Page 14 of Tango (Hunt Brothers Search & Rescue #4)

Tucker

I ’ve spent every moment since I got home yesterday trying to rip this video apart. But whoever forged it did an incredible job ensuring it would pass even the highest level of scrutiny. I lean back in my chair and groan, then roll my shoulders.

Everything aches from sitting in this chair for so long.

At my feet, Tango looks up at me, clearly hopeful that my movement means I’ll be getting up and he’ll get some outside time. Which, to be honest, wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. Sunlight has a way of resetting me when I’ve spent far too long indoors.

Maybe in addition to ‘plugging into computers’ as Dylan says, I’m solar-powered. The thought brings a smile to my face, as does Tango’s hopeful brown gaze.

“All right, boy, you’ve worn me down. Come on.”

He jumps up as I do, then stares at me, almost annoyed, when I pause in the kitchen to grab a glass of water.

I’ve been at this for sixteen hours and barely even surfaced for food.

Even then, the only reason I ate is because Mom brought me a plate and practically force-fed me breakfast. Since it’s nearly four in the afternoon, I imagine she’ll be coming around again soon—this time to make sure I don’t skip dinner.

The air is warm, the sun still bright overhead as I make my way out onto my porch. From here, I can barely see the round pen just off the back of the barn where Nova, Elliot’s wife, is working with one of our newest horses.

She’d been a homicide detective before washing up barely alive in our creek a couple of years ago. Now, she’s a valued member of our team, a sister, and an expert with troubled horses. Even more so than the rest of us. She just has that touch, I suppose.

I take a seat on the porch steps as Tango runs around, doing what I call a “puppy freak-out” as he rolls in the grass and retrieves a stick to run around the yard with it. There are no fences, but he remains close.

As I’m sitting here, Bradyn comes over the hill on the back of his horse, Rev. He offers me a wave then guides Rev over toward me before dismounting and tethering his horse to the post in front of my house.

It’s a new addition, something we added a few months ago in front of each of our homes, so when we’re out and about, we can swing by for a restroom break or a quick drink.

“Hey,” he greets, coming to sit in the chair beside me.

“How’s the ride been?”

“Good. I found some loose fencing in the southeast pasture. Got it tightened up.” He removes his leather gloves and sets them beside him. “Any update on the video?”

I take a deep breath. I hate that I haven’t made any progress. Anything that will put Alice in the clear. “No. But I’m telling you, Bradyn, I just don’t see her as a killer.”

“I know you don’t want to,” he says. “But she could be lying.”

I shake my head. “I feel it in my gut.” As of now, Alice is currently sitting in a holding cell in the Pine Creek sheriff’s station.

She hasn’t been booked but agreed to be held there until we could be sure she’s not a threat to us or our families.

Her parents were less than thrilled, but we told them that we were hoping to get her out within twenty-four hours.

A clock that is quickly running out.

At least there, she’s under constant guard by Gibson Lawson, Pine Creek’s newest sheriff, and someone we’ve known since we were kids. He’ll keep her safe and out of the system until we know what we’re dealing with.

She’d gone willingly too, in exchange for a chance to sit at my computer and pick apart that video on the off chance I couldn’t prove it to be a fake.

“You really think she’s innocent?”

I consider. “I really do, Bradyn. You should have seen her the night they came for her parents. She was terrified after what happened in that alley.”

“Truly terrified or a really great actress,” he adds.

“No. Because if she were acting, she wouldn’t have dropped the front. She’s moved past the shock and into anger. For her friend, her parents, her life—I just don’t see a killer behaving this way. There are tells, you know? And Alice has none of the tells.”

“We can’t hold her forever,” he tells me. “Eventually, we’ll have to make the call. I’ll leave it up to you.”

“I’ll go pick her up today. I’ll offer to let her stay in my guest room.

Then we can monitor the exterior of my house to make sure she doesn’t leave.

” Since her parents are currently occupying the only extra studio cabin we have for our ranch hands, and I don’t trust her enough to let her stay in my parents’ guest room, mine is the next best option.

“Sounds good. But you need to watch your back too. I don’t want you getting so close to this that you’re not thinking clearly.”

Since I can read between the lines, I arch a brow and look over at him. “I’m not romantically interested in the woman,” I tell him. “So there’s zero chance of getting distracted.”

He doesn’t even try to hide the fact that he doesn’t believe me. “No? You seem awfully interested in clearing her name.”

“Because I believe she’s innocent. I’d be doing the same if it were anyone else in her situation. Just because you, Elliot, and Riley all found love on the job doesn’t mean I’m the same. I have no interest in a relationship—of any kind.”

Bradyn shrugs. “Fine. I’ll drop it. Let me know if you find anything, okay?”

“Will do. You guys are monitoring Web Safe’s movements?”

“I spoke to Wilbur Huck this morning and let him know we were hired to find Frank’s missing nephew. I left out Alice Sterling’s name, but he was furious when he discovered the video of her shooting Ramiro had been leaked.”

“I’m leaning toward the belief that he leaked it himself to make sure we didn’t believe her story when we found her. If he’s as deeply embedded in this as Alice says he is, then he’ll be doing everything he can to cover his tracks.”

Bradyn nods. “Honestly, that was my first impression too. We just need to decide whether or not she’s actually guilty. And if she’s not, then we need to find out the truth about what she and Ramiro Caine stumbled into.”

The Pine Creek sheriff’s station is relatively small with only two deputies, Sheriff Gibson, and a receptionist. I offer her a wave now as I step into the station.

