Dylan nodded. “You are definitely Langley trained, Blue.”
“Whoever made those footprints might be working with her or coming for her. It doesn’t matter which. Black and Jason have kept their eyes on Silver Spoon Bridge for any cars ever since we learned she was Lunceford’s sister. My bet is the footprint guy either arrived in town the same time Cindy showed up and he’s been here the whole time, hiding out, waiting to pounce once he gets the go-ahead from whoever is pulling his strings. Or he got here walking the shoreline or by boat. Either way, I believe this mystery man is tied to Lunceford.”
“Your theory makes a whole lot of sense to me.” Corey couldn’t have asked for a better brother, a better friend. “We need to tell Black about what you’ve come up with. I’m sure he’ll want to get some eyes on the shoreline and beach.”
Shane nodded. “And as a safety net, I think putting a tracker on Trollinger’s car is a must.”
“Brilliant idea, Blue,” Dylan said.
“I agree, bro.” They all knew that if the mystery fucker tried to bolt with or without Cindy in her car, they would have him.
* * * *
It was 9:00 p.m., nearly twenty-four hours after Belle and her sister had heard the cracking of the ice. Trying to convince Shane and Corey that it only made sense for her to go with Paris into Cindy’s room for the final round was proving difficult.
Juan had his headphones on and was playing his video games, so they could talk freely.
“Trollinger isn’t even sick.” Corey’s jaw was locked. The guy had a stubborn streak a mile long.
“Paris still has to change her sheets. Besides, if I stop going in with Paris, Cindy is going to get suspicious. You still don’t think she’s working with Lunceford, do you?”
Shane shrugged. “Maybe she gets suspicious or maybe she doesn’t. We still aren’t thrilled with you going in. If you insist, one of us will go in with you.”
“What do you think Cindy can do to me? Bite me? She doesn’t have any weapons. There’s no way in or out of the room except b
y the door. If you go in with me, that will also tip her off.” Knowing that they both were only trying to protect her, she decided to make her case another way. “Besides, you promised Doc to take care of Paris. Is it safe for her to go into the room alone?”
Corey sighed. “Damn it, Belle. You’re too smart for your own good. You should’ve been an attorney instead of a nurse. With your talent at arguing I doubt you would’ve lost a single case.”
“Good. Case closed.”
Shane pulled her in close. “You will go in with Paris, not alone.”
Paris walked into the room. “Sorry. Do I need to come back?”
Belle shook her head. “Your timing couldn’t be more perfect.”
Corey placed his hand on the back of her neck. “The first sign of trouble, you call in Jonas and Cooper and then you come get us. Understand?”
“Can you be more overprotective? I don’t think so.” She grinned. “Yes, your majesties, I understand.”
Shane cupped her chin. “Mock all you want, but if you’re not back in ten minutes, we’re coming to get you.”
“I don’t doubt that at all.” She kissed both Shane and Corey. “I’ll be fine.”
Juan looked up from his game.
She motioned for him to take off his headset.
“Mom, just ten more minutes. Please.”
She smiled, happy to see him nearly completely healed. “Put it away. You can watch television but no more video games. They always keep you up too late.”
He nodded and turned to Shane and Corey. “May I pick the show?”
“Of course,” they both said in unison.
She left the room, following her friend out into the hallway.