Deceptions (Cainsville 3)

"I'm also guessing that's why you didn't talk to him about Todd. It's one thing if Todd gave you proof he was innocent, but it would be hard to say to Gabriel that you feel he's innocent. He won't understand."

"And he'd think I was being foolish."

Ricky made a face. "I wouldn't go that far. He just won't get it. Either way, maybe you should push harder on your parents' case--"

The jangle of "Big Boss Man" cut him short. In the past, when that ring tone sounded, Ricky would roll his eyes, but when he answered there was always a warmth in his voice that belied the grumbling. I'm sure I used to do the same when my dad called--no matter how inconvenient the timing, I was always happy to hear from him. Now Ricky tensed, like a deer spotting a shotgun.

"You should answer it," I said softly.

"I know." He did, saying, "Hey." His face stayed tight as he listened and then said, "Actually, we were heading up to the cabin early. Liv has the day off." As Don replied, Ricky relaxed. "Okay, sure." A soft laugh. "Yeah, I know. I set out a few traps when we were up the last time."

I walked to the pond to give him privacy while I checked my own phone. No texts. No messages. A few e-mails, the last from Gabriel. Changing his mind about giving me two days off? God, I hoped not.

I opened Gabriel's e-mail so I could shoot back a quick response before we hit the road. Then I read his message.

I've tried calling, but you aren't answering your phone. Something urgent has come up. I need you to meet me as soon as possible. It's in regards to the Larsen case and not something I wish to put in an e-mail. I'll be at the address below. I'll expect you there within the hour. This is important, Olivia.

I checked the call log. While it was not impossible that I could have been too, um, preoccupied to hear my phone ring, there weren't any missed calls. But my cell service fluttered, the bars rising and falling.

I called Gabriel. It went straight to voice mail. I hung up and walked back to Ricky, who was on his feet, tugging on his T-shirt.

"Everything okay?" I asked.

"Yep. I suspect something came up and he was hoping I could get to it before I headed out. When I said we were leaving right away, he just wished us a good trip and asked if I'd pop into town to check messages tonight and tomorrow morning, in case he needs to contact me. Which is protocol anyway."

"So situation normal?"

"For now. Let's hope it stays that way." He looked down at the cell still in my hand.

"Gabriel," I said.

He swore. I passed over the phone with the message on the screen. As he read it, he swore some more, but said, "You do want to move on your parents' case. We'll get this over with and then take off."

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

It was not a short drive. Fifty-five minutes, in fact. Luckily, the route was easy enough--straight up the shore of Lake Michigan. We arrived on a quiet country lane. I spotted the rental Jag pulled over ahead, Gabriel standing at the roadside. I swore I could feel his impatience strumming from a hundred yards away.

Ricky pulled over and lifted his helmet visor. "He doesn't look happy."

"Does he ever?"

Ricky chuckled. "I'll go hang out in town. Call me when you're done. No rush."

I swung off the bike and headed toward Gabriel.

"Yes, it's been more than my allotted hour," I said. "But given how long it took to get here, I think you could have given me more time. Also, I didn't ignore your call. I never got it. We were out for a picnic breakfast and cell service sucked."

Gabriel stared at me as if I were speaking in tongues.

"I said I didn't get--"

"I heard what you said," Gabriel said. "I'm trying to figure out what you're talking about and what we're doing here. I don't mean to be rude, Olivia, but I did have a full day planned."

I held up my phone. "You summoned me here. On urgent business."

As he read the message, the furrow between his eyes deepened. Then he passed me his phone, with an e-mail displayed.

Hey, I hate to do this to you, because I know you're busy today, but I just got a huge lead on the Larsen case