“Here goes the full blast. The woman and the girl? They’re Sheriff O’Dell’s family.”

Kate sat down on the bed. “I’m not surprised.”

Rosie slapped Kate on the back. “You suspected? Damn, girl. There is some good news. Denise, our Denise, might be downstairs by now. She’s the only one I know who has been through the route into Canada.”

“I’m afraid to ask how she could be here. Let’s go get something to eat. Oh, wait. Do you have any idea how to get the air conditioning to work better?”

“Oh, that’s easy. Sally had this place plastered. It isn’t really holding that well. It crumbles into the thermostat, and then the stat sticks.”

Kate followed Rosie into the main room and scanned the ceilings and the walls. “The plaster isn’t holding. What does that mean?”

Rosie walked over to the thermostat, removed the cover. “Yep, this is probably it.” She walked a few steps into the kitchen and dumped blue powder into the sink. “That’s what it means. I just saved you a forty-five-dollar service call from the air conditioning guy.”

Kate peered into the sink.

Rosie walked back and blew on the digits of the thermostat. A poof of blue powder almost reached Rosie’s face before she waved it away. She returned the cover. “I think I’ll turn it down to seventy. That’ll keep the old girl running awhile.”

“Note to self. Call plaster guy—when I have time.”

“Yeah, it’s a good thing you’re staying around for a while, except for your road trip north. I think I have just the vehicle for you. It’s a Ford F-150, new engine, new tires, new cattle guard on the front. It’s rusted so badly you could throw a cat through the side of it. It gets about twelve miles to the gallon, but you could run over a few bikers with it. I’ll make some calls.”

“You do that. I’m going to change my shoes.”

“Yes, change your shoes, gussy up a bit. You’ve got men standing in line for you.”

Rosie disappeared down the stairs, leaving Kate staring at the ceiling in the apartment.

Chapter SIXTEEN

MURDER BOARD

The tavern, filled with twinkle lights, country music, and the aroma of chocolate chip cookies wafting through the air, felt like home. Kate took a deep sigh and watched her friends. Susie teased their new friend, Wiz, as she wrestled a wine bottle on the server side of the bar, while Wiz leaned over his beer bottle, grinning. He seemed engrossed in her antics of pretending to struggle with the wine bottle held against her push-up bra. This was not Susie’s first round with a wine bottle. The familiar scene made Kate smile until she glanced across the room and made eye contact with Reese. Unwillingly, Kate’s heart skipped a beat.

Kate slid in behind the bar with Susie. She smiled and thanked Deputy Wizenger for coming.

He raised his beer bottle. “Thanks for the hospitality.”

She then whispered in Susie’s ear. “Reese has his eyes on you.”

Susie whispered back, “Good.”

“Yep, I’m staying out of it. Did you get the pics at the sheriff’s office, and can you do that zippy thing to my phone?”

“Yes, Kate, I can text them to you.” Susie laughed. “We’re setting up a buffet table. It’s almost ready. Rosie’s texting the employees to come eat and then work, logging in all the flowers and sympathy cards. We’ll spread the flowers around the room and decorate instead of having them lined up at the end of the bar like soldiers.”

Kate nodded in response as Susie charged on. “We’ll need to send thank you notes. And, no, I don’t want to be in on your meeting with Reese. Go do your thing. I’ll hold down the fort.”

“Thanks, Susie.” Kate wrapped an arm around her friend’s waist and gave her a side hug. “I’ll make it up to you.” She turned toward the table where Will sat. Right on cue, he glanced her way. She motioned for him to meet her in the poker room. He followed her.

Will pointed at the television. “You’re all over the local Kansas City News.”

Kate instinctively reached for her neck and cleared her throat. “On the bright side, Susie says book sales are up.”

She hugged the man who had taken off work and driven miles to come and check on her, the same man who stood beside her when Pops was buried. The man who explored Hawaii with her and taught her not to dread flying. He would always have that special place in her heart. But the irresistible allure that once pulled her to his handsome face and lips no longer worked. She stepped back, heartbroken, as she gazed into his eyes. “You’re taken, Will. Your daughter is your priority. It leaves me out. You understand, don’t you?”

He looked away, avoiding eye contact. Will apologized for his thoughtless phone call. He also offered condolences. Without looking at her, he showed pictures of his little girl. He hoped she would visit them someday. She offered him something to eat, he declined.

If he left now, he could reach Kansas City before dark.

Kate watched him leave. She blew a kiss toward the back of Will’s broad shoulders. Until we meet again. I think I’ve heard that love song. She shivered, even though the bar was heating up as the sun started its descent in the west.

She picked up a plate loaded with a heaping helping of lasagna, a garden salad, and garlic bread. “Thanks, this smells wonderful. I’m starved,” she yelled to the women in the kitchen. Grabbing a fresh-brewed iced tea, she sat down at the table with Reese and Andy, who had already eaten their first plate. After a few minutes, she glanced and saw the two men staring at her. “What, I’m hungry.”

Reese laughed. “You usually pick at your food. I guess it’s a good sign if you’re eating.”

Andy shot her his sideways grin. “You’re taking your break-up like a champ.”

Midbite into her garlic bread, Kate said, “I’ve got plenty of time to cry. Too many things to worry about. Including you, Andy.” She studied him for a second. “How are you doing? I’m so sorry, we haven’t even made any arrangements for Sally.”

He patted Kate’s arm. “We had a beautiful wake.” He chuckled. “She would’ve loved it. The only thing left is a few friends to bury her ashes at the Mayes cemetery. We can do it when it cools down sometime next week. We don’t have her ashes back until Monday. And, like you said, I’ve got plenty of time to cry.”

Kate stopped eating, her eyes filling with tears. “How’s Molly?”

“She’s okay, kiddo. She comes home tomorrow for a bit, but the doc wants her back for rehab and overnight. Sally had pet insurance. Can you believe that?” Andy shook his head. “Pet insurance, I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

Reese punched Kate goodnaturedly in the arm. “I’ve been hanging around here waiting my turn like in the barbershop. What did you want to tell me when we were at the sheriff’s office? Tell me something I don’t already know.”

“Okay, smart ass. Listen up.” Her face turned red. “For about twenty-five years Sally’s been running an underground network of women helping abused women leave the state, sometimes even the country. It’s expanded over the years. We don’t know what happened to at least one of our safe houses. We know we have a woman who needs surgery, and we don’t know where she is. But her name is Olivia O’Dell, as in the sheriff’s wife.” Kate paused, pulled out her phone, and handed it to Reese to flip through the pictures of the sheriff’s office.

“Remember his office? It was full of pictures of his family, his awards, his cousin, his cousin with the governor. It’s all gone. Wizenger says he’s on vacation, but he may be gone.”

Reese ignored her tone and viewed the pictures, enlarging them by widening his pinch on the screen. “What’s Wizenger doing in the pics?”

Kate laughed as Reese’s question broke the tension. “He’s posing for Susie. It’s for our doppelganger for stars social media posts. I just wanted to show you the room, but he posed for her like a Ken doll. I think he might follow her anywhere.”

Reese glanced over at the bar where Susie and Wizenger were hanging out.

Kate pointed to the kitchen. “Oops. I’ve said too much. I’m gonna grab some chocolate.”

◆◆◆

When Kate came back to the room, carrying a plate of desserts, she followed Reese and Andy to the poker room. Displayed on its big screen television was Robert O’Dell’s murder board.

Kate watched through the doorway as Reese worked the screen with the remote. “You carry that info everywhere you go?”

He added a picture of Hank Digance, a.k.a. Diggins, to the suspect section.

“No. Well . . . lately. The thumb drive fits in my cell phone case.”

Kate nodded and pointed to the screen. “I think we can zero in on Sheriff O’Dell and Diggins. When I went into the jail today, I remembered putting my gun into the locker, but not taking it out. Those two men had access to that locker and my gun—the murder weapon.”

The men waited for Kate to speak again. “I knew I was leaving town. It would make sense that I left my duty weapon in the locker on purpose—somewhere safe. It’s a felony to steal state property.”

She then spoke like she was in a dream. “I saw the killer that night. Both men fit the description as far as height and weight.”

Reese leaned in. “You saw him that night and you’re just now telling us about it?”

“I don’t know why memories pop in like they do. The day of the murder has been a huge blank. I couldn’t remember much about that day. Honestly, I tried not to think about it. Maybe my near-death experience has jolted some memories.”

Andy asked, “What’s your theory, Kate?”

She glanced at the murder board. “Let’s play the game Maybe. Maybe the killer heard me that night. Maybe I gasped or screamed. I might have. He snuck up to the driver’s side door. Bang, bang, you’re dead—double tapped just like a trained police officer. Maybe that’s why Diggins tried to kill me. Or maybe Diggins was the sheriff’s fixer.”

Andy pointed his finger at Kate. “You might be on to something. Maybe O’Dell is the murderer. Maybe he saw you, maybe that’s why O’Dell needed to set you up for the murder.”

Reese asked, “What’s his motive?”

“I think I might know,” said Andy. “The bad seed. The sheriff was trying to make a name for himself. Robert was making his life difficult. When the night dispatcher came to work, he would have notified the sheriff that an item was left in a locker. It’s protocol. It would’ve been traced to Kate. He saw an opportunity to get rid of a problem, catch Kate as the killer of his beloved cousin, and be a sympathetic hero. It would’ve guaranteed re-election.”

Reese leaned a little too closely towards Kate, part intimidation, mixed with intimacy. “What else are you not telling us?”

She didn’t move but stammered. “I’m leaving tomorrow morning to trace our safe houses. What else? Susie and I have been fighting over you. Well not over you, but because of you.”

Reese sat back in his chair and took a long slug of his beer.

Andy muttered, “I told you so.”

Chapter SEVENTEEN

SUSIE STRIKES AGAIN

Susie opened the door to the poker room and stopped for a mere second, assessing the group huddled in the room. She observed Andy laughing at Reese’s expense, who looked like he had just been slapped. Kate sat there with that Cheshire cat smile. I’d like to slap that smile off her face.

She ignored the scene and strutted in, pointing her fingers like pistols, and shooting up in the air. “We got him! Pow. Pow.” She danced in her designer sandals.

She blew on her fingers, cooling off her fake guns. “I posted Diggins’ pictures on all our shopping boards and the social media pages. The tagline said: Baby-daddy running from child support payments. Let’s nail him! Contact me immediately.

“We got a hit, a pic, and a location.” She twirled around in a circle, stopping with her hands on her hips. “He’s in a fleabag motel in Des Moines, Iowa. It’s clear as day, it’s him.”

She threw up her arms in a cheerleader V for victory sign. Her outstretched arms could almost touch the ceiling.

The two men stood as Susie, phone in hand, moved in closer to show them the pic on her phone: a man standing under a light at the ice machine with an ice bucket in his hands.

Reese picked Susie up and swung her around, then reverse rotated and twirled her again. “Text that to me, will ya? With the address of that motel.”

Susie saluted Reese, “Yes, sir.”

He motioned toward the door, staggering a bit like John Wayne. “C’mon Mayes, let’s grab our new friend from the sheriff’s office.”

Reese barged through the kitchen into the bar, smashing the steel swinging doors with the palms of his hands like a scene from an old western. He grabbed Wizenger by the shoulder and swung him around on the bar stool. “We’ve got work to do, Wiz-kid. We’ve got a lead.”

The deputy tumbled off his bar stool and followed Matthews, with Andy close behind.

Rosie broke away from rearranging the buffet and dropped an empty aluminum cake pan back onto the table. It rattled like a tin can. She blocked the men at the door with her hand held up in a stop sign pose. “Stop.”

She shouted above the juke box. “I’ll drive, Coppers.” She pointed to Reese and Andy. “You two have been drinking whiskey most of the day. And, Wiz,” she gave him an up and down look of disdain, “Uh-huh, you’ve been downing beers like you’ve never been invited to an open bar.”

She held her hand out to Reese, tapping her foot like a kindergarten schoolteacher. “Give me your keys.”

He reached in his pocket, studied his keys, and then studied the woman half his size before turning them over to the trucker. She turned in triumph and pushed the aluminum door open. Heat poured into the tavern. The three men trailed after Rosie out to the patrol cruiser.

Susie, Kate, and three other women followed them out the front door. Kate burst out laughing. “I think that may be the funniest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”

She hiccupped. Susie snorted, then said, “Did you see his face?”

Kate giggled, “Which face? Nobody messes with Rosie.”

Rosie spun in the parking lot, spewing gravel in the large SUV marked ‘Chief of Police.’ She stopped in front of the women, honked the horn, and waved.

Susie laughed, “It’s like an episode of the Keystone cops.”

Susie watched Kate laugh as they both wiped belly-laughing tears from her eyes.

◆◆◆

Hank Digance strode up the back steps to room 214 with his ice bucket. He had strategically located this room for quick exits. He knew it was a suite, which led to another room, which led to an extra escape route. The drop-down ceiling led to a crawl space, which led to the roof. Equal parts gymnast-mountain climbing-ninja, Hank could easily crawl, climb, and jump his way to freedom. Perfect plan—but it wouldn’t work. He’d been made. He might as well turn himself in. It was stupid to stop for ice.

