“As long as we know our roles,” she teased, her finger reaching up to touch her lower lip and driving me nuts.
“You should go before I do something stupid and irresponsible,” I told her, reaching for her but she slipped from the car before I could grab her.
“Tomorrow.”
“I’ll hold you to it.”
She danced backwards, the smile never leaving her face and I watched until she reached the RV and slipped inside. I pulled the car under the carport, shutting off the engine as I thought about the rollercoaster of a day. My head dropped back against the seat as I exhaled, remembering the weight of the gun in my hand and the quiet snick of the safety coming off, the calm thought that I could make it look like a suicide along with the eagerness to finally end his reign.
“Shit.” I opened the car door, leaning out as the acid churning in my stomach came up. Dry heaves came in waves as I held onto the car. Finally, when it seemed to stop I wiped my mouth, spitting in the grass as I walked to the door. A manila envelope caught my eye, and I eyed it warily, glancing around the dark yard before walking toward it. Someone had propped it between the storm door and the back door, making sure it would be found.
I opened the door, bringing the envelope inside as I stripped my shirt off, tossing it on the washing machine as I walked to the kitchen. I slit the tape sealing the envelope, shaking the contents out onto the kitchen table. It only took a second to recognize what it was and I thumbed through the papers, wondering again what Clutch hoped to find.
I dialed the number from memory, forgetting the time.
“Hello?” He sounded tired.
“I have what you were asking for,” I told him. “Copies at least.”
“That’s great,” Clutch replied, sounding more awake. “I’ll be back home this afternoon. Can you bring them to the house? I have someone to look over them.”
“I can.” I flipped the TV on as I headed to the bedroom. “I heard you found Kara.”
“I did, with some help,” Clutch confirmed, unmistakable relief lacing his voice. “I’m bringing her back.”
“Rob?” I asked, suspecting that had yet to be resolved.
“Still at large, but I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of him.”
“I’ll keep a look out,” I promised.
“I’ll have the club do the same,” Clutch answered.
“Yeah,” I muttered, knowing why he said it but aggravated by the fact that my ability to do my job was handcuffed by my uncle.
“We couldn’t do this without you,” Clutch replied, no doubt picking up on my discontent. “The entire club respects you.”
“I know, but I’ll never be a part of it,” I answered, clearing my throat before continuing, “I’ll see you this afternoon.” I ended the call, gathering up the autopsy and police report for Cash Hayes’ death to give to Clutch when he got back.
I checked the clock, debating my next call, but it had to be done. I hit the only number listed in my favorites, listening to it ring and right as it was about to go to voicemail, she answered.
“Hello?” Her voice was scratchy, like I’d woken her up. Or she’d been crying, I thought to myself.
“Mom,” I said roughly, glad she’d answered, but not sure I was ready to have this conversation. “Hey, something happened tonight.”
“It’s about your uncle, isn’t it?” I heard her sigh. “I should have said something before you left.” Her voice dropped, almost inaudible, “I should have said something a long time ago.”
I paused, suddenly wondering if Cadence had been right, that my mom knew more than she’d let on. “What are you talking about,” I asked carefully.
“You need to keep Cadence as far away from your uncle as you can,” Mom replied, the words spilling out in a rush. “He’s the most dangerous person in the world to her.”
“What do you mean?” I sat down, not sure my knees could handle whatever she was about to tell me. She didn’t say anything for a long moment. “Mom, this is really important. I need you to tell me whatever you know.”
“Moira Hart. Everything has to do with Moira. Cal was obsessed with her. I didn’t realize how much until she disappeared a week after Cash Hayes death. Seeing Cadence tonight, I can understand why she did it.”
“Did what?”
“Disappeared.” Mom cleared her throat. “I always suspected Cash’s death was no accident.”
“Cash Hayes,” I muttered, mostly to myself, but Mom replied anyway.
“Yes. Rumor had it Moira was going out with him and your uncle Cal couldn’t stand it.”
Clutch’s request was starting to make sense and I had a sneaking suspicion I knew who Cadence’s father was, but one thing was bothering me. “Why didn’t you say something sooner, Mom?”