Gibson glances up through the glass window in his office then sets down whatever papers he was reading before heading out into the main area.

“Anything?”

“Nothing concrete,” I tell him. “Though I’m certain she’s innocent. I’d like to go ahead and take her out.”

Gibson looks unconvinced. “Look, if she’s not innocent, and I let a killer walk free?—”

“I promise she’s not going anywhere. But I could use her help. If someone from Web Safe did this, chances are good that she can prove it.”

“How do you know she won’t manipulate the footage to prove she’s innocent?”

“Because I’ll know,” I reply. “Can you take me to the holding cells?”

Gibson hesitates only a second then nods. “Sure thing.” He withdraws a set of keys from his pocket then unlocks a door at the back before pulling it open and leading me down a white hallway. Once we reach the end, I note two empty cells, with the third containing Alice.

She’s lying on a cot, staring up at the ceiling.

“Don’t get too comfortable,” I say.

She practically leaps off the cot, crystal eyes wide and bright. “Did you find out who did it?”

“Not yet. But I’m working on it. You ready to get out?”

Her pale gaze narrows on me. “You’re letting me out even though you have no proof that I’m not a cold-blooded killer?”

“I don’t believe that you killed Ramiro,” I say. “Though if you’d rather wait around?—”

“Nope. No offense, Sheriff, these really are great cells. Excellent customer service.” She retrieves her jacket from the cot, slips back into her boots, then gets up and starts toward the door as he unlocks it. “Thanks.” She takes a deep breath.

“You’re welcome,” he replies with a tight smile.

“Are you hungry?” I ask.

“Starving,” she replies before looking at Gibson again. “Again, no offense.”

He chuckles. “None taken.” Then she turns to me.

“Lani came by and checked her arm, then cleaned and redressed it. She said that it’s looking better now that she’s on the antibiotics.

But I’m to remind you that Alice is not—and these are Lani’s exact words—to be anywhere in the vicinity of danger until Lani gives the all clear. ”

I laugh. That’s so Lani.

“Like I told the good doctor, we’ll do our best,” Alice replies. “Won’t we, Tucker?” Alice kneels down to lace up her combat boots.

I arch a brow. “Sure thing.”

Gibson holds up his hands. “It’s out of my hands now. I just hope you’re right,” he says to me.

“I am,” I reply.

“Great. See you guys later.” He heads down the hall, and I wait until Alice is done lacing up her boots before we follow.

“He hopes you’re right—would that be in relation to my innocence?”

“It would.”

“So you’re the only one who believes me.” If she’s hurt, she hides it well.

“Pretty much. And I hate being wrong, so I really hope you’re telling me the truth.”

She eyes me with mild annoyance. “Would I tell you if I weren’t?”

I smile. “Fair enough.” Pulling open the door, I let Alice into the main room of the sheriff’s office before following her out.

“So how far have you gotten on the video?” Alice asks.

“Not far. Whoever did it, does good work.”

“I know who it likely was,” she says, then waves at the receptionist. “Thanks again for the cookies, Jenny, they were delicious.”

Jenny’s entire expression lights up. “You’re welcome, Alice. I hope to see you around! Though preferably not behind bars.”

Alice laughs. “Me too. See you around!”

We step out onto the sidewalk, and I’m still staring at Alice.

“What?” She brushes her dark hair over her shoulder.

“I thought you said you weren’t social.”

“I’m not usually. But when you’re stuck in a cage with no one to talk to, you improvise. Jenny is really sweet too, so that helps.”

“They let you have cookies in jail?”

“Cookies and—get this—coffee.” Her eyes go wide, and she smiles before turning her attention back to the street. She looks completely different despite spending the night in jail. Like the weight of the world has been lifted off her shoulders.

“You’re in better spirits this morning.”

“I had a talk with God and was reminded that, ‘though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid.’”

“Psalm 27,” I comment appreciatively.

“You know it?” she asks.

“I do. Well.” It’s literally tattooed on my chest. Though she’ll never know that. When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. I got it right after I rescued Dylan. A reminder that, no matter how deep the waters are, God won’t let me drown.

“It’s probably my favorite of the Psalms,” Alice says.

I can’t tear my gaze from her as Bradyn’s voice echoes in my mind.

“ I don’t want you getting so close to this that you’re not thinking clearly.

” Even as I think them, though, I shove the thoughts aside.

I am not getting too close. She’s just interesting, that’s all.

I’m allowed to be intrigued, right? That’s not a crime.

No, but murder is.

“Do you like burgers?” I ask, shifting my attention away from thoughts that have no business being in my head.

“I love burgers. Especially if there are onion rings involved.”

“I can help with that. Come on.” I lead her down Main Street and toward the café.

“This place looks like it belongs in a Hallmark movie.”

I laugh. “It’s a great little town, that’s for sure.”

She turns as two teenagers trot their horses down the road, likely working with the animals in preparation for our town’s fall parade, which takes place the first weekend of October. It might be nearly two months away, but they start early around here.

“A western Hallmark, for sure. Do you have a cowboy hat?” she asks, turning to me. “I bet you do.”

Smiling, I reach for the door to the café. “I do. Now, do you want to discuss my boots or dive into the best burgers in the south?”

She pauses for a moment and takes a deep breath, then turns to me, a gorgeous smile on her face. “It smells like they’re the best. And the boot discussion can definitely wait until I’ve eaten.”