He took a slug from his Jim Beam bottle. And then a double large gulp.

Whoever had taken his picture tonight must be connected to a massive computer network. He’d heard about networks like this—computer geeks, hackers, and wannabes who knew how to pick up miniscule data to find people. He needed to come in, get a new identity, and see where the marshal’s office wanted him next. He’d let the girl live—O’Dell would not be happy. I hope the sheriff is more interested in finding his wife than he is in finding me.

Diggins picked up his phone and pushed the one number listed.

“Task Force, this is Gibson.”

“Where the hell is Crookshanks?”

“Sir, give me your name and number and I’ll have him call you.”

“Tell him that Digance—one, nine, one, two—is about to be arrested in Des Moines, Iowa. I’ve got nowhere to run.”

Diggins heard the sirens in the back of the hotel. “The calvary is here. Locals, you know—police, sheriffs, highway patrol.” He looked out the window. “Oh, good, an ambulance and the firetruck. Crookshanks better make a call. In this part of the country, I’m headed to the sheriff’s office.”

He swore under his breath as he removed his Glock from his holster, riding low on his hip. He removed the clip, checked the chamber. Diggins knew the answer—no round in the chamber, but it was training. He removed the ankle holster and the Smith and Wesson from his leg. Next came the switchblade from his pocket, his wallet, keys, and cell phone. He slammed all these items in a small backpack, zipped it, and shoved them in the safe in the motel closet. He punched in a four-digit code, the same one he had given Gibson. It was his childhood home telephone number.

Diggins removed his belt, threw it in his suitcase, and zipped it up. He pulled on a sweatshirt, struggled into it, took another swig of whiskey, opened the door, and held his hands over his head in surrender.

Several deputies stormed up one staircase as two more came from the other side. Diggins was thankful the deputies hadn’t thrown him on the ground. They merely ran over and cuffed him, then searched him. “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law—

“Lawyer.” Diggins said. The deputy continued with the Miranda warning. They turned him around to wait while two large deputies entered and searched the room, unzipped the suitcase, searched the toiletries, side pockets, and zipped it. “It’s clean—grab the whiskey, leave the rest for the forensics team.”

The procession of Diggins, the deputies, and the whiskey led back down the stairway to the brown sheriff’s cruiser. He was carefully placed in the back of the cruiser. He ignored the chatter on the radio. That damn Matthews. They say he always gets his man. He’ll be surprised when he finds out—I’m not it.

◆◆◆

FBI Special Agent Crookshanks hung up the phone with Chief Reese Matthews. As far as Crookshanks was concerned, Matthews was a podunk town chief of police who had washed out of the U.S. Marshal’s office for getting himself too involved with a suspect.

Crookshanks muttered to himself. “Digance was undercover for three friggin years, a multi-state investigation, and my best informant is brought down by a women’s shopping network.”

He kicked the trash can across the room. It sailed, spun, and stalled before it hit the ceiling fan, dumping trash onto the conference table.

Crookshanks considered continuing his tantrum, but instead took two deep breaths before buzzing his assistant on the intercom. “Get me everything you can on a woman by the name of Susie Jones. She’s evidently all over the web and the shopping pages. She’s somehow connected with the author and ex-fugitive, Kate Anderson.”

Chapter EIGHTEEN

THE RECIPE BOX

Kate texted Rosie and picked her up at the curb in front of the sheriff’s department. Rosie opened the door grumbling, “Damn cops, I hope they can get the job done.” She grinned and shook her head. “Drunken asses.”

“It’s not like Reese to consume so much alcohol. Do you have any idea what might have brought it on?”

An incredulous look spread across the trucker’s face. “Sometimes you’re not too smart. Susie’s in town—that’s enough to make anyone drink. A very bad man tried to kill you. He escaped. I don’t think Andy or Reese have had a wink of sleep since your assault—unlike you, Sleeping Beauty. Plus, Sally died. She was the love of Andy’s life and a mother figure to Reese.”

Red-hot coals replaced Kate’s cheeks. She remained silent and fought back tears.

“Free flowing whiskey can get away from a fella. You need to cut them off before all our cops are drunks.”

“You’re right. But who am I to say when to cut them off? I understand everyone’s stressed, but you don’t need to chew on me.”

“No one wants to grow-up. It’s time for you to stop playing Peter Pan. It may have been your favorite book when you were a little girl, but now you’re the owner of Dirty Sally’s Tavern. Sally would’ve cut them off by now.”

As you pointed out, I was asleep. But I wouldn’t have done anything different. Kate decided to change the subject. “I brought Patricia a nice plate of food. The staff and their families have been to the bar to eat, but we still have plenty left. And please save me from all the cake and brownies. I counted six cakes, five pies, and I don’t know how many casseroles.”

“It’s church day, so people are just now hearing about Sally’s death. The obit won’t go out in the paper until Monday. There will be more food. Sally always donated food to her friends when they lost someone. The town will reciprocate.”

“Okay, well, we’ll have to figure something out. Maybe we can feed all the cops next, then the volunteer firefighters—no free booze.”

They drove down a tree-lined street hosting massive red oaks in the front yards. Over the last sixty years, the trees had been hacked by the utility company, broken by storms. Their dark limbs reached too high and hung too far for anyone’s comfort during a storm. Rosie pointed to the left in front of Kate’s face, blocking her view. “That’s the house. See, Pat’s left the light on for us.”

Kate stopped and moved Rosie’s arm. “I can’t see with your arm in front of my face.” She parked the car, running up on the curb.

“Nice parking. Good thing you don’t drive a semi.”

Rosie grabbed the white paper sack with Dirty Sally’s logo from the back seat. “You talk to Patricia. I’ll warm up her food and prep the rest of her meal.”

“Sounds good.” Kate followed up the steps.

Rosie knuckle-wrapped on the frame before twisting the knob and opening the door.

A scratchy voice seeped through the opening crack. “Come in!”

A white-haired woman wearing a pink zip-up house dress sat in an enormous recliner. A remote for the TV lay in her lap and a birch cane with a large blue marble secured on top leaned against the side of the chair. Her owl-like eyes blinked at Kate.

Rosie walked over and hugged Patricia, waving the plate of food in front of Pat’s nose. Rosie pointed toward the kitchen. “I’ll just zap this for a minute.”

Patricia yelled into the kitchen, “It’s so nice of you to think of me. I’ve been very sad since Sally died. I don’t know what I’ll do with myself.”

Rosie yelled back, “I know, Pat, we’re all lost.”

The wise eyes blinked again at Kate, who stood awkwardly in the middle of the room. “So, you’re Kate. I know all about you from Sally.” She pointed with a crooked finger to a bookshelf with Kate’s books displayed. “Sally bought them for me. I liked the big print. Did you know your book is in the library?”

“Thank you. Yes, it’s been a fun project to get the books into the library.”

The woman seemed to sink deeper into the chair. “I suppose you need the ledgers for the tavern.”

“I’m sorry? The ledgers for the tavern? You keep the books? Oh, thank goodness. What a relief.”

“You didn’t know? Sally has been my employer for twenty-five years. I didn’t even know how to do my sums. It was a great way for me to learn. Then she bought me an adding machine, and I learned how to use it. When I couldn’t waitress anymore, I also kept the books for a local vet. I’m afraid it’s time for me to give it up. My hands are in terrible shape.”

She held up her crumpled fingers. “They’re better in the morning, but this time of night, they just cramp into a mess. I’ll have to go to a nursing home soon.”

Rosie came through the walkway and handed Patricia a steaming plate of chicken casserole, cut into bite-sized pieces, and chopped salad. “You’re not heading to a home. We’ll get you some more help.”

Patricia took the plate. “Thank you, you’re so kind.” She pointed her fork at Rosie. “But don’t think I don’t remember you promised me cake.”

“Oh, cake’s coming. You know we need to go through the routine of having you pretend to eat.”

Kate said, “I’m actually here because I need to ask you some questions about the network.”

Patricia narrowed her eyes, assessing Kate. She chewed on a piece of lettuce, her mouth partially open, but she remained silent. She moved her eyes toward Rosie.

Kate continued. “Here’s our problem. We can’t reach our Nebraska person. All we have is a telephone number. Our contact person is not answering the phone. We don’t know anyone else in the network. We believe we have a woman stuck somewhere in North Dakota who needs surgery for her shoulder. Her husband is searching for her and may be close. He’s very dangerous.”

Patricia finished her bite of lettuce and pointed a crooked finger at Kate. “I want to be a character in your next book.”

Kate laughed. “Well, we can make that happen. Anything else you want? After all, I am bribing someone for information.”

“No, I don’t want your money.” Pointing her fork at Rosie, she said, “I’m ready for my cake now. When you go in the kitchen, get in my desk, middle drawer, and bring me my black address book.” Patricia smiled. “What will you do, go there?”

“Yes, I believe so.”

Rosie returned and handed the black book to the old woman.

Patricia snapped her fingers, the sound of the snap left somewhere inside her crooked fingertips. “Oh, they’re not in there. My poor old mind fails me sometimes. Rosie, go back into the kitchen and get me my recipe box. It’s over by the mixer on the counter.”

Rosie brought back a small plate with a piece of angel food cake and crushed strawberries drizzled across it. A “no bake” cookie balanced the plate. She handed Patricia a small wooden box with the word RECIPES stamped on the front.

Patricia thumbed through the box and pulled out a well-worn card blotted with a few food stains. “Texas sheet cake. Ironic, huh? Someone from Nebraska giving us a Texas sheet cake recipe. Her address is on the back. It’s a good recipe. I used it plenty of times back in my baking days.”

Pulling out a notepad, Kate wrote down the name, address, and phone number.

Patricia thumbed through her box again. “This is the next contact, but I’m not sure it’s current. Sally and I rarely talked about the network nowadays. She gave me this information years ago in case something happened to her. I never dreamed I’d outlive her.”

“It’s very hard,” Kate said.

Patricia handed Kate a recipe for Stay-A-Bed Stew with a name and address scrawled on the back. “Have you been to the safe deposit box?”

Kate glanced up from writing in her notebook. “No, I forgot all about the key to the box.”

“The mailman told me about your assault. I’m sorry that happened to you. Please remember, Sally brought none of the information home with her. She’d go through the information and leave it at the bank.”

“Patricia, can you explain to me why all the secrecy?”

“I’m afraid you’ll never understand because you didn’t live through it. Sally helped women flee from their husbands. Not very long ago, women were afraid to help other women because a husband might break down your door looking for his wife. He could toss your place, threaten you, twist your arm, or smack you around looking for information on his wife. Police weren’t any help. They might take a report only to have his supervisor throw it in the trash.”

Kate shook her head. “Well, I had my challenges with the legal system, but I’m glad times have changed.”

“Have they?” Rosie and Patricia said in unison.

“I hope so. One other question, there’s a place in Nebraska and then North Dakota. Do you know of anywhere else, maybe in between?”

“I don’t know, that’s all I have.”

Rosie and Kate said goodnight and left Patricia nibbling on her plate of desserts. When they walked out to the car, Kate asked Rosie, “Do you think Sally was just paranoid about the network, or do you think she had a good reason for all the secrecy?”

“Are you kidding me? Someone assaulted you the second night you were in town. Was it because of the network, O’Dell’s murder, or some random psycho who you once knew? Sally was a brave woman. Braver than you’ll ever know. May she rest in peace.”

◆◆◆

Chapter NINETEEN

DENISE RETURNS

When Kate returned to Dirty Sally’s, the sweet smell of flowers, cleaning solutions, and beer formed an unusual odor. She scratched her nose and stepped inside the dimly lit space. Staff shot pool, ate desserts, and played cards, while others worked in the kitchen, chattering and washing dishes. Some children were dancing.

A woman flew out of the kitchen and hugged Kate.

She held the woman at arm’s length, admiring her. “Denise? Denise, is this really you? We’ve been expecting you all day. Look at you—not dressed like a carpenter—not like a man. I never would have recognized you.”

Denise wore an aqua t-shirt, an apron partially draped in front of her cut-offs, and a butterfly pin held back her short blonde hair.

Kate said, “I’ve never seen you not in disguise. I can’t get over it. You look . . . well, you look like a Missouri gal without a care in the world.”

Denise shrugged. “He died—that’s all.” She wiped her hands on her apron. Her pouting lips looked like a young girl who had never been kissed. Kate’s mind couldn’t reconcile this woman with her memory of Dennis—a scruffy young person who had built a custom bed for her and trained her puppy, Sic’em. How can this be the Denise, or Dennis, I know?

Denise said, “I’m so sorry about Sally.”

Kate placed her hand over her heart. “We all assumed we’d have her forever. You’ll plan to stay, right? I can’t wait to catch up on everything. Plan to stay up for a bunking party, okay?”

