Page 124 of The Graveyard Girls

Surprise flickered on his face.

“All the evidence confirms it. We also caught him red-handed with Carrie Ann Parker, but we saved her and she’s at the hospital with her mother now.”

“He confessed?”

She nodded. “He had no choice. Derrick offered to take the death penalty off the table if he revealed the names of all his victims and where he buried him. Federal agents are searching for the bodies now so we can contact families. We also found Joe’s mother, who was his first victim, and Ruth’s remains buried on the property where he lived as a child.”

Cord shook his head. “No one suspected Joe.”

“No, but it all fits.” She cleared her throat. “He was traumatized as a child by his mother. And his job as a delivery man gave him opportunity. He had access to each of the cities where girls disappeared.”

Cord digested that for a moment, and she continued. “I know who you were covering for, Cord.”

His gaze shot to hers, a war of emotions in his eyes.

“Ida and Hetty explained everything.”

“You aren’t sending them to jail, are you? Because it was self-defense. Earl Bramble was?—”

“Abusive, I know that now.” She sighed. “They’re being released, Cord. No charges against them or you.”

Relief softened his strong features. “Good. They suffered enough.”

His protective tone tugged at Ellie. In spite of his secrets, deep down Cord was a good and honorable man.

“I understand why you did what you did,” she said softly. “What I don’t understand is why you didn’t confide in me.”

Cord released a wary breath. “Because I didn’t want to compromise your job. I figured knowing would put you in a difficult position and I knew Ida and Hetty didn’t kill Ruth.”

“But you knew they killed Earl and that he was dead, and we wasted time looking for him.” Betrayal laced her voice. “You could have saved us time and manpower and helped us focus on other suspects.”

Cord’s expression looked tormented, but he didn’t argue.

“If you have to charge me with obstruction, I understand, El.”

Ellie vacillated. Maybe they would have found Joe sooner. Maybe not.

“I’m not pressing charges,” she said. “But… I need time, Cord. I have to be able to trust you. How can I do that if you don’t trust me?”

“I do trust you,” he said gruffly.

Emotions gathered in Ellie’s throat. “I mean totally trust me, Cord. No more secrets. Talk to me about your past.” She swallowed hard. “Let me see you. I mean really see you, not just touch you in the dark.”

He ran his fingers through his hair but slowly shook his head. “You won’t like what you see.”

“That’s exactly what I mean,” Ellie said, disappointment heavy in her heart. “You don’t trust in me or our feelings toward each other.” She turned and walked to the door. “You’re free to go. I… need some space to think. Deputy Landrum can drive you home.”

Frustration mingled with hurt as she left the room.

ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-FOUR

River’s Edge

Cord watched Ellie go with a sinking heart.

He wanted to trust her. He really did.

But fear kept a stranglehold on him.