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“The only way we’ll catch them is to set a trap. I’m sure they have a representative petitioning the court. I doubt it’s them in person. Let’s go talk to the judge and have them tell Eric and Aaron that they can come in and sign some paperwork to buy the land. Since they seem to think they’re making this look legal, we’ll use the legal system to reel them in.”
Grady nodded once. “Sounds good. Your officer is here now, so I’m headed back to Rapid City. We’ll put together enough evidence to get someone arrested for the two murders.”
Once Micha woke, he’d be questioned. Since he was in custody, it would be good for him to talk. That might allow leniency, though Allen hoped they weren’t too lax with sentencing. The man had tried to kill them multiple times.
Grady left the scene, leaving Allen and Danny to process the car and the damage. He sent Dad downstairs to turn off the furnace. If anything was damaged, it could cause a fire, and they didn’t need to heat rooms that were now open to the outside.
“We’ll need to find somewhere for you to stay.” Dad shoved his hands into his pockets.
Life came into greater perspective. Dad had struggled, but he’d tried his best to put Allen first. Now, it was his duty to make sure his father and Heather were cared for. “For both of us. There’s a safe house where Heather’s father is staying. There’s room for both of us and Jasper there until we can make repairs.”
“Are you sure you want me there? Ed trashed you during the election because of me.”
He wouldn’t let Dad live in the shadows anymore. “No, he tried to sabotage my election because he was still angry about Mom. He thought the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Especially because, while my mother was a bartender, Ed and his wife were trying to help her get out of that life. She disappeared shortly after she had me and they blamed you for her disappearance.”
“As they should.” He turned away. “I’m far from perfect.”
“No one is perfect, Dad.” He shoved his hands deep into his coat pockets as Danny came into the house.
“Hey, I wanted you to know the judge likes your plan. He’s willing to go along with it as long as there’s enough protection there for him. He’s aware of the lengths these two have gone for that land.”
“Do I have time to check on Heather before we head them off?” He looked at his watch. The judge would be at the county seat in Rapid City. That would take an hour to get there.
“Yes. The judge will arrange the meeting tomorrow, so it doesn’t look too suspicious. The EMT gave me Micha’s phone, so we’ll be able to see who calls him. Since the hospital won’t give out any information on him, we have time to get everything in place.”
This was their last chance to trap Eric and Aaron. He wanted to make sure Heather was safely in the hospital, far away from Micha, and in expert hands. “Good. Dad, want to come with me to visit Heather?”
He gave a quick nod. “We’ll have to take my truck. We can switch them out before driving all that way if you want to. I’m going to put Jasper in his kennel for now. Dad, can you come back and get him later today?”
Having his car would mean they could get where they needed to go, quickly if needed.
Dad nodded his agreement.
“Then that’s our plan. Danny, can you make sure the judge has everything he needs beforehand? I’ll call and confirm in a few hours. I don’t want to be lax, either. Signing documents doesn’t take away Eric’s guilt, and he knows that. We need to be watching for him to pounce today.”
Dad opened the driver’s side of the truck and waited for Allen. Danny frowned. “The hospital already knows no one but you and her father should get anywhere near her room. Heather should be safe. It’s you two who need to be careful.”
And Heather’s father. He hadn’t called to check up on Ed, assuming he’d be fine. When he’d stepped away from Heather, she’d been taken. Ed could be in danger with no one watching him. Allen climbed into the truck and buckled in before he dialed Ed’s number.
The phone rang about five times before Ed finally picked up. “Hello?”
“Good, I’m glad you’re there. I was getting concerned.”
“Allen? I’ve been waiting for word on Heather. Is she alright?” Ed asked.
He wouldn’t lie to the man or sugarcoat the issue. “She was taken from the hospital. In the process, she tore her stitches open. We’ve found her and she’s going back to the hospital. Is there anything else I can do for you?” He’d earn the man’s respect if it was the last thing he did. He had forgiveness, but respect was earned.
“No. Thank you for letting me know. The door is locked and I’m not opening it for anyone.”
“I’ll make sure Heather is in good hands.”
Ed was silent for a moment and Allen worried he’d hung up. “Allen, I think she is.”
His heart thrummed loudly in his ears. That sounded like a blessing. He prayed for Heather and her father as Dad pulled the truck into the parking lot. He killed the engine and took a deep breath. “I shouldn’t go with you. As much as I want to see her and help you, I’m neither quick nor helpful in a dangerous situation.”
He’d beg to differ after his dad had helped Heather when bullets were flying, but he wouldn’t force his father to join him. “Do you have somewhere you can go?”
“I do. I’ll be fine. The sheriff can’t usually find me when I want to stay hidden, so I don’t think these guys could either.” Dad snorted a laugh.