“I’ve got your couch. I think Susie moved you into Sally’s room.”

“Do you know where she is?”

Denise rolled her eyes. “She’s in the back corner booth by the window on the computer. She’s really absorbed.”

As Kate moved across the bar to find Susie, she said. “We’ll catch up, okay?” She slid into the booth on her knee so she could hug her friend’s head, ignoring the fact that Susie had a split screen open and was bidding on two designer purses. This hug was completely over the limit of hugs for Kate in one day, but she felt elated and grateful to her friend for her ingenuity in catching the assailant.

“My god you’re brilliant! What made you think of posting his picture like that?”

Patting her friend’s arm, Susie said, “Wait, just a minute. I must win this bid. I’ve already promised this purse to a woman in California.” She hit the “Buy It Now” feature on eBay. “That settled that.”

Susie beamed down at Kate, “It was the strangest thing. I was scrolling through our many shopping pages, and it popped into my head out of nowhere. I think it might have been Sally talking to me.”

Kate looked up. “Sally? You’re brilliant.” She then turned to Susie, “You don’t think I’m crazy anymore, do you?”

“Well, you’re still crazy, but I don’t think I can take all the credit.”

“Have you found out anything about the staff?”

Susie waved around the room. “This is it. I think they’re all part-timers. Moms with little kids, a couple of fry cooks working after carpentry jobs. The schedule must’ve been a nightmare. They served lunch specials at noon, and burgers and fries in the evening.”

“Can you find out from Denise what she’s been doing these last few years, and does she need a home? She may be the answer to all our problems. Well, this problem anyway.

“Since you put it like that, sure.”

◆◆◆

Rosie whistled, motioning for Kate, and the two snuck outside. They walked over to the end of the parking lot near where Andy’s camper sat in complete darkness. Rosie noticed Kate seemed to creep in the darkness. “Don’t worry, Molly is still staying at the vet's at night.”

“Oh, I guess I can quit tip-toeing.”

“There she is—isn’t she a beauty?”

The utility pole motion light came on as the women crept up on the pickup. “I’ve seen prettier. It’s rusty. Is it solid?”

“Of course, it’s solid. You probably can’t tell, but she’s a sage green ’68 Ford, V-8 with a tried-and-true engine, transmission, good all-tread tires. It’s camouflaged—nothing to draw attention.”

Rosie kicked a tire because it was customary, not because it meant much to the two women. Kate crouched down to check the tread.

“A couple of old guys use it to go duck hunting in the river bottoms. The glove box and the console both lock. Bucket seats, shoulder seat belts. Not much storage under or behind the seat, but you’ll be packing light. Your bag can fit right here.” She pointed to a cubby behind the seat. “Think flat, when you pack. It has great air conditioning, a radio, and a cell phone charger.”

“They use it for duck hunting?” Kate studied Rosie in disbelief.

Rosie shrugged. “Well, they might use it for more than that. Guys need their stuff.”

Leading Kate to the front of the truck, she said, “Check out this cattle guard. In case you need to ram something.” Rosie smashed her fist into the palm of her hand. “A few dents in it. You’ll blend right in with the locals in Nebraska and North Dakota.”

Kate opened the door and sat in the bucket seat. “It smells like Skoal.”

“Could be worse, it could be dead duck,” Rosie said.

“That’s true.” Kate turned the key in the ignition and listened to the motor purr. She pulled the handle to pop the hood, walked to the front of the truck, maneuvered the lever, and raised the hood. They watched the truck idle.

Andy walked up behind them. “What’s going on out here?”

The two women jumped. Kate said, “Geez, Andy, you scared me.”

“Your whispering could wake a dead man,” said Andy.

Kate continued to whisper, “I’m sorry we woke you. We’ve been working, and I forgot I had to make this deal with Rosie.”

Andy dismissed them with a back-handed wave. “Carry on, I’m going back to bed.”

The women giggled as they watched him limp back to the trailer in his worn T-shirt and gym shorts. Rosie said, “You suppose he sleeps naked?”

“Shhh. He’ll hear you.”

Kate reached in and turned the truck off. “What kind of deal did you get me?”

“You can buy it for six thousand dollars—cash. You can rent it for five hundred for the week. Of course, if it’s damaged, it’s on you.”

“I’ll give you four hundred rent—that’s twice my rental car rate. If it’s properly insured for a qualified driver. No guarantee on damages.”

Rosie stared at Kate, stepped back, and admired the woman who had outgrown her. “That’s my girl. You’re learning.”

“Thank God you’re in a better mood. What else you got?”

Rosie rubbed her hands together. “Oh, boy, now the good stuff. I know you like Smith and Wesson, so I found two. This nice pearl-handled revolver is a six-shot, two-and-a-half-inch barrel. Other than the pearl handle, it’s the same model as what you carried at work. Here’s the custom made purse. Isn’t this so cool?”

She unzipped the purse. “Your gun slides right in here. Adjustable shoulder strap. Bullets go into this section along with the speed loader. You can also keep your ‘conceal and carry permit’ right here in this little picture slide.”

Kate slipped on a pair of light leather driver’s gloves before picking up the gun. She pointed it down at the ground. “Yes, this is my style. Point and shoot. Only used for up-close emergencies. The purse, not so much. I’ve always used a holster.”

“All the better, since you’re not supposed to be you. It’s just like a shoulder strap holster.”

Rosie hung the purse around Kate’s neck and positioned it toward Kate’s hip.

Kate examined the purse, pulling the Velcro holster out. She placed the .357 inside. “This is pretty cool. Was it made locally?”

Rosie didn’t answer her question. “Here’s your other weapon.” She pulled out another Smith and Wesson. “It’s a five-inch barrel.” It looked like a pistol from an old Western.

“Whoa! What do you think I’m gonna do with that cannon?”

“It fits right in your hidey-hole.” Leaning in the truck, she shoved the gun into the make-shift holster inside the console. “If someone pulls up next to you, pull this baby out, and they’ll leave you alone.”

The trucker used her fingers to pretend to point a gun. “It’s almost as intimidating as a shotgun. Nobody will mess with you.”

Kate moved Rosie’s fingers. “Put that thing away. I’m not planning to run into anyone. Tell me about the providence on them.”

“The pearl handle came from a woman probation officer in St. Louis. She’s retired now. The purse cost almost as much as the weapon. Let’s just say it’s on loan. Her name and contact information is in the purse. The cannon I found under the bar in the tavern.”

“I don’t want to be caught out of state with an illegal weapon. Maybe Andy knows something about the big one.”

“Don’t get caught. That’s the key. And don’t be asking or telling anything to Andy.”

Kate paused. “Oh, you’re right. Of course, you’re right.”

They turned as Denise came out of the tavern and walked over to the truck. “Has Rosie told you what your last piece of equipment is?

“No, what?”

“Me. I’m going with you. Before you object, I’ll be great help. I know most of the route. I don’t have a job or anywhere to be. It makes perfect sense.”

Kate stared at Denise, then at Rosie.

Rosie said, “It would ease everyone’s mind.”

Kate hesitated.

Denise said, “I don’t think you have a choice. I think they have a Plan B.”

Chapter TWENTY

A NEW OPPORTUNITY

Kate ran into the tavern, searching for her best friend. She went through the poker room and up the stairs, taking them two at a time and bursting through the door to the apartment. Susie ignored Kate and carried a basket of laundry to the stackable washer in the kitchen.

“I’ve got the ledgers for the tavern. We’ll be able to see the cash flow for the business, and how deep in debt I am.”

“You’re going then?” Susie turned around and faced her.

“I know you don’t want me to get involved, but what can I do?”

“You can wait. They’ll find Diggins. He’ll tell the cops what they need to know. You don’t owe these women anything.”

“But, Susie, I do. Sister Anne hid me for almost two months. They ferried messages from you and Pops. Do you know how important that was to me? They gave me ideas of safe places to stay. They provided transportation for me. Don’t you understand this? They could have all gone to prison for aiding and abetting a fugitive.”

Susie tapped her foot. “I could’ve too! I understand you’ll do what you’re gonna do, and I’m not going to talk you out of it.” She threw blouses into the washer, poured laundry detergent on top of the clothes, slammed the door, and set the machine for light wash. “What you need to understand is I can’t worry about you anymore. I can’t be the one waiting by the telephone or standing at the foot of the hospital bed.”

“Okay, that’s okay. When are you leaving?” Kate mimicked a stern voice. “Suze, I think you said the word ‘gonna,’” like a Missouri girl. You better leave before we turn your Yankee butt into one of us.”

“That’ll never happen.” Susie suppressed a smile.

Taking the smile as a good sign, Kate carried on. “Here’s my plan if you want to hear it. I’m hoping Sister Anne’s contact has reappeared. Maybe they’ll have it all taken care of by tomorrow, but if not, I’ll be careful. The threat should be over. Like you said, they’ll get Diggins. O’Dell’s gone, I’m sure of it.”

“Unless you run right into him.”

“Could you stay one more day? Remember the safety deposit key? I’ve brought back the contents from the bank. Don’t you want to stay and at least see this part? It might be spelled out plain as day, it might be a puzzle. You’re good with puzzles.”

“I guess one more day won’t hurt. Besides, I had an idea for the cabin, and I think I’ve written a pretty good business plan for the tavern. I need to go over it in person with you and make a few tweaks. I’ve done the research. If you plan to open for business even one day, you need insurance, some type of LLC, and a liquor license. Reality check: no Taco Tuesday, not with alcohol. Also, I had an idea for the Mary Kaye Cadillac.”

“Wow, as always, you amaze me. That would’ve taken me weeks. I hadn’t thought of that. Let’s keep our fingers crossed the buyer offers a lot of money and wants to keep it as a neighborhood restaurant. Then the best thing I can do is donate some cash into the network and encourage them to work with the women’s shelters.”

“But one more day, that’s it. Will you take me to the airport?”

“Won’t Reese take you?”

“I don’t think so.” She rested her head on Kate’s shoulder.

Kate put her arm around her friend. “I know better than to get into your business. It’s just a short detour to take you. I gave Rosie cash for a rusty bucket of a rental truck.”

Laughing, Susie said, “I’m not riding in that. Instead, I’ll take the rental car back. You’ve got Sally’s car and now this truck. It’ll save you a few bucks if I return the rental early.”

Susie’s phone buzzed. She glanced at her Gmail account and made eye contact with Kate. “I’ve got a message from the FBI. They want me to fill out a job application ASAP. It’s from a guy by the name of Crookshanks.”

“It must be a scam.”

Susie worked her thumbs like tiny soldiers and pulled up the link to the local FBI’s office. “No, he’s real. Look at him.” She spun her phone around and stuck it in Kate’s face.”

“Wow. This is exciting. How do you think he found you?”

“Exciting? I don’t want to be a government employee. The nerve of the man. Just because he’s knock-down gorgeous doesn’t mean I’m going to disrupt my life and take a job where I’m stuck at a desk.”

“It’s not like you not to be flattered by a man’s attention. What’s going on? I’d be honored to get a call. You, working for the feds, wouldn’t that be all kinds of ironic and funny?”

“Well, he could’ve called during business hours. He sent me a stinking email at eight o’clock on a Sunday night. How rude.”

As if Agent Crookshanks could hear them chatter, Susie’s phone rang. She looked at her screen, pointed at it, and gawked at Kate. She whispered, “It might be him, it’s coming from a government number.”

“You don’t have to whisper, he can’t hear you yet.” The phone rang three more times.

“Answer it, Susie.”

Chapter TWENTY-ONE

REESE’S DILEMMA

In a rare moment of self-reflection, Chief Matthews sat at his desk in the police department in Kingseat. He skipped his uniform this morning and dressed in saddle brown pants and a white-collared shirt, unbuttoned at the sleeve and cuffed one roll. His belt and shoes matched his pants, a byproduct of dating a fashion queen. It was too hot for a suit coat.

Reese reflected that he had joined the Army straight out of high school because of his sense of duty to his family and country. He married the prettiest girl in his high school class because—it was an unwritten, unspoken expectation from his mother. After discharge from the army, he attended college, and somewhere between Abnormal Psychology, and Intro to Law Enforcement, his wife was in the arms of another man.

Missouri Probation and Parole hired him because of a pretty recruiter who charmed him into filling out the paperwork. Matthews moved up the ladder in P&P because of his connections to the governor.

Kate. Then there was Kate.

Andy’s words echoed in his brain. “You’re clueless.”

Susie and Kate fighting. What have I done?

The desk phone rang. The chief grabbed the receiver like he might grab a rattlesnake. He barked, “Matthews.”

“This is FBI Special Agent Crookshanks from the DC office. The reason I’m calling is to inform you we’ve assumed custody of the prisoner, Harold Digance.”

Matthews’ chair creaked when he stood, but he said nothing.

“Unfortunately, Matthews, your team of amateur crime-solving sleuths has just blown a multi-state investigation involving human trafficking and the laundry list of crimes that go with it. The most disappointing point of this entire flopped investigation is that you should’ve known better. You’ve had the best training in the world, and can’t recognize a CI when you see one?”

