Hoping to remain with Emma and the physician assistant, gaining privacy for questioning in the process, Jane flattened a hand over her stomach and faked a sharp pain. “Oh no. Was I injured internally during the fight I just won? I should probably get checked out, too.”
Conrad glared at her while standing guard over his captives. “I’m sure you’ll recover. I can’t leave until my team arrives. You’ll stay here with me.”
“Allow her to suffer with what is clearly a legitimate ailment?” Beau asked with an almost amused tsk-tsk in his voice. “Don’t be so cruel, Conrad. I’ll drive Jane to the clinic. Since she isn’t under arrest, she’s free to go. Isn’t she?”
Teeth clenched, Conrad grated, “She is.”
She tried not to beam her thanks in the midst of her great stomach agony. Did Beau suspect Caroline of wrongdoing, too? Or think she only hoped to stay with Rolex’s greatest foe? Or maybe he just liked getting one over on the special agent. Each motive received Jane heartily approval.
Beau scooped Emma into his arms and headed out. Caroline followed him, but Jane lagged before racing to Conrad, who stood behind Anthony and Tiffany. The pair had given up the battle and simply panted while laying on the grass. All around, townsfolk murmured about what they’d witnessed. Tomorrow, Fiona might die of disappointment for missing the event of the century.
Jane rose to her tiptoes and kissed Conrad’s stubble-covered cheek. “I’ll be fine, I promise.” The scent of cedar and spice made her heart trip, a soothing balm like no other.
“You better be.” Expression a mix of fear and anger, he said, “I know you consider Emma the killer, and you want to remain by her side. For my peace of mind, stay here.”
“Conrad, you don’t ask a star to stop shining. You make a wish and hope for the best. And Emma isn’t my only reason for going.”
His eyes narrowed. “When this is over, I’m placing you under immediate house arrest. Just see if I don’t. I’ll be your jailer.” He tightened his grip. “You’ll do everything I tell you for once.”
“Maybe,” she said, a smile spreading. Her life had certainly gotten infinitely more interesting since meeting this man. She kind of owed the killer a thank you. But only kind of.
From somewhere in the distance, Beau called her name.
“I’ve got to go,” she said. “Listen. Don’t be mad, but I think Caroline is guilty of something major. Maybe murder, who knows? But don’t worry. I’m gonna get answers. Okay, see ya. Bye!” She raced off to join Beau inside his truck as Conrad sputtered questions at her retreating back.
Chapter Fourteen
Kosta Diakos
Now The Party Can Start.
Plot 665, Garden of Memories
“Put her right here,” Caroline Whittington said as she marched through the clinic.
Beau and Jane followed. A tower of strength at her side, he and his short shorts were streaked with dirt. He carried Emma as gently as possible and eased her onto an exam table. The paper cover crinkled under her legs.
Emma had yet to wake up. Which Jane didn’t understand.
Caroline exited, calling, “Come on, Jane. You’ll be in here. Beau, stay with Emma and shout if she rouses.”
Jane shared a glance with Beau. He was gearing up to protest. To demand he remain at her side. To claim he could zip-tie Emma to the table and all would be well. Except his big, intimidating presence might prevent Caroline from opening up.
“I might need to undress,” she told him, not the least bit flustered by the thought of undressing in front of her friend. Nope. Not her.
A muscle jumped in his jaw. “I’ll turn my back.”
Not. The. Least. Bit. “Stay here. You’ll only be a shout away,” she whispered for his ears alone.
“I only helped you get here so we can put an end to this and get you out of danger, not throw you into more of it.”
“One, you need to guard a possible murderer. Two, there’s nothing to worry about. Caroline isn’t foolish enough to attack me with such a strong, concerned witness nearby. Plus, did you see my savage brawl with Emma? I’ve got skills, Beau. Good ones.”
His brows dropped. So did his voice. “You think Caroline is involved in the murder?”
“Don’t you?” Jane left him sputtering as fervently as Conrad as she tracked Caroline to an exam room two doors down. A different room than before, though it possessed the same design.
Did the PA have an affair with Dr. Hots or not? Did she treasure hunt with him, perhaps? Coworkers with mining benefits.
Did Caroline kill him for cheating on her? Or for cheating her of her share of gold? Maybe she was or wasn’t the one who’d delivered the fatal blow, but she was absolutely, positively involved in the crime. How could she not be? Her name started with a C and Jane wanted to kick herself for not noticing such an obvious clue sooner.