Page 15 of Smoky Mountain K-9

“So, what’s going on with the sheriff’s department that’s causing you to lose sleep?” She unwrapped her straw and stuck it in her drink.

Gemma’s forehead pinched. “Do you remember Cullen Tate? The county coroner? He was in the news during the Derek Sutton case when I was kidnapped.”

Mara nodded. She’d never met the man, but she knew he was a friend of Gemma’s and Ben’s.

“So that bombing at the hospital in Asheville was his girlfriend’s car. Something’s going on with their pharmacy. Ben mentioned a drug cartel—the ATF and DEA are involved. It’s a mess. What’s got me upset is Piper—Cullen’s girlfriend—was kidnapped yesterday.”

Mara gasped. “Oh my goodness! That’s awful. Does Ben have any leads?”

“Nothing that’s panning out. They’re not even sure who all is involved other than a couple of pharmacy employees—who no one can locate now.” She ran a hand through her hair, then picked up her straw and ripped the paper off.

“How’s Cullen?”

“Stoic, as ever. But he’s hurting. Ben said he had to convince him to go home last night. He ended up at his office working all night. And he went to the hospital this morning to work. I called him to see if he needed anything, and I could hear a page go off in the background. He said he’s trying to stay busy, so he doesn’t dwell on what could be.”

Mara let out a soft snort. “I get that. When Blake died, I buried myself in work. Nights were the worst. I couldn’t get away from it then.”

“Yeah. I just hope they find her soon. One way or another. Cullen’s a very reserved man. He doesn’t let many people in, and he doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve. What’s going on with Piper has to be tearing him apart.” Gemma glanced away and took a deep breath before looking at Mara again. “Anyway, that’s what’s going on with me. The ride helped me clear my head some. Thank you for listening to me vent.”

“Of course. I’m glad I was free.” Her friendship with Gemma was one Mara dearly valued. She and Brooke had been a lifeline as she grieved her husband. Anytime she could lend an ear, she was happy to do so. “If there’s anything I can do, let me know.”

“I will.” Gemma shoved her straw into her drink. “Can we talk about something else? I need a distraction.”

“Sure. Tell me about your baby. She do anything fun since I saw you last?”

Instantly, Gemma’s face brightened at the mention of her daughter. A soft smile curved her mouth. “She smiled. I had one of her crinkly rattles and was waving it over her face. She reached a hand up for it and smiled. We can already see bits of her personality coming out. She’s going to be a lot like me, I’m afraid. She’s very demanding.”

Mara laughed. “Poor Ben.”

Gemma giggled. “Poor Ben, nothing. He knew what he was getting into when he married me.”

“Still—I’m betting he hopes the next kid is a boy.”

“Probably.” Laughing, she took a drink of her water.

Mara grinned and shook her head. She wasn’t sure a boy would be any different. Something told Mara any baby Gemma had would end up being a handful.

A pang of melancholy set off an ache in Mara’s heart. Once upon a time, she imagined she’d be where Gemma was now. Happily married with a baby. But that dream died with Blake.

Carter’s face flashed in her mind.

Or so she thought. Maybe the dream wasn’t dead.

Whether it was or not, she was a long way off from a child of her own. And it would do her well to remember that just because she was putting herself out there again, didn’t mean she could resurrect a future she’d buried. Life didn’t work that way.

Seven

Mara put her car in park in Carter’s driveway and eyed the single-story structure through her windshield. The small brick ranch was tidy, but plain. No plants or decorations adorned his porch. Evergreen hedges lined the flowerbeds that were in need of some mulch and edging. Maybe this spring, if they were still together, he’d let her get her hands on it and spruce it up a bit. It had a lot of potential.

Exiting her car, she locked it and slid the keys into her purse as she walked up the two steps to the porch and rang the bell. She heard toenails on wood, then heavier footfalls near the door and the muffled sound of Carter’s voice a moment before the door opened.

“Hi.” He smiled. “Come in.” Stepping back, he motioned her inside.

Mara stepped over the threshold and glanced around. The front door opened into a small entryway. To the left was a small living room. Brown leather furniture faced an entertainment center that boasted a large television. A few art prints adorned the other walls, making the room feel less stark. It was still empty compared to her house, though. Why didn’t men ever want to decorate? Or at least the ones she knew? What was wrong with some color and comfort in a house?

“Let me take your coat.”

She shrugged out of it and handed it to him. “Thanks.”