“Look, you Washington prick—are you telling me that Diggins is an undercover CI for the feds? You sent him into my town to strangle a woman while she was here to bury her family? Is that what you’re telling me? What in the hell’s wrong with you?

Matthews charged on. “Multi-state investigation, screw you! You realize Missouri borders seven states? Your multi-state investigation is what we call local. You’d be nowhere without the task forces in the heartland.”

“You’re so predictable. Your hot-headed reputation follows you like a big turd. We didn’t send him to strangle your ex-employee, girlfriend, fugitive, oh wait, girlfriend’s best friend, or whatever the hell she is to you. Your sheriff sent Digance to kill her. He was tying up loose ends. The sheriff who you’ve worked with for seven years. You couldn’t smell the criminal element on him. Are you oblivious?”

Matthews gripped the phone, fuming.

Crookshanks continued, “Now that our investigation is blown to pieces, two questions for you. How do we track O’Dell? And how do I get Susie Jones to come work for me?”

Like a reverse quick draw in an old western, Matthews slammed the phone down, pulled his Glock out of his desk drawer and slipped the revolver into his shoulder harness.

Where in the hell are Susie and Kate?

The outer door buzzed. Half expecting Crookshanks, Matthews stood taller and charged out of his office like a raging moose, only to run straight into the six-foot-tall real life Barbie doll, Susie Jones.

“Well, hello handsome, where are you heading in such a hurry?” She caressed the front of his cotton shirt.

“Where’s Kate?”

“Where’s Kate? That’s my greeting? I swear, you are the most infuriating man I’ve ever met.”

At least she didn’t call me clueless or oblivious. Reese frowned. “We’ve already established the fact that I’m an idiot. I just now hung up the phone with a fed by the name of Crookshanks, and I’m not in the mood for anything except a punching bag.”

“Oh, him. Well, he might be even more infuriating than you.”

Matthews searched her eyes as if scanning a lie detector. “You know him then?” The two stood inside the doorway, inches away from each other’s face. He spoke louder than he intended. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

She flared back at him. “Don’t turn this around on me. Are you going to invite me in and give me a proper greeting, or are we going to stand out here in the hallway like a couple of harried airline hostesses or something?”

“Airline hostesses, is that the best analogy you have?” The question broke the tension, and he chuckled, stepped inside the office, and swept his arm into the room, “Please come in, my lady.”

“I was going to say ‘drunks’, but it doesn’t suit a lady like me.” She stuck her nose up in the air, stepped into the room, and sat down, crossing her legs and hiking up her dress. “Kate’s the word master. I’m the editor.”

She smiled back at him. “It was the best diversion I could come up with. To answer your rude questions. Yes, I know Crookshanks.” She sat up straighter. “He’s offered me a job. There’s not enough money in their budget to hire me. He doesn’t have a clue about the money I make. And Kate’s at the bank. She’ll be waiting for me at the cafe. I thought you might be a gentleman and buy us lunch . . . but go punch a bag or something. I can buy my own lunch.”

“Don’t go. We need to talk.”

“Oh, that . . . well, Reese, you are the kindest, most loyal—”

“Wait . . . you’re breaking up with me?” He stood up and gripped the back of his chair.

“I’ve decided to take a trip north and reconnect with my family before it’s too late. I don’t know where that journey may lead me, but I’m also thinking of moving to California. There are so many opportunities there. I’m not ready to settle down, even though we would make beautiful babies, if you’re still available in a couple of years. Well, not here. I never want to come to this horrible town again.”

“You came here mid-morning to my office to break up with me? And, just to make sure I’m getting this straight, you want some space. It’s not me, it’s you. Like in all the Rom-coms. But you wouldn’t mind me as a stud for your children . . . maybe if I’m still around. Until then, you don’t want to see me again or be in my life. This is cold, Susie—even for you.”

She stood and placed her hand on her face as if she’d been slapped. “Ouch! That hurt—cut me to the core. No, I didn’t come here to break up with you. I came to ask you to buy me lunch. I haven’t really had any time with you.” She stamped her foot. “You’re the one who started it. I thought you were breaking up with me. What did you mean, ‘we need to talk?’ Blabbing. I was nervously blabbing.”

She maneuvered around the desk, piled high with case files, and hugged the man. He felt tears accumulate on his shoulder, so he wrapped his arms tighter and held her close.

Well, shit. “This has nothing to do with Crookshanks or another man?” he whispered in her hair.

The door buzzed. Kate stopped at the doorway. “Get a room.” She turned to go, pivoted on her heels, and spoke. “Wait, what’s going on here?”

She took a step into the room. “What did you do to her?”

He held up his hands. “I didn’t do anything, I swear.”

Susie detached herself from Reese, blotted her eyes and nestled into her friend. “We’ve agreed to just be friends. He’s meeting us for lunch because he’s heard from Crookshanks. We need to compare notes.”

She turned to him. “I’ll go freshen up. You go punch whatever. Can we meet in an hour?”

Kate said, “Let’s just grab a latte at the drive-through. We have an entire bar full of food.”

Waving to the seats in front of his desk, Reese said, “Please sit down. Susie and I obviously have a few things to work out              . Right now, let me tell you what Crookshanks just told me. It’ll take just a minute. All of us have work to do.”

The three sat down and Reese explained to the two women about Diggins' status as a confidential informant and it appeared O’Dell had ordered Kate to be killed.

Reese ended with, “That is if Diggins can be believed.”

They sat still for a moment, then Kate spoke. “There’s no doubt he could have killed me, so it somehow corroborates his story because he didn’t. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t kill Robert O’Dell. Maybe that’s how the feds flipped him.

“I don’t want to be insensitive to your break-up, if it is a break-up . . . but I need to pack to get on the road.”

Chapter TWENTY-TWO

GIRLS’ NIGHT

Kate, Susie, Denise, and Rosie sat, drinks in hand, in the apartment above the tavern. Arranged on the oval coffee table were two types of brownies, popcorn with a white chocolate drizzle, and Chex Mix grabbed from the wide array of food downstairs. Unlike the small parties Susie and Kate were known for throwing, this one was a quiet event. Soft 90’s music played in the background.

Rosie slid to the floor. “This popcorn is so good. Who brought it, do you know?”

Denise sat down next to Rosie, leaned back against her chair, and tilted her head on it to rest, grabbing her belly. “I can’t eat anymore. I don’t know who brought it, but it’s the best.”

“Okay, before we all go into a sugar coma,” Kate said, “I’m clearing this table and let’s check out the items I brought from the safe deposit box. Who wants to be the recorder of clues?”

Susie held out her hand at the same time Kate handed a ledger to her.

Denise said, “Let’s pretend this is one of those expensive clue box games or like an escape room experience.”

“Yeah, I hope I get out of this alive.” Kate looked around at the gawking faces of her three friends. “Did I say that out loud? I’m sorry, seriously, it was one of my random paranoid thoughts. Don’t worry, please don’t worry.”

Rosie pointed to the kitchen. “Kate, I think you should search the apartment for clues about the network. Why don’t you start with bringing us the postcard we received the other day?”

Holding up an old-fashioned book ledger, Susie asked, “Anyone good at numbers or codes in ledgers?” Rosie and Denise raced to place their index fingers on their noses. “Not it.” They both laughed.

“Okay, I’ll take them,” Susie said. “Do you think I should go from oldest to newest or newest to oldest? There are six of these bad boys.” She picked up the newest book and talked into it as if it were a microphone. She gave it a dramatic, grimacing look. “Don’t give me any bad news.”

Kate looked up at the ceiling. The plaster isn’t sticking to the ceiling or the walls. I hope the sky isn’t falling.

She searched the apartment in a grid pattern, starting in the kitchen and moving from drawer to drawer, cabinet to cabinet. The cups and saucers, glasses, and bowls were all lined in neat stacks. Aluminum foil, wax paper, and plastic bags stacked neatly in their places. Nothing unusual in or around the cabinets.

Corn, peas, steaks, and chicken were the only things hiding in the freezer. She then wandered into the small living room where Rosie and Denise huddled over the contents of the safe deposit box.

Kate examined the end tables, and found two saved buttons, three pens, and a note from Andy stuck in the far back of the drawer. He had drawn a small heart on the right-hand corner like a stamp on a love letter. She pressed the note to her heart. Let me have a love like this someday.

She strolled into Sally’s room. Frankincense and lavender filled the space. Kate ran her finger over the walnut dresser and then over her nose to stifle a sneeze. She noticed the lingerie, the neatly folded t-shirts, and socks. Her heart ached.

In the closet, cowboy boots filled shelves like books in a library. Wow, look at all these boots. I better not show Susie. She’ll put them on Pinterest. Kate tried on the size-eight red ones. Maybe Andy liked Sally in them. Don’t go there!

Looking down at her feet, Kate said, “I hope you have some answers for us.” These boots are made for talking . . . .

A small step stool worked perfectly for her to reach the top shelf in the closet. She retrieved an antique cookie tin and when she popped the lid, pictures spilled out. She galumphed down the hall in Sally’s boots and slid next to Rosie on the floor. “Do you recognize any of these women?”

Rosie picked up several pictures and set them aside. “There’s a date on the back. I’ll put them in order, log them, and number them. Do you have another notebook?”

Kate reached into a basket next to her chair. “Rosie, all authors have blank notebooks.”

Denise dug into the tin. “Here’s me,” Denise declared. “Wow, did I really look like that? I was a convincing Dennis dude, huh?”

Rosie rummaged through the tin quickly and found a picture of Kate. “Look how young you are.”

“Hey, I still look exactly like that.”

“Let me see,” Susie said, grabbing the picture. “Yeah, right. Hey, these are all the women who went through the network. Wait, there’s a code on the back.”

Rosie said, “Before you came into the room, Denise and I were studying this journal of stories. I think we can match the dates on the stories in the book to the dates on the pictures. Maybe we can figure out the code.”

Denise read the journal entry to the group.

Sequence 2-3-4

She came to us on November 22, 2013, the day after Thanksgiving. She carried the two-year-old girl and pulled the five-year-old boy behind her. He was terrified. The woman managed boots and coats for the children. However, she dressed in an old house dress, tennis shoes, and a thin sweater. She was chilled to the bone. The poor woman with a swollen lip looked to be about 50 years old, but she was only 30.

We fed them immediately, and they stayed with us a couple of weeks. We were able to get the woman and the children some clothes. Her bruises healed. We cut their hair. The children loved the toothbrushes and books.

The woman smiled shyly as she told us she loved to cook, so Sister Roberta got some help in the kitchen. We listed all her job skills, grade level and needs, hoping they could stay longer. The kids received a couple over-due vaccinations. She saw a dentist; he couldn’t save the front tooth. She was very self-conscious of the gaping hole in her mouth, and often put her hand over her mouth when she talked. We moved her twice.

She called him, and he talked her into going back home.

Denise said, “She went back to him.”

Susie read from the ledger, “A donation of $5 sent to the convent 12/12/14.”

The group fell silent for a minute. Denise flipped through the journal. “Look here’s my entry. The code is one-two-eight. From it we know that the number one was Dirty Sally’s Tavern. The number two must be the convent. I came here, stayed at the convent one night. Rosie and I drove straight through to Canada the next day. I was pretty good at sending post cards.”

Denise winked at Kate, “I secretly sent you a few.”

Kate said, “The writing sounds very formal, like Sister Anne wrote it. Sally didn’t write it.” Kate studied Rosie. “Are you sure you’re telling us everything?”

“I’ve told you everything. I picked women up at Dirty Sally’s or the convent and dropped them at the Farmer’s Market in Kansas City. Kate and Denise were the only two exceptions. Sure, I would hear bits and pieces of gossip. But I’ve only been in this about ten years.” Rosie put a thumb to her chest. “I stick to what is my business.”

Kate let it go, even though she felt Rosie knew more than she was telling. The team huddled around the table, matching the women’s pictures with their stories until Kate looked at her watch. “It’s almost midnight. This will be a fun project, but that’s not helping us now. I need to find someone I can talk to about the network. We’re looking for the safe house contacts. Susie and I are leaving in a few hours.”

Susie said, “Oh, yeah. Well, they may still be in there. Why don’t you two keep matching? I’ll return to the ledgers. We can’t miss a clue.”

Kate continued her search through Sally’s room and the spare bedroom. Susie returned to the ledgers. Rosie and Denise matched pictures to stories. The chatter ceased until Susie yelled down the hallway. “Hey, Kate. Come in here.”

Kate slid in sock feet into the living room.

“I’ve found an account number and a bank in Lakota, North Dakota. Sally’s made deposits there. I bet there’s a checkbook somewhere. It’s the end of the network in the U.S.”

Susie pulled out her phone, which showed Lakota on a map. “See how close Lakota is to Canada?”

Denise picked through the documents from the box and held up a small book. “This looks like one of those old-fashioned savings accounts. The good news is—it’s got some money in it.”

