Page 164 of Noel Secrets

“I’m Agent Walker, FBI,” Clay said as he approached. “You saw her?”

“Officer Turner. Yes, she seemed fine. She was in a rush to pick up her son.”

That didn’t make any sense. “She seemed fine?”

“Yes, and the BOLO said only to do a wellness check, and that’s what I did. I talked with her privately, and she insisted she was fine. Her passenger seemed okay too.”

“Passenger? What passenger? Her son?”

“No, he was about her age. The name on the license was Maxwell Merchant.”

“Did you run his name?”

“I was going to, but your girl really wanted to get back on the road, and I didn’t have any reason to suspect him.”

Clay took out his cell phone and relayed the information back to Cooper. “I have no idea who this guy is, but apparently, he’s with Darby.”

He heard Cooper typing on the computer. “I can’t find anyone by that name. Can the officer give a description?”

“He was tall and thin. Dark hair. Tattoos on his arms.”

Dean swore then pulled out his cell phone.

“Do you recognize him?” Clay asked.

“Maybe.” He scrolled through his phone then held up an image. “Is this the man you saw in the car?”

The officer nodded. “That was him.”

“Who is he?” Clay demanded.

“His real name is Max Stewart. I’ve busted him a few times on drug charges and burglary.” He took a breath and the bitterness on his face told Clay his next words were not going to be good ones. “He also used to date Suzanne.”

Clay’s stomach tightened at that bit of information. “Is he dangerous?”

“He never has been before, but if he’s after Darby’s inheritance, for that kind of cash, I’m not sure.”

“Do you think Suzanne is involved?”

Dean rubbed his chin as if in thought then gave a reluctant nod. “She was very interested when she heard about the money Darby inherited.”

Clay pulled out his phone to check her GPS. “Looks like the car’s parked at the Silver Lake RV Center about twenty miles up the road.”

Officer Turner stood to attention. “That campground has lots of isolated areas this time of year.”

“Let’s go,” Clay said, running back to his pickup.

Dean hopped in too and they took off down the road, following Officer Turner, who turned on his siren.

Dean took out his phone and dialed.

“Who are you calling?”

“Suzanne. I hope she’s not involved in this.” He held the phone to his ear then shook his head and grimaced. “She’s not answering. It’s going to voicemail … Suzanne, call me back right now.” He ended the call. “There’s no way Max knew about that money without Suzanne telling him.”

Officer Turner turned off his lights and sirens as they turned from the highway and past the Silver Lake RV Camping Center sign. No need to alert this Max and Suzanne that they were approaching.

Clay took the lead, since he had the GPS, and led them to the cabin where he spotted Darby’s rental car parked.