Page 103 of Tide and Seek

“That’d be great,” Hartley said quickly, pulling out his worn notebook and looking relieved.

“For the record,” Max muttered, “I don’t approve of this.”

“How about you start at the beginning,” Hartley said, as if he hadn’t heard Max.“How did you end up in the caves?”

I took a breath, relishing the fact that just breathing was no longer an issue, and began.Max’s grip on my hand tightened as I described Ethan showing up, the fentanyl injection, waking up in the cave with water rising around me.

“Ethan Cole is in custody,” Hartley said when I’d finished.“He’s already confessed to his involvement.Claims Stiles Graham was running a drug operation, he got involved trying to make some money for his wife’s medical bills, and when he wanted to quit, Stiles threatened his family if he didn’t keep working for him.”

“I think that’s at least partially true,” I said.“Ethan did express regret at what was happening to me during the abduction.”

“But he still went along with it, didn’t he?”Max’s voice was bitter.

“Yeah, he did.”I didn’t blame Max for feeling no empathy for Ethan.I’d have felt the same if our positions were reversed.“Is Stiles in custody too?”

Hartley hesitated.“He is, but unlike Ethan, he’s already hired a fancy, high-priced lawyer.He’s trying to pin it all on Ethan, but I don’t think that’s going to fly.Ethan didn’t have the connections or the cash to front an operation like that.”

I scowled.“Trust me, Stiles wasn’t taking orders from Ethan.That’s a joke.Ethan was practically wetting himself with fear anytime Stiles even looked at him wrong.”

Tucking his notepad in his jacket, Hartley shrugged.“Yeah, I believe it.But as you well know, Sheriff, a rich asshole like Stiles isn’t going to go down without a fight.If he can pin the whole thing on Ethan, he’ll try.”

“Was Mrs.Brownstone’s murder connected to the drugs?”Max asked.

Hartley’s gaze flickered.“It was, but I’m not ready to share all the information I have just yet.”

Max scowled.“Seems like you never want to share.”

Hartley grimaced sheepishly.“What can I say?I’m a cautious man.”

Max sighed.“Can you at least tell us if the killer is in custody, or should we be worried he or she is still out there?”

Hartley pursed his lips.“You can relax.”

“At least that’s one good thing,” Max murmured.

Hartley glanced at me.“I’m glad you and Dr.Thornton came out of your ordeal safely.I also appreciate your time today, Sheriff Callum.I know you’ve been through a lot.”

“I’m all good now.”I smiled weakly.

Hartley hesitated.“If this goes to trial, the D.A.will probably need you and Dr.Thornton to testify here in L.A.Since you live in Texas, we can get a Texas judge to order the travel if it comes to that, and victim services will cover flights and a hotel.If the case pleads out—and most do—you won’t need to come back.”

I smiled.“Yeah, I know a little something about how this works.”

“That you do.”Harley nodded, extending his hand.“If I don’t see you before you head back to Texas, have a safe trip.”

“Thanks.”I shook his hand as did Max.

After Hartley left, the room fell into silence broken only by the beeping of monitors and the distant sounds of hospital activity.Max moved to sit on the edge of my bed, lacing his fingers with mine.

“Who do you think killed Mrs.Brownstone?”Max asked suddenly.

“I haven’t a clue.My brain isn’t firing on all cylinders yet.”

Max nodded, tugging at a loose thread on my hospital blanket.“I think it was Stiles.He sounds cold-blooded enough to bash an old lady over the head.From what you’ve said, he’d probably even enjoy it.”

“I can see him being the culprit.”I glanced down at my hand in his and then stiffened.“Where’s my ring?”I asked, sounding alarmed.

He smiled and patted his suit jacket.“I have it.It’s safe, don’t worry.”