◆◆◆

Chapter TWENTY-THREE

A WOMAN FOLLOWED

Susie left Kingseat in Kate’s rental car, bolstered with a large, steaming mug of coffee. She checked the rearview mirror closely only because Kate and Reese insisted. The theory, lost on Susie, was that someone might follow her, thinking she was Kate. Watching the Missouri scenery fly by in the mirror, she saw the sun come up, glimpsed a deer crossing the road, and a Dutch red barn nestled in the trees. She read the words “Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear” then looked up in time to navigate a hairpin curve.

To Susie’s surprise, this had been a successful trip. She’d helped Kate survive three separate meltdowns and written a business plan for the tavern, but also expanded her own growing shopping network. Susie devoted these last few days to business uninterrupted by her ladies’ lunches and nightly music and comedy shows in Tampa. She’d also found another seamstress who would look for designer products and who could custom fit from a pattern. This seamstress was half the price of the women in Tampa.

And I tracked the assailant. Good job, girl! She patted herself on the back.

A pang of loneliness swept over her. Susie wondered if she was crossing the place in the road where Kate broke up with Will over the phone just a few days ago. She missed the gallant Reese Matthews. Flipping on Diann Schindler’s podcast, she listened to the upbeat voice without retaining the information, lost in thought about her future.

Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear. Has that extra-large black SUV been following me since I turned on 435 South? He’s probably just heading to the airport, too. She sped up, watching her mirror. The vehicle seemed to change in speed. She slowed down, dropping below the seventy-miles-an-hour speed limit. The SUV stayed the exact seven car lengths behind her. I’m just being paranoid. How could anyone be following me?

Reese Matthews spoke to her as clear as if he were sitting in the passenger seat. “Call me if you have any suspicions. I can have someone there within minutes, no matter where you are on the road. O’Dell’s a cornered animal, and he’s capable of anything. Until we have him in custody . . . “

Susie’s pulse quickened. I’m scared. She visualized the large vehicle charging up behind her and ramming into her car. I’m letting my imagination run wild. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest.

She pressed the button on her cell phone and called Reese.

He answered immediately, “Hey, Susie, are you almost there?”

“I might be about eight miles out. I’m sure it’s nothing, but I might have a large black SUV following me.”

“What mile marker are you on?”

“Mile marker?” She searched the side of the road. “Are you kidding me? I don’t know.”

“Never mind. I’ll be pulling in behind you in my city vehicle. I’ll block the SUV from your tail. Don’t be surprised.”

“What? You’re following me?”

“Don’t hang up. Stay on the phone with me. You can yell at me at the rental car drop-off.”

“But, what about Kate?”

Reese ignored the question.

“How did you follow me? I never saw you. Did you place a tracking device in my car?”

“Not in your car. I think I’ve spotted the SUV. I’m observing him for a few minutes, running the plates.”

The two people tied by an invisible wave of technology remained silent. Susie had a hard time watching the road ahead. Cars passed, whipping around her, jockeying for position on the highway. A cattle truck rumbled past.

“Don’t miss your turn.”

“Okay.” She sighed, relieved Reese was back on the line.

As she veered toward the airport following the first sign, the traffic thinned out. The large SUV followed.

“Reese, are you there?”

“Yes, I’m here. You should be able to see me soon. I want to get a visual on you. Then I’ll drop back. We’ll see if he passes me.”

“I see you!”

“Okay, good. I’ve got another call. I’m staying right behind you but placing you on hold for now.”

Reese switched a button on his earpiece. “Matthews.”

“Good morning, Chief. Are you heading to the airport?”

“I could ask you the same question, Crookshanks.”

“Look, Matthews. I owe you an apology for the other night. I was out of line, and of course, upset about the blown investigation. No excuse, we’re on the same team. Digance was drunk, high, and paranoid when we interviewed him. You were just doing your job.”

“Okay, enough with the snow job. What do you want from me?”

“I want you to convince Susie Jones to come work for me.”

“Go pound sand. You’re barking up the wrong tree. I’ve got no cred. Not personal, professional. None. Zip. No credibility or credentials. In addition, why would I do that?”

“Because you know she would be a valuable resource for the agency. Loyalty to the good old USA—Matthews, that’s your weakness.”

“Not my job. Keep me out of it. In fact, my loyalty lies with those two women, so if you think I will not tell her you’re the one following her, you’re wrong.”

“She spotted me?”

“Yeah, you can’t follow someone in a black Tahoe. Look, Crookshanks. I’ll be brief. This isn’t an ordinary negotiation. Susie’s smart, sophisticated, business savvy. She has a plan and a goal, and she knows what she wants. She has no interest in becoming a government employee again. To hire her, you’ll have to do some courting. Make her laugh and offer her something she can’t buy. Your offer will have to be a job she finds fun and exhilarating. In other words, you’re out of your league.”

“We’ll see. Why don’t you head home? I’ll make sure she gets to the airport safely.”

“You veer off. Don’t plan to approach her at the rental car return. It’s a bad idea. Very bad form, and you and I will have a problem. Understand?”

“Hey, Matthews. You’re a good cop. Let’s make a deal. I won’t approach her at Avis. You don’t explain to her it was me following her.”

◆◆◆

Susie boarded the plane and took the few steps to her first-class second-row seat. Looking out the window, she watched the luggage snake its way into the cargo hold. She pulled out her phone, checked a few online auctions for designer bags, and added coin to fifteen bids. She texted the managing company of her apartment informing them of packages arriving as early as tomorrow.

A text immediately popped back in: Do you have an estimated arrival for Ms. Anderson?

She texted back. No, you’ll need to contact her. You have her number.

Susie did not look up when the man sat next to her. She scrolled through her phone and glanced at her email. When the announcement came over the loudspeaker to turn off phones, she dropped hers into a designer bag.

It was then she noticed the smell of his cologne. What’s wrong with me? All work and no play will make me a very dull woman. She looked down at his feet. Nice shoes.

Before she peered his way, she thought about her fantasy man—showering, shaving, patting on cologne in the early morning hours. She peeked over at her seat partner.

Who is he? He looks so familiar. I’ll feel like an idiot if I don’t remember his name.

The attractive man dressed in an expensive tailored black suit did not look her way. The plane picked up speed. Susie’s head fell gently against the back of her seat with the quick ascent. Closing her eyes, she tried to picture events she might know the handsome stranger from. He looks most like the actor Michael B. Jordan.

As the plane leveled out, and the flight attendants loaded the bar cart, the man turned to Susie and grinned, showing straight white teeth. “Can I buy you a drink?”

Susie recognized the voice, “Yes, Agent Crookshanks, I’ll have a whiskey sour with a lime.”

He smiled, leaned into her and whispered, “It’s a little early for whiskey, isn’t it?”

She laughed, moved closer, and gazed into his eyes. “What would you have me order? Champagne? A Mimosa? As Dirty Sally used to say, ‘It’s never too early for whiskey.’”

Chapter TWENTY-FOUR

ROPING ANDY

Kate sat in Andy’s camper with Molly on her lap. The large dog with the big brown eyes wagged her tail, whimpering as Kate rubbed her ears. Susie had left just before six o’clock this morning and Kate felt lost without her. She didn’t quite know how things stood between them and where their paths might lead. The comfort of the dog and the camaraderie of Andy helped as the two drank their coffees in silence, waiting for Denise to get ready so the two women could leave.

Kate roused the dog off her lap, then poured another cup for the two of them. “I suppose it’s a little early to play a song.” She pointed at Andy’s guitar.

He nodded his head in agreement. “It is a little early, Kate.”

She handed him his guitar anyway. Andy strummed and tuned a bit, cleared his throat, and played his latest bluegrass song while she tapped her foot to the music. The song ended on a soulful note.

“That song’s great, Andy. Did you write that about Sally?”

“Of course, who else would’ve it been about? It’s a little rough and my voice isn’t warmed up, either.

“It’s so good to have Molly home. I wish I could stay today.”

“Well lucky for me, the vet says her only rehab at this point is to walk her. I can do that. Reese and Susie get over being mad about your leaving?”

“Nope. They’re both mad. I’m deliberately changing the subject before you’re mad too, but it’ll be good for you to walk.”

“Yeah, I suppose sitting in this trailer watching the boob tube is not the best.” He gave Kate a sideways glance. “I don’t suppose you could leave the bar open while you’re gone?”

Kate laughed and gestured with her palms up. “Nobody has a liquor license, and I think we have extended our plausible deniability with the extended wake. However, you’ve got a key, so what you do when I’m gone is up to you. In exchange for a small ‘to do’ list.”

“The dreaded ‘to do’ list is one of the reasons I didn’t mind not getting married.” He furrowed his forehead at Kate.

“It’s all voluntary, and part of it is for you, part of it’s for Jim Bob. Do you have any idea what Sally paid him?”

“Jim Bob is working off a debt. I don’t know the details. I imagine he’ll hit you up when he needs money. I wouldn’t worry about it.”

“Have you thought anymore about staying here, Andy? Susie has been working on a very simple business plan, and one of the resources is the cabin. We wanted to make sure you knew you had first chance at it.

“Oh, thanks, hon, but Molly and I are going to go on the road. I don’t know when yet. I’m gonna run over to the RV dealer.” He scratched his silver head. “You know I got this more expensive model because I thought Sally and I were gonna travel, but now she’s gone and I’m thinking about cashing ‘er in. Have a little more cash in my pocket.”

“I get it. Just know if I’m involved in this bar, you’ll always have a place here. I could also use a caretaker for my cabin at the farm.”

“You’ve decided not to take the offer from the investor?”

“No, not yet anyway. It’s a good offer, but he planned to turn it into a car lot. This would make a great location for him. The tavern becomes a sales office and he planned to build a large building for maintenance. He didn’t want to take ‘no’ for an answer, he’d put a lot of work into his plans. Architecture drawings and the works.”

“Are you sure you shouldn’t sell it?”

“No, I’m not sure. But I’m not going to decide anything I’ll regret later. My goal is to keep this business. Well, a better business. You know, Sally’s numbers are bad. She had a big heart, and a red bottom line.”

“People took advantage of her, Kate. It really pissed me off. Some of them deserved a break—a few like Jim Bob who are as loyal as anyone can be. Others never learn. Don’t keep this place on my account.”

“Sally and Pops loved Kingseat. You and I will always be outsiders for whatever reason.”

“Life goes on, Kate. Things change. Sometimes the best thing to do is let things go.”

Kate stared out the window. “I say that, but there’s something about this place, these people. I guess it’s my roots. I can’t imagine coming here, and not coming to this tavern. I just can’t imagine it. It’s like coming here and not going out to see the cabin.”

They sipped their coffees, both lost in thought, then Kate broke the silence.

“Andy, while I’m gone, will you look through the information from the safe deposit box and what we found at the apartment?”

He frowned, yet Kate charged on. “I know you don’t want any part of the network, but you’ve got a great eye for investigation, and I can’t trust anyone else. We have found the women who went through the network, but we’ve only found two safe houses. I’m leaving blind. After I get to Nebraska, I will head on up to North Dakota, but I don’t want to make the trip if I don’t need to. Plus, and Denise brought it up, maybe one of the people in the network is no longer true to the cause. Maybe they are responsible for a break in the chain. I might be walking into a trap.”

Andy picked up his guitar and strummed it a few times.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Leave your box with me. But then that’s it. I don’t want to be involved in this. Sally always kept me in the dark. We both liked it like that. Kate, I want you to put that trackie thing on my phone. I promise, I won’t look to see where you are unless I need to find you.”

Kate held out her hand, “Give me your phone.”

Andy leaned over and struggled to reach into the pocket of his Wranglers, handing Kate his flip phone.

Kate laughed. “My tracker won’t work with your flip phone.” She gave it back to him. “I promise, I’ll keep you posted on my whereabouts. Plus, you know Rosie will have my back. I’ll be heading into her regular work route, and Denise is going with me. She doesn’t know it, but we’re going to talk business. I think she needs a job, and I need a tavern manager. You want me to walk Molly before I go?”

The dog perked up, got up from her bed, then scratched at the door.

“Yes, Molly, you want to go for a walk? I said ‘walk’, I should’ve known better.”

“You grab her leash—I’ll go down and lift her out. Jim Bob is bringing a ramp for her today.”

Kate followed his instructions, hooking the leash onto Molly’s collar. “What a good dog. Can you believe you once thought you might bite me?”

When Molly was safely on the ground, Kate stepped out of the camper, closing the door.

“I’ll keep in touch. I’ll call you once I get to Nebraska and find out what happened there. If you find anything, please call me.”

Chapter TWENTY-FIVE

nebraska

Kate peered through her binoculars at the large A-frame house outside of Lincoln, Nebraska, while Denise munched on a handful of Fritos. The house looked like a chateau that belonged in a ski resort in Breckenridge, Colorado. A circular driveway was carefully designed to allow easy access and parking for guests. Kate could imagine a beautiful view from the back deck. It was strange to see chickens pecking the ground of this million-dollar home. A dull red barn stood in the side yard. At the top of the barn, a freshly painted quilt block shimmered in the late morning sun. A rooster strutted out of the barn and crowed.

