Will do.
TTYL.
“Hey guys,” she called, “we’ve gotten another anonymous text.” The others gathered around her and she shared the message.
“I’d really like to know who’s sending these,” Ian muttered.
“Dylan will figure it out eventually. Let’s finish up here and see what the lab can come up with.”
For the next three hours, they worked the scene, but Morrow was obviously long gone and nothing else turned up that she would consider helpful. Finally, Harper sighed and walked over to Max. “I think we’re done here, what do you think?”
“I think you’re right.” He motioned the others over. When everyone was within hearing distance, he asked, “Anyone else hungry? My breakfast wore off long ago.”
Chimes of agreement rolled in and Harper looked at Riley. “Any place in town you can recommend?”
“Of course. The motel opens their restaurant for lunch. Then there’s the Drum Creek Café that serves burgers, fries, shakes and salads. Or if you want something a bit fancier, there’s Twilights right on the edge of town overlooking a small lake.” His eyes held hers. “It’s a great place for a date.”
Ian had a coughing fit. Max snorted. Harper blinked and heat invaded her cheeks. “I don’t need fancy since I don’t do dates,” she said. “The café works for me. What about you guys?”
They swallowed their mirth and nodded. Harper could almost see Ian biting holes in his tongue to keep from commenting. She shot him a warning glare. He grinned then turned to help gather their gear and together they hiked back to the vehicles. Riley walked with Max, the two of them talking. Max would fill her in later if it was something she needed to know.
But what was that comment about a date? Seriously?
Ian stepped over beside her and nudged her with a small grin. “It’s a good place for a date,” he drawled. “Wonder if he has anyone in mind?”
She slugged him in the arm and he laughed while he jogged ahead. At least he’d waited until he was out of Riley’s earshot before he let loose with the teasing.
While she walked, Harper pushed Ian’s ribbing aside and pondered her reaction to the good-looking bounty hunter. She admitted her attraction and questioned her sanity at the same time. She had no business letting herself be drawn to this man since she still had questions about his motives and whether or not he could be working with Jake. She didn’t really think so, but...
Harper gave herself a mental shake and held the door for Star to hop in. She was not attracted to him. There.
Riley settled into the passenger seat with Leo and True behind them again. Once Harper was in the driver’s seat and headed down the road, she glanced at her handsome passenger. “Are you going to eat with us?”
“No. I have something I need to take care of.”
“What’s that?”
He shrugged. “Just...something. Personal stuff.”
She raised a brow but kept silent. It was none of her business after all. A short time later, she pulled in front of the café and Riley opened his door. He turned back to her. “Let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help.”
“I will. Thank you for leading us out there today.”
“You’re welcome.” He glanced at his watch. “I’ve got to get going.” He shifted then rubbed a hand over his chin. “Will you let me know if I can collect the reward money?”
Harper frowned. “Sure. If we find Jake here due to your call, we’ll get your money to you.”
He flushed. “I know I sound money-hungry. It’s not that, it’s just my—”
“It’s really not my business. I’ll be in touch.”
Riley nodded then exhaled sharply. “Right. Thanks.” He climbed out and shut the door. She watched him walk to his car and sighed. Why had she interrupted him?
Because his great place for a date comment still rang in her ears. And because she didn’t think she’d mind one bit going on a date with him.
Even though she didn’t date. And even though she might want to. No, she didn’t. Because she was not attracted to him, she reminded herself. She had a job to do. Period.
A rap on her window made her jump. When she turned, Max was waiting for her. She lowered the window. “You coming?” he asked.
She turned to see Riley pull away from the parking lot and made up her mind. “I want to check on something first if that’s all right.”
He frowned. “What?”
“I’m going to follow him. I want to see where he’s going. I’m still not a hundred percent convinced he’s not somehow working with Jake.”
Max gave a slow nod. “Might not be a bad idea. You want some backup?”
“Not yet. I’ll call if I need you.”
* * *
Riley cruised down I-70 toward Denver and thought about the morning. He was hungry but would get something in the hospital cafeteria. His need to see his nephew ate at him. And he needed an update from the doctors.
But he couldn’t help the groan that slipped from his throat. “A great place for a date? Really?” His eyes had locked on Harper’s and that was what he’d thought. And that was what had come out of his mouth. He shook his head. He wasn’t usually so free with his words. But there was just something about her...
He sighed.
He didn’t need to focus on that. Instead, he needed to keep his attention on his nephew and helping him heal. A budding attraction for the pretty FBI agent would only distract him and neither he nor his nephew needed that right now. Priorities, he reminded himself. Priorities.
An hour and forty-five minutes later, he arrived in Denver and pulled into the hospital parking lot. He turned the vehicle off and simply sat there a moment. He wanted to pray, to beg God for guidance, money and healing for his nephew, but...
He wanted to believe that God was who He said He was. But so much had happened in the last year that made him question his faith. Made him wonder if he believed in a God who either wasn’t all-powerful or just didn’t really care about what was going on with him personally. He pushed out of his truck. No time to ponder the heavy stuff. Asher was waiting for him.
Riley walked through the doors of the hospital. He made his way to Asher’s floor and headed for the child’s room. As he passed the nursing station, the men and women greeted him. “Glad to see you back. Asher’s been asking for you. His teacher is here, too.”
“Thanks.”
He opened the door and found his mother sitting in the chair she’d occupied since his sister’s death and Asher’s admittance into the hospital. Her needles clicked softly and a ball of yarn spilled from the bag next to her chair. A dark haired, dark-eyed woman sat on the edge of Asher’s bed. The little guy held a card in his hand and others spilled over his lap and the smile on his face was worth more than gold.
“Hi, I didn’t realize he had company,” Riley said as he leaned over and kissed the top of his mother’s head.
“I’m Beth Smith,” the woman said. “I was Asher’s first grade teacher last year. I heard about what happened and about two weeks ago rounded up his classmates and friends. We had a card-making party for Asher and I was very excited to be able to bring them to him today.”
Riley shook her hand. “That’s very kind.”
“I miss them, Uncle Riley.”