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“Any unusual visitors at the house? Suspicious vehicles in the neighborhood? Calls or messages that felt… off?”
She shook her head. “Nothing.”
“Has he been in the news recently? Featured in any public events?”
“No. I’m careful about things like that.” She had to be. For her own sake.
Daniel leaned back slightly. His posture relaxed, but Ellie wasn’t fooled. He was still watching her, still filing away every word. “Something made you think the perpetrators were hired. What gave you that impression?”
Ellie hesitated. They’d moved like professionals. One had gone for Owen, the other for her. It hadn’t been messy or frenzied—not like something driven by emotion. It had been calculated and controlled. But she couldn’t share all those observations, so she picked one that seemed reasonable for a mystery writer.
“It was their focus.” Ellie purposefully creased her forehead, as if she was figuring out how to explain what she’d instinctively felt. “They didn’t say a word. They didn’t grab my purse, didn’t ask for the keys. One reached straight for Owen, while the other came at me. It felt coordinated. Like they knew exactly what they were there for.”
Daniel inclined his head thoughtfully. “And you think that kind of coordination points to a trafficking ring?”
“I think it’s a possibility.”
Again, he made that annoying noncommittal sound. Ellie felt that surge of frustration all over again. The first 24 hours of the investigation were critical. If Daniel spent his time focused on Owen’s family or on her, he wouldn’t find the culprits responsible for this attack.
Before she could say anything, Roy hung up his phone and hurried across the room. “We’ve got a lead on the van. A pharmacy in the next county was robbed by two men wearing ski masks. They took the cash from the register and some medicalsupplies. I’m heading over to the pharmacy to interview the witnesses.” He turned to Daniel. “Want to join me?”
Daniel flipped his notebook closed. “I’ll stay here and make sure Miss Brooks and Owen get home safely.”
Oh no. He was going to use that opportunity to dig into her background. She was already on edge after the attack. The last thing she needed was a too-smart-for-his-own-good Texas Ranger digging for details about her past.
Maybe he was more like Marta than she’d given him credit for. Both were relentless when they noticed something wasn’t right. Ellie had convinced the trusting Marta, along with everyone else in town, that she was exactly who she said, but she instinctively knew she’d met her match in Daniel Perez.
“There’s no need to go out of your way, Ranger Perez.” Ellie shifted to the edge of the window seat, trying hard not to jostle Owen too much. “We’ll get home just fine on our own in my vehicle.”
Daniel’s hand landed on her elbow as she rose, a steadying counterbalance to the weight of the child in her arms. His touch was warm, his hold gentle and yet firm. Ellie’s heart skipped a beat as her startled gaze lifted to his.
He smiled. “Daniel.”
“Excuse me?” She was having trouble pulling together a thought while he was still touching her.
“You can call me Daniel.” He released her elbow and stepped back. “Unfortunately, your SUV can’t be moved until the crime scene is processed. I’m happy to take you and Owen myself.”
“I can call someone.” Her gaze shifted to Roy. “Or I’m sure an officer or a sheriff’s deputies will give me a lift.”
“Everyone’s busy.” Roy clapped a hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “This lawman is the only one not assigned to a task. Easier for everyone if he gives you a lift.” The chief shot her a concerned look. “I know half a dozen people you can call to drive y’all home,but I’d feel a lot better knowing Daniel made sure you got there safe and sound. Save this old man from the extra worry, would ya, hon?”
Normally, Ellie would be irritated at being handled, but she sensed genuine worry in Roy’s voice. She knew well enough when she’d been beaten. Besides, causing a fuss might make Roy wonder why she wasn’t accepting help. Then she’d have two law enforcement officers digging into her past.
With a tight smile, Ellie nodded. “All right. Thank you, Ranger Perez. I’d appreciate a ride home.”
As if he detected her brewing annoyance at being trapped into accepting his offer, Daniel’s lips curved into a half-smile. He collected the diaper bag from the floor. “I know we just met, but my mother calls herself Owen’s godmother. There’s no need for formality. Please call me Daniel.”
He was trying to lower her guard. She knew the game well and was tempted to ignore his request, but that would be more than rude. Instead, she gave him a saccharine smile. “You can call me Ellie.”
Those handsome lips twitched with amusement, and then he gestured toward the door. “After you, Ellie.”
His voice was deep and carried a rhythm she couldn’t quite place. Not distinctly Texan, not fully Latino either. Smooth and low. A little smoky. Ellie liked it, and that irritated her beyond measure.
“Wait.” Roy crossed the nursery class, opened a closet door, and removed a car seat. “You’ll need this. I’ll let Mrs. Jenkins know you’ll be borrowing it for a few days.”
Warmth spread through Ellie. This is why she loved Silver Creek. No one hesitated a moment to help a fellow neighbor. “Thank you for thinking of it, Roy.” She fell into step beside him as they left the nursery. “How long before I can get my SUV?”
“You’ll have it tomorrow morning. I’ll have your window replaced, and then one of my officers will drive it over to your house.”