Denise tapped Kate on the arm. “How long are we going to wait?”

“I’m not sure. Probably until I can think of something to say. I can’t just walk up to the house and say, ‘Hey, do you know anything about an underground railroad that runs through here? Or why aren’t you answering the phone?’ We should go to town and hit the coffee shop. Maybe we’ll catch the local gossip.”

“You’re stalling.” Denise emptied the Frito bag into her mouth.

“Yeah, so what?”

“Can’t you say, ‘I’m a friend of Sally’s’, and you’re just checking on her?”

“What if a man answers the door?”

Denise crunched. “A man won’t answer the door. Men don’t answer the door, do they? He’d probably come out the back door. If a man comes out the back door, I’ll handle him.”

“What if Jenny isn’t her real name?”

“Sitting here isn’t solving anything. Didn’t you teach verbal communication to parole officers? What’s your problem here?”

“Obviously, I’m afraid I’ll run right into Sheriff O’Dell.” Kate glanced at Denise. “You’re almost as annoying as Susie. Okay, I’m going. I’ll walk in, but in about twenty minutes, slide over into the driver’s seat and pick me up.”

“Take your purse.”

“Oh yeah, I should take that.” Kate grabbed the conceal-and-carry purse, placed the strap over her head, and positioned it on her hip. She jogged to the front of the house and gave the door her best probation-officer knock. The technique was a cross between a “down-home friend” knock, and a hard pound. She unzipped the purse, grabbing the handle of the pistol.

Kate placed her ear to the door and listened to an electric chair lowering, then the scraping of a walker or cane. She heard a woman’s voice ask, “Who is it?”

“My name is Kate Anderson. I’m a friend of Sally’s. Are you alone?”

The woman turned a knob on the lock in the door, struggled to open it, and peered out. “You’re Kate?”

Kate released the grip on her purse. “Yes, ma’am. Sister Anne has been worried about you. I’ve come to check on you.”

“Oh, my . . . I’ve got my days mixed up. Of course, she would be worried sick. Come in, come in. I’m alone.”

Kate waved to Denise and stepped inside.

She moved a quarter turn with the walker, a slow and obviously painful walk across the floor. With her back turned to Kate, she asked, “Can I get you some coffee? I’m sure the pot is still fresh.”

“No, thank you. I’m coffee logged. I’ve been drinking a thermos since Kingseat.”

“You’ve come all this way just to check on me? Oh, what a bother. I didn’t mean to be such a nuisance. I should explain, I fell and broke my hip, I’m not sure what day. Since I live alone, my neighbor didn’t find me until the next morning. It was an awful night on the floor. Of course, I went in for emergency surgery, and I’ve just gotten home this morning. I nodded off and didn’t make any calls. A nurse is coming to check on me later today. I thought you might be her. I need to check my messages on my phone.”

“Please call Sister Anne first thing.”

The woman lowered herself into a recliner by the bay window. Her medicine, remote control, books, and telephone were all within a handy reach. Kate sat across from her in the small sitting room just off the large kitchen.

“I will, I promise. I imagine she has been distraught. Did you know she’s my baby sister?”

“No, I didn’t know that. No wonder she’s been so worried. She never said. We were afraid something worse had happened to you. Sister’s been praying for you and has you on all the prayer chains.”

“She is such a wonderful soul.” The woman studied Kate. “Prayers, do you think they do any good?”

“I’m not sure I would be here if it wasn’t for my grandfather’s prayers. I lost a true prayer warrior when he died.”

“I’m not so sure. We live, we plan. If there is a God—he/she/they laugh at our plans—then we die. Sometimes our plans work. Like with me and my neighbor, Clayton. He checks on me, I check on him. If not for that, who knows how long I would have stayed on the floor? I wish you’d have some coffee.”

“No thank you, really. Can I call you Jenny?”

“Yes, my name’s Jenny.”

“Did you know Sally passed away?”

Jenny put her hand over her mouth. “Oh my, no, I didn’t know.”

“She died doing what she loved, running the bar and partying.”

Searching Kate’s face, Jenny asked, “What now?”

“All I really know is that we think we have a woman and a young girl lost in the network. You were our only contact. We’ve come, my colleague and I, to locate them.”

Jenny leaned over and slowly moved the curtain. She tilted her head so she could see clearly through her glasses and looked out. “Tell your friend to come in.”

“We really can’t. She’s studying our route. We have many miles to go yet tonight. Did you get a visit from a woman and child?”

“Yes, they were here the night before I fell. It might have been two nights before. I’m not sure. They stayed overnight. The woman was in terrible pain with her shoulder. The poor little girl was scared to death. They both took showers. I gave them new clothing, a home-cooked meal and breakfast, books, and puzzles for the child. They were picked up the next morning.”

“Can you give me any information on who picked them up?”

“No. That’s all I can say.”

Kate leaned closer to Jenny. “Please know I’m trying to help. I want to finish what Sally would want me to do. It’s my loyalty to her that brings me here.”

“It’s all I know. It’s all I ever know. Someone calls, they always say they’re a friend of Sally’s. They give me details about how I can help. I usually have a few days’ notice, size of clothing needed. Some food allergies, medicine needed. I do what I can to help and provide them what I can, which is never much. All I have is the voice on the other end of the phone call with an approximate time for a ride, and they go out the door. I never see or hear from them again. If Clayton sees someone, I just tell him they’re people from church.”

“You don’t have any other contact information?”

“No, Kate.” Jenny answered tersely. “I’m sorry. This is the way it’s always been. My only contact has been Sister Anne.”

“How can this be?” Kate shook her head in frustration. “It becomes a dead end. How long have you been involved?”

“Twenty-five years this month."

"You’ve never seen or heard from anyone else?”

“Just the person on the phone.”

“Do they identify themselves?”

“It’s always ‘a friend of Sally’s.’ That’s all.”

Kate offered to feed the chickens or take out the trash before she left. Jenny declined. “Clayton will take care of all that.”

She ran out to the waiting green truck and moved Denise out of the driver’s seat. “I’d rather drive. Would you do the calls? First Sister Anne, tell her Jenny fell and broke her hip, and has been in the hospital.”

“Sure, you know I love to talk.”

Kate laughed. “I’ve noticed you’re chattier than the person I used to know.”

“I’m happy, I’m free. What can I say?”

“No, it’s great, I thought you were a little gruff before. After you get done with Sister Anne, contact Andy and let him know we’re still heading north. At the next stop, you can take the wheel. I need to contact some old friends.”

Chapter TWENTY-SIX

ESCAPOD

Happy Campers Resort, North Dakota

August 8, 2016

Kate heard the Class A Diesel nicknamed the “Escapod” before she saw it. Even though Jim Looks drove through the gate several times a year, he never made it through first go. The entrance to the RV park, designed for small campers, was a challenge as he and his wife Yadia drove a vehicle three times the other campers’ size.

Kate took six pork chops out of the fridge and whisked the honey-mustard marinade before pouring it over the meat. She donned Sally’s flowered cowgirl hat and bailed out of the Sunflower camper, grabbing her hat when it scraped the top of the doorway.

The gate was open for the visitors, but Kate jogged over and closed it after Jim and Yadia had pulled through. She entered a new password into the keypad.

The sun kissed the rocky ground to the west and took the warm temperature with it. The firepit will feel good this evening.

Jim backed into his parking space and Kate followed them. Yadia waved and smiled through the big window of the RV while Jim studied his rearview mirror.

“Whoa!” Kate yelled, waving her hands above her head.

Jim shot her a stern look, then a broad smile creased his face.

“Permission to come aboard?” called Kate.

Yadia lowered her window. “How about I come out? We’ve been on the road for three straight hours.”

“I’ll walk you over to the facility. The cleaning people just left.”

“Sounds good to me. Jim might want to set up. He usually won’t stop until it’s done.”

Her husband gimped down the steps of the RV and stretched out his hand to shake Kate’s. “Nice to finally meet you. Sally has sung your praises for years. What’s for dinner?”

“Are you hungry?” she laughed. “Pork chops are marinating, and I made potato salad this morning. You know how it is, there’ll be burgers and hot dogs, and people will bring salad, chips, and dessert. My friend made a chocolate cake with buttercream frosting. It smells wonderful. Sound good?”

Jim frowned. “No pie?”

“I guess word spreads in this community. No pie tonight. If you head to Missouri or Florida, I promise you pie or beer bread.”

“We might find ourselves in Florida. We like to winter in Texas, but you never know where we might go,” Yadia offered with a smile.

“You may not want to do a full set up. If you’re willing, we may have you take a run tomorrow. Let’s take a short walk, you can stretch, and then after supper, we’ll relax by the campfire and talk a little business. I still have a few arrangements to make unless you’ve come here with instructions.”

Jim glanced at Yadia. “No, I take almost the same run into Canada each time.”

◆◆◆

As the fire crackled, sending sparks and messages to heaven, Kate realized the six small campers were circled like an old wagon train. They were a variety of colors, brightly painted in red, blue, and green, plus Sally’s yellow Sunflower home. Jim’s big RV stuck out like a sore thumb at the perimeter.

The coffee was still pouring from an antique coffee pot at eight o’clock that night. Kate marveled at how quickly her new friends treated her like family. A quick stop at the bank in Lakota had revealed the spot where Sally’s camper parked in the summer.

Margie, a young woman with long blonde hair and a gypsy skirt, strummed a guitar. She had been Denise and Kate’s welcoming committee, unlocking Sally’s trailer, and showing them how everything worked. In a hushed voice inside the trailer, she said, “Our guests will arrive tonight and tomorrow. We’re all hoping you can convince Jim and Yadia to take the woman and child to their next stop. They have a strict policy about ‘no kids, no pets,’ but it’s worth a shot.”

Kate said, “Where are they taking her?”

“That’s for you to figure out.”

She opened the door to leave, and desperation made Kate reach out and grab Margie’s arm. “Wait. You will talk with Jim and Yadia, right? I’m not in charge.”

Margie shook her head. “I’m just the groundskeeper. I’m not the brains either, but I don’t think they can take her into Canada needing surgery and it’s not safe to put her in the hospital here.”

With that, Margie stepped out of the Sunflower camper.

Denise had said, “I think it’s up to us to figure this out. This is how it was when I was involved with the network. They all have this attitude of ‘when God closes a door, he opens a window.’ I think we are the window.”

“I’ve had the same sneaky suspicion all this time.”

Kate spent the afternoon making phone calls back and forth with Rosie and Sister Anne, and with some old contacts from Probation and Parole. She finally had a plan.

At the firepit after supper, she approached Jim and Yadia and grabbed a log stool out of earshot of the rest of the group. “I know you said, ‘no children’ in your runs, but we have a mother and daughter we must backtrack into Minnesota. I can’t transport them in a car—someone might spot them. They’re as hot as they come. I wouldn’t ask, but we really need your big RV as a hiding spot. You don’t have to carry them far. It’s about a two-hour drive. We’d like to keep mom and the girl together for as long as possible.

“The mother needs shoulder surgery—not life threatening, but she’s in pain. The child is here now. My friend, Denise, took her to a movie.”

Jim said, “I always make my run into Canada. We have plans in place.”

“She needs surgery before she can go into Canada. I’m not sure what we’ll do after that. We’ll have to take it one day at a time. They have dangerous men looking for them. The husband is connected to law enforcement, and we don’t know what resources he has. They can’t leave the RV for any reason. It’d be great if you could take them straight to where I have arranged for the surgery.”

Jim said, “I feel like there’s a lot you’re not telling us.”

“Isn’t that the way it always works? I’m new to this. The only other option we have is to split them up in the morning, but since I don’t know the contacts in the network . . . .” Kate’s voice trailed off. “Do you know if any of the people here tonight are involved in the network?”

Jim and Yadia locked eyes and nodded. They did not answer the last question. “We’ll do it.”

“Great.” Kate adjusted her position on the makeshift seat. “Before you make your final decision, Yadia, we have the make and model of a pickup for you to watch for, but the biggest fear is the bikers. We understand if you want to pass on this one. The bikers can zoom up from nowhere and they can be very frightening. I’ll be following you, so I should be able to see them first, but maybe just seconds before.”

Jim shook his head. “No offense, Kate, but we do this alone. The last thing I want is a woman with a gun following me.”

“I don’t blame you. I wouldn’t want someone like me following me. If it helps, I am a trained firearms instructor. But I’ve arranged for the mother to be operated on inside a women’s prison. They have a private company running their hospital. I know the superintendent. The other hospitals are too risky. To get in the prison, you need me. You’ll drive in through the first gate, drop off your passengers, and then turn right around empty. The cameras will have a glitch, so they’ll be no record of you being there. If you use your GPS, make sure you clear it.”

Jim asked, “Are we breaking any laws?”

“Not that I’m aware of. There is no Amber Alert on the child. I’ll check again in the morning. I’m not sure if I’m breaking any laws, but you don’t need to know about that.”

Kate checked their faces for a reaction, then continued. “Why don’t you two talk it over, and I’ll give you more information tomorrow morning? If this won’t work for you, I’ll have to make other arrangements. I don’t understand how all this takes place, but I have a feeling someone else will show up to help.”

Yadia placed her hand over her heart, “What if the child won’t leave her mother?”

“Denise located a relative. If you take the child with you, it will save the relative an extra three-hour drive. If she stays here, we’ll have no choice but to put her in foster care. I know I’m pressuring you, but we need to make this run and it has to be done now.”

Yadia asked, “What time do we leave tomorrow?”

“I think it’ll be right after breakfast. Margie is cooking on a new Blackstone grill. You know, eggs, bacon, sausage. I’ll make some biscuits. As soon as the mother arrives, we’ll leave.”

Chapter TWENTY-SEVEN

Winding, twisty Road

Kate hated GPS. Following a strange robotic voice through a countryside that looked like the setting for an old western seemed surreal, yet strangely familiar, since she had grown up watching old movies with Pops. She loved the views of the lake and was glad she had done her homework. Devil’s Lake, approximately 330 acres, sat partially on Spirit Lake Reserve. Kate considered exploring the small town of about eight thousand people but was eager to get back to the RV park where Denise and an unexpected Rosie waited. As she drove through the rural landscape, she felt nostalgic and a sense of accomplishment that she had done her part to get a woman and child to safety.

Sister Anne’s words of wisdom flitted through her thoughts. “After your part is done, you can only pray and hope for them.”

The nun’s words of encouragement lay warm, but heavy, on her heart.

Everything had gone like clockwork at the prison. Kate had shown her ID at the first gate inside the large facility. The Escapod followed her through. The woman and child exited the vehicle, and the RV made a large U-turn and left through the sliding gate. Kate followed them out in her truck, leaving in the opposite direction. She trusted the cousin was waiting to retrieve the child.

She turned the knob on the radio of the old truck but wasn’t in the mood for music. With twenty more miles of silent scenery, her thoughts drifted to Sally and she mused out loud, “Well, Sally, I’ve done the best I can. She’s in good hands. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do next, but I guess we’ll figure it out when I get back to Kingseat.”

“Hey Siri.”

The phone beeped a tune.

“Text Rosie.”

The robotic voice responded, “What do you want to say?”

Kate spoke into the phone. “I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes.”

“Are you ready to send message?” said Siri.

“Send.”

Her phone dinged, then dinged again. I’ve missed two calls from Andy.

Glancing in her rearview mirror, Kate turned to take an alternate route. The vehicle that had been following a safe distance behind stayed with her. It was too far away to get any description of make or model. She couldn’t even be sure it was the same pickup. Don’t lead someone back to the RV park. That would be a dangerous rookie move.

“Hey, Siri.”

The phone beeped.

“Call Andy Mayes.”

“Calling Andy Mayes.”

He answered on the first ring. “Where have you been?”

“Hey, Andy, what’s up? I’ve been out of cellphone range. I’m fifteen minutes from the campground.”

“Kate, I think I’ve found something.”

“I’ll pull over. Let me find a place and call you back. This stupid GPS is talking.”

This will give me a chance to see if the vehicle is following me.

Kate drove a couple of miles and pulled into a small roadside park, whipping a U-turn, and facing out. The large white pickup passed her. She couldn’t make out the driver, only that he was a smaller, older man in a red farmer’s hat and plaid shirt. It looked like a new white model Chevy of some sort.

Pressing the buttons to call Andy, she watched the truck pass her down the road. When he answered the phone, she felt relief wash through her body. “Tell me what you’ve found.”

“I’ve been working on the code system. There’re eight codes that we know. I assume one is for Sally, two for Sister Anne.”

“Faster Andy, cut to the chase. I’m afraid someone’s following me.”

“I’ve been matching the codes to the women who sent post cards in the book. The only one that stands out is Code Seven. The ladies associated with Code Seven have never been heard from again. All the other codes have someone who at least sent a first post card. Many of them sent follow-up Christmas cards. But Code Seven ladies were never heard from again. No post card, no letters, no obits. Nothing on those ladies. These RV gypsy hippie people you’ve been working with today could’ve been Code Seven.”

“Please verify what O’Dell drives.”

“He’s driving a white, 2014, Chevy Silverado.”

“That’s what I was afraid of. A Chevy pickup has been following me for about an hour on these back roads. I couldn’t make out the model of the pickup, but it’s a Chevy. He’s turning around. I better go.”

◆◆◆

Like a stand-off at high noon, the white pickup stopped in the middle of the road. Kate felt the peering scrutiny of someone looking at her through binoculars. Her palm itched to reach for her high-powered eyes, but she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. She raised a middle finger to push up her sunglasses on her nose.

Kate’s mind reeled. Here’s my choice. One, run. I can’t let him follow me back to the camp.

She sat up straighter. With his newer vehicle, can he outrun me in the first mile? Option two, hole up here. Make him come to me.

Opening the console, she took out the large Smith and Wesson and wedged it between the seat, ready to grab. She completely unzipped her purse, revealing the smaller gun and holster.

I can’t wait. He’s got more firepower. Plus, he can outwait me easily. He could use a long-range rifle!

With this terrifying realization, she threw the ’68 Ford into gear and sped out of the small park. She floored the accelerator and drove straight toward the truck, taking the center of the road. No air bags. This could be ugly. Pops's words echoed in her head. “Katrina, you’ve got to be fiercer and smarter.”

“You may be meaner, but I’m fiercer.” She thought of the old 60s movies where boys with black leather jackets played chicken for the road. What if it’s not O’Dell? What if it’s just some old potato farmer? Don’t swerve, Katrina, don’t be chicken.

Blind fear drove the pickup down the middle of the road. The speedometer hit seventy miles an hour as Kate nearly stood on the gas. There was a booming impact, followed by another crash, as a side mirror bounced across the front of her pickup and she caught his back bumper, tearing it partially off the vehicle.

She swerved slightly but stayed out of the ditch. Kate looked at her rearview mirror. He’s turning around. He’ll catch me as I slow down for that curve ahead. It would be a bad place to get rammed. Another glance in the mirror. He’s gaining on me.

Kate saw a yellow triangle with a black arrow pass by her window. I’m going too fast. Another sign—it said, SLOW, thirty-five miles an hour. Kate made it past the second sign. Concentrating on the road ahead, she tapped her brakes. Another yellow SLOW sign with an arrow, then a fourth.

I made it. Time to floor it. Checking her mirror, she watched the pickup weave in the road. She spotted a bigger truck—a massive dump truck—behind the white vehicle. The large truck blared its horn.

The white pickup missed the turn and flew into the air.

Kate braked hard and pulled off to the side of the road. After jumping out of the driver’s seat, she ran back to the curve. She arrived just in time to see brake lights submerge into the lake.

The dump truck braked, screeching past Kate and the crash site.

That driver exited her vehicle while Kate started down the steep bank. A hand attached to Rosie grabbed Kate and prevented her from sliding further.

“Stop, Kate. Stop. It’s too late.”

Kate looked at her friend, wild-eyed. “Where’d you come from?”

Rosie pointed at her truck. “I’ve got to get out of the road.” She shook Kate gently. “Get in your truck, drive to the RV park, tell them you’re sick. Do not talk to anyone—not Reese, not Andy, not Susie, not Denise. No one. Got that?” Rosie shook Kate again, this time harder.

Kate responded as in a haze. “We need to call nine-one-one.”

“No, Kate.”

“But. . . .”

“Do as I say. Get in your truck, drive to the RV park. Do not talk to anyone.”

Kate blurted out. “Andy knows I was being followed.”

“I’ll take care of Andy. Do you know the way back to the campground?”

“Yes.”

“Go, Kate. I’ll call ahead and have the gate open for you. We’ll talk. Don’t say a word to anyone.”

Chapter TWENTY-EIGHT

CAMPFIRE

The gate creaked open as Kate pulled through. Denise, wearing a cotton sundress, smiled and waved. The rosebuds on her dress danced with enthusiasm. The truck squeaked for no apparent reason, like a horse neighing at the barn.

I hope she’ll give me a few minutes because I can’t face anyone.

She wanted to call Susie . . . Reese . . . Andy—not necessarily in that order. Her hands trembled as she fumbled with the door of the Sunflower teardrop camper. The previously cheery colors of yellow and turquoise were now an annoying contrast to Kate’s erratic mood.

She looked down at her hands, trembling uncontrollably, and she squeezed them together in a near death grip. Her eyes shut tight and scrunched into her face. Don’t have a breakdown, get it together. How did it happen? It’s not my fault, is it? Did I just commit murder? No, manslaughter. It would be manslaughter. The guardrail—was it missing? Rosie—did she bump into him? Why didn’t we call the police?

After unlocking the door, she pulled off her cowboy boots and plopped down on the bed. Changing her mind, Kate jumped up slid the kitchen window open. A slight breeze blew through as she bent down and splashed water on her face. She grabbed the back of the wooden chair, attempting to stop her hands from shaking. Calm down. Breathe. You don’t need to deal with this now. You’ve got years to seek professional therapy. A wry smile peeked at the corner of her mouth.

A hard rap on the door, and Rosie pulled to open it but fell back off the small step to the trailer. “Damn.” She waited. “Kate, it’s Rosie, let me in.”

I can’t let her see me like this. “Give me a few minutes.”

“Let me in. I’m not going away. I’ve got a key.”

Kate unlocked the door.

Rosie stepped into the trailer, walked to the built-in corner hutch, reached behind the cups, and pulled out the Canadian Mist. She poured herself a shot in a crystal glass, downed it, then poured one for Kate. “Have a drink, it’ll help. Let’s talk this through, okay?”

Kate took a sip of the whiskey. Her hands shook. “Why didn’t we call the police? If we’ve done nothing wrong, why didn’t we call the police?”

Rosie put her index finger to Kate’s pale lips, “Shush, Kate. Lower your voice. What good would it do? He was gone. I stayed. He never came to the surface. How would you have explained it to the cops? He’s a sheriff from another county. Your vehicle is registered in that same county five states away. How would you explain where you’re staying? You’d be drawing a map straight to the network. Kate, we must be very careful and not draw attention to ourselves.”

“But what about Olivia? She’s his wife. She needs to know.”

“I’ll call in an anonymous tip with a burner phone. Not today, not tomorrow, maybe when you get back to Missouri and return the rental truck. I’ll take care of it. Besides, there’s a good chance it’ll be spotted. It’s a white vehicle. The lake might not be that deep right there, and someone might see it in the water from the road.”

“What happened, Rosie?”

“I swear, I didn’t break my promise to you. When I got the text from you and the call from Andy, I was hauling gravel here at the park. Andy was frantic. I cut through the gravel roads as a shortcut, but I’m not sure how I caught up with him.”

Kate started crying.

“Listen to me. He was driving like a bat out of hell. When he went into the curve, he must’ve braked hard. He was sliding and skidding all over the road. I blasted the horn. Did you hear me honk? That’s all I did. Everyone knows you shouldn’t brake while you’re in the curve. Where’d he get his driver’s license?”

Kate quieted.

Rosie put her hand on her forehead and rested her head on it. “He corrected and then I blasted the horn.” She snorted involuntarily. “I don’t think he knew I was behind him. He must have floored it when I honked. I might have scared him off the road.”

Kate sat up straight. “He was planning to ram me right in the exact spot he flew off the road.”

“Yes. You were too far ahead of him when he planned to ram you. He was driving too fast. I’ve gone over and over it in my head. Like Sally used to say, “It must’ve been meant to be. The guardrail would’ve saved him, but a section was missing. Make no mistake—he planned to kill you.”

“Rosie, I can’t run this network. I just can’t do this. I’m not cut out for it, I’ve not prepared for it. Someone fed information to O’Dell. How else would he have found me?”

“I talked to Andy, briefly. I understood his theory about the gypsy people, but I don’t know. . . they’re such nice people. Andy also pointed out that we left the truck parked at the tavern. If someone was watching for you, they could’ve just followed the truck.”

Kate nodded her head. “We should have been more careful.”

“It’s over, Kate. The railroad dissolved. The end. We all knew it would end with Sally.”

Kate blubbered, “I’ve let her down. I’m a mess.” Sobbing harder, she nestled her head into her arms.

There was no room in the small space to pace. Rosie occasionally patted Kate on the back while she cried, and shook, and hiccupped.

When Kate finally calmed and stopped crying, Rosie said, “Sally wanted you to be happy. Go be happy. You’re truly free. No mystery, wondering who killed Robert O’Dell, no threat hanging over your head. Go live your life. Leave at the crack of dawn, be happy.”

“Okay, we’ll head straight home.”

“Don’t tell Denise on your way back.”

Kate sounded like a young girl. “I’m good at keeping secrets. I won’t tell her.”

“Denise can pry people like a can opener.”

“I’ve got things to talk to her about. I’ll let her drive. That’ll keep her busy. Maybe I’ll sleep.”

“Well, come on then, let’s get that belly of yours full. I think they’ve got stew and beer bread at the campfire tonight. I’ve got some people you need to meet. We’ll have a few laughs.”

◆◆◆

The fire crackled, and every star in the sky came out to wink at Kate. She wore Sally’s fringed leather jacket and a pair of Tony Lama boots. A chill had settled into the air, but the woman playing the guitar flushed red with the heat of the fire. Kate didn’t hesitate. Stepping over a log, she grabbed the potholder and helped herself to the hearty stew which hung above the coals of the fire. After smelling the bread, she put it on her plate. She waved at Denise and then to the other two women in the group.

When the music stopped, Rosie introduced the women. “Kate, I’d like for you to meet Critter and Digger.” Kate stopped eating.

She waved at the woman named Critter. “Nice to meet you.”

“Let’s just get it over with. You wonder how I got my name, don’t you?’
“Sure. Please tell.” Kate munched on the warm yeasty bread.

“They call me Critter because I look just like one.”

The woman giggled and jiggled. “Do you think I look like a weasel, an opossum, or squirrel?”

Laughing, Kate covered her mouth as she finished her bite of bread. She shook her head and turned red.

Critter pointed at Kate. “No, say, we’ve got a pool going and someone wins ten bucks on this bet.”

“Oh, I need to laugh. How about I change the rules and I’ll pick a number?”

“No, say. If you were describing me in one of your books, what would you say?”

Rosie and Denise egged Kate on until she finally admitted she thought the woman looked more like a squirrel. It seemed to be the kindest thing to say.

“Oh, no, Rosie won again!” Critter handed Rosie the ten-dollar bill.

“Okay, so now I have to ask, how’d you get your name, Digger?”

Digger handed Denise a ten-dollar bill.

Kate said, “I don’t think I want to know how this betting system works. It’s a little too rich for my blood. C’mon, Digger. Tell me how you got your name.”

The woman, dressed in a brown Carhart shirt and jeans, her black hair cut in a straight line around her face, smiled at Kate. “That’s easy. It sprouted from my employment. I’m a heavy-equipment operator, I dig it--get it?”

She paused, as she always did, leaned forward menacingly, and said, “mostly graves.”

Kate laughed. Rosie got another ten-dollar bill.

“Wait. Now I need to know what the choices were.”

Denise giggled. “I said you would gasp. Critter bet you would say, ‘No, really?’ Digger bet it would scare you, and Rosie won when you laughed.”

Rosie spoke next. “I’m only going to say one thing tonight to fill in some blanks for you, Kate. We’ve put the coding system together. Dirty Sally’s Tavern was one, the convent was two, I’m three, Jenny in Nebraska was four, five is here at this little campsite. Critter and Digger were six, and Jim and Yadia were seven. Canada may be eight.”

Digger said, “We’ve taken a vote, and this ends tonight. The end—Amen. The group, in unison, said, “The End—Amen.”

Critter lifted her beer. “Let’s toast to new adventures.”

They drank a toast to Sally, and then Digger and Critter told the story about how they transformed their small blue and white camper from a fishing hide-out. It had to be completely gutted, it smelled so bad.

“Kate, what did you love as a child that you still love today?” Denise asked. “You know, like Sally loved sunflowers, I loved cotton candy. What did you or do you love?”

Kate said, “Well, let me think.” She sat still for a moment, carefully choosing her answer. “I loved hot air balloons. My parents took me over to the Pershing Park Balloon Fest when I was little. The balloonist tethered the balloons on Main Street in Brookfield at night. What a wonderful site. I only know because they still do it. The pilots gave out souvenir cards with the balloons on them. I’ve always wanted to ride in one. But scared, you know?”

Digger played a few love songs. Kate fell asleep in the camp chair, and someone threw a sleeping bag over her.

At sunup, Denise and Kate pulled out of camp. Digger shut the gate behind them.

Chapter TWENTY-NINE

FLY AWAY

Sally’s apartment, now referred to as the Tavern Tower, was being rebranded as a bed and breakfast. Denise and Kate had brainstormed on the way home from North Dakota and decided on the name. Denise would move into the bunkhouse. They also discussed pulling the Sunflower camper back to Kingseat and parking it in the compound.

Denise whispered to Rosie on the phone in the spare bedroom. “What the hell happened out there? Kate cried most of the way home.”

Rosie responded, “Ain’t none of your business.” She paused, softening her voice. “Kate’s been through hell. I’m sure it’s the accumulation of events: a break-up, Sally’s death, a strangulation. Don’t ask again, okay?”

“Yes, okay. I’m sorry. Can I change the subject?”

“Please do.”

“Since I now have some addresses of women who went through the network, I was wondering if I should contact them and let them know Sally passed away. I’d want to know if I was still out there. Could I also ask some local women to come and bring flowers to her grave after the family leaves, like a little honor parade? You know Sally loved parades.”

“I think that would be nice, Denise. Sally didn’t want any ‘crying ceremony,’ as she called it, but it might help Andy when he goes out to see all the flowers.”

“Also, Rosie, and I wanted to ask you this while you’re somewhere out there, so as not to put you on the spot. So—here goes. You think about it, okay?”

“For God’s sake, spit it out.”

“Kate has asked me to be the manager of the tavern and the B&B or whatever we do with the rooms. I’d be good at it. We have a good solid crew. But you know I can’t get a liquor license. I have a record. Kate has agreed to fund the tavern, or partially fund it, but I was wondering, would you consider applying for a license and being my silent partner?”

“You’ll have the application all ready for me when I get there. All I’ll have to do is fill it out?”

“Yes, that’s all you have to do.”

“Let’s do it. It will be interesting to see what you do with the place.”

◆◆◆

The small ceremony took place at the Mayes family cemetery. Kate fussed about what to wear, finally borrowing a dress from Denise. She checked her phone—still only the one text from Susie.

At the cemetery, the men wore their jeans, Reese in his tight Levi’s, and Andy in Wranglers. Molly, unleashed, wore flowers around her neck but sulked as if she understood the somber event. Rosie and Denise joined the group.

Andy carefully emptied Sally’s ashes into the prepared hole. Reese lifted the red oak tree from its black container and placed it with the ashes. His white shirt strained against muscles bulging while he carried the tree. He held it straight as Andy filled the hole with dirt.

Reese said, “You’ll have shade soon with that tree, Andy. It’s about all I could do to carry it.”

“I bought the biggest one they had.” He pointed over to a nearby spot. “I’ve cleared that little area. It was a mess of stickers. The guys will pour a small concrete pad, and I’ll fix me a bench right there, so I can sit and talk to her. She’ll like that.”

The dog whimpered and went over and sat near the cleared spot.

Denise, lovely like a fresh spring flower, and Rosie in her new tie-dyed sundress, placed sunflowers around the tree.

Kate moved forward. “I know we said we wouldn’t tell any more stories about Sally, but I need to say that Sally saved me, and she saved more women than we will ever know.

“I’ve realized on this journey home, she not only helped the women on the run, but she also gave purpose to the women who ran the network. It will always be my greatest honor to have been involved. I’d like to read a special poem we’ve chosen about Sally.”

Kate pulled a piece of paper from her purse.

“From the movie, Calendar Girls:

‘I don’t think there’s anything on this planet that more trumpets life than the sunflower. For me that’s because of the reason behind its name. Not because it looks like the sun but because it follows the sun. During the course of the day, the head tracks the journey of the sun across the sky. A satellite dish for sunshine. Wherever light is, no matter how weak, these flowers will find it. And that’s such an admirable thing. And such a lesson in life.’”

Andy said, “Thank you, Kate. That’s perfect. Sally loved that piece.”

He glanced up and saw several dozen women lined up standing on a nearby hill. They each carried a bouquet. “What are those women doing? Sally didn’t want a fuss.”

Denise explained. “They’re bringing flowers. They will have a little private procession for Sally—just to pay their respects. You don’t need to stay.”

Andy nodded. “I like that thought.”

Reese, moving forward, took Kate’s hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed it and didn’t let it go.

Her heart skipped a beat and she looked away. “Look over there, a hot-air balloon.” Far beyond the women, breaking high in the sky, a rainbow-colored balloon sailed toward them.

After rising over the hill, it started to lower toward the earth. It sailed and glided closer, growing fatter and taller as it drew near the small group. It flew in closer, then a little lower, and closer, and finally landed near the site.

“You all planned this for me, didn’t you?” Kate asked, looking around.

Reese pulled her toward the balloon and began running. In an instant, she ran with him. When they reached it, she looked up at him said, “Run away with me.”

He picked her up and slid her in the gondola. Placing one hand on the basket, he effortlessly side-jumped in after her.

The pilot moved to the other end of the basket. “Sir, you better stand over there. We’re about to tip over.” Reese moved as asked but kept his eyes on Kate. The pilot pulled the lever and fire shot out of the tube and up into the bellowing balloon. It rose quickly over the small gathering. Whoosh, the fire shot out again. The balloon rose further above the crowd.

Kate glanced over at her sparring partner on the other side of the gondola. “Run away with me—for now.”

His voice was deep, like thunder dipped in honey. “Don’t spoil it, Kate. I’ve been waiting a long time.”

The balloon sailed away as twenty-four free women started the slow procession to Sally’s final resting place.

EPILOGUE

Dirty Sally’s Tavern, September 16, 2016

Taco Tuesday was always a big hit at Dirty Sally’s Bar. The crowd spilled into the side yard, where picnic tables were shaded by the side of the building. Shiny new tables and umbrellas had been added. The smokers gathered at the old picnic tables and grumbled about the new rule of “no smoking” inside the tavern.

Denise tended bar while two servers in short cutoffs and aprons worked the crowd. No one waited for an ice-cold Bud as the efficient staff kept a close eye on the customers' needs.

Two young men carefully plated selected tacos, tamales, rice, and beans, sliding them out the serving window from the kitchen. Guacamole, when avocados could be found, was a fifty-cents extra charge.

Rosie, like Norm on the TV show Cheers, anchored the end of the bar. She held the liquor license of the place, and like every good silent partner, she rarely made any suggestions.

The wall phone rang. Denise picked up the receiver and sang into it. “Dirty Sally’s Tavern, it’s Taco Tuesday!”

Denise paused for a moment, listening to a voice on the other side. She caught Rosie’s attention, motioning for her to come to the phone. Rosie slipped off her bar stool, took the receiver, and spoke into the phone.

“Yeah, what can I do for you?”

She paused and checked her watch. “Kids involved?”

Another pause. “Do you have the password?”

Rosie cupped her hand over the mouthpiece of the phone and whispered to Denise.

“It’s a friend of Sally’s.”

QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

Have you ever been to Missouri? Why did you go there?

In your mind, what song was Dirty Sally dancing to when she died?

The author says this is the end of the Kate Anderson Mystery series, but she did not tie up all loose ends. Do you believe this is the end?

Why does Kate repeat herself in the end of the book? “Run away with me.” Then, “Run away with me—for now.”

Rosie’s character developed in Dared to Dream. Was it believable?

Do you think the author meant to imply that Rosie and Denise are more than business partners?

Was the ending too romantic? Not romantic enough?

Did you find the story believable?

Can you think of a friend who would really love this book?

What character do you think should get more screen time?

Amazon Reviews

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

J. J. Clarke, author of the Kate Anderson Mysteries, spent her career in the State of Missouri as an investigator, parole officer, and administrator of the largest penitentiary in the state. Clarke draws on her extensive experience in law enforcement and her degree in psychology to craft compelling characters and stories. Her heroines are fearless, funny and tenacious.

Clarke and her husband Barry Johnson are restoring a heritage farm in Missouri, and support family businesses and entrepreneurs. They live most of the time in Florida where she is a member of the Florida Writers’ Association and local writers’ groups.

“I hope my books are entertaining and thought-provoking. I wrote them for book clubs—weekend beach reads with topics for discussion that promote engaged conversation.”

Clarke loves to hear from her readers. Please contact her via email at JJClarkeAuthor@gmail.com and follow her on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

MORE BOOKS BY J.J. CLARKE

the kate anderson mystery series

Dared to Run, the first in series! Kate Anderson, a new college grad, is stalked and terrorized by a corrupt deputy sheriff. Unable to stop the harassment because of his powerful connections and threats to her family, Kate is forced to try desperate measures to protect herself and her grandparents.

Dared to Fly, the second story in the series. A thriller short read that answers questions about Kate’s journey home after five years on the run. More inside scoop, behind the scenes drama, and romance.

Dared to Return, third in the series.  Kate Anderson receives a desperate call from her grandfather, a victim of the town’s white-collar crime organization. Drugged and put in a nursing home against his will, Pops turns to the one person he can rely on to fight for him and make the bad guys pay.