Far from Bliss (Nights in Bliss, Colorado)

What the hell was happening? “She doesn’t need a lawyer because she didn’t do anything.”

“She does,” Caleb insisted. “I’m not joking and I’m not overreacting. I know how families like the Fosters work, and they will focus right in on her, and that means law enforcement will focus on her. She needs a lawyer, and Gemma is the only one in town who’s qualified. When we can bring in a criminal defense lawyer, we will. Until then you don’t say anything without Gemma by your side. Nate has to keep a record. I’m not saying Nate would do anything to hurt you, but he has obligations to the law.”

Ty felt his gut twist. “Let’s all calm down. Luce, baby, it’s going to be okay.”

“She doesn’t need a lawyer if she didn’t do anything wrong,” Michael insisted.

“That’s naïve,” Caleb countered. “I trust Nate, but there’s the distinct possibility that Nate won’t be able to stay in control of this investigation and then anything and everything she’s told him can be twisted by whoever they bring in. The Foster family has the money and influence to get the CBI involved.”

Colorado Bureau of Investigations. His mind was reeling. How had everything changed in a heartbeat? They were supposed to be counting down the minutes to getting off work so they could get home and be together. He took a long breath. They had to stay calm. Lucy had done nothing but her job.

Michael had stepped away, and he was talking on his walkie. Ty didn’t hear a word, but Lucy had gasped.

“I told you. Van wouldn’t have done this,” Lucy insisted.

“Then he can tell Nate that. I’ve already had Van Dean secured so he can talk to Nate.” Michael had that lawman look in his eyes, the one Ty kind of hoped he didn’t see again. “Nate is going to need to talk to anyone who came in contact with that drink.”

“How can we know it was the drink?” Lucy asked. “It could have been something else. He could have eaten something. I’m pretty sure he’s been doing drugs. There’s a powder on that table. I don’t think it’s baby powder.”

“Cyanide has a very specific smell.” He needed to let Lucy know what had happened and what she could possibly be accused of. God, he couldn’t even believe this was happening. “It’s almonds. I can smell it in here. Cyanide works very quickly.”

“It could have been as few as five minutes,” Caleb agreed.

“What were you doing in here for five minutes?” Michael asked. “Why would it take you that long to deliver a drink?”

“I needed him to sign the receipt. I didn’t realize who it was when he let me in. He turned his back, and I didn’t see his face. It looked like he’d taken a shower. He was in a towel, and he said he was going to grab a robe. He walked back in and immediately started drinking.”

“You should have left the minute you realized who he was,” Michael said.

“I’m supposed to get the receipt signed.” Lucy stared at the wall.

He wasn’t sure what Michael was thinking. He’d worked with a lot of cops over the years, and sometimes they went into a professional mode when in crisis. Michael seemed to have shut down emotionally.

“We’re going to the hall right now.” It was time to take charge. Normally he would let Michael handle this, but it had been a while since he worked. He seemed to have forgotten how to be both cop and boyfriend.

“That’s a good idea.” Caleb backed up and started for the hall. “The less time we spend in this space, the better I’ll feel. Did I mention how much I hate autopsies?”

Ty reached out for Lucy. “Come on, baby. Let’s wait for Nate outside.”

Michael’s hand came out, settling on Lucy’s shoulders. “I’m sorry. I’m not handling this well. It’s not how I expected the evening to go. Are you okay?”

She sniffled and looked up at Michael. “No. I don’t even understand what happened. One minute he was here and then…”

Michael wrapped his arms around her and drew her close. “It’s going to be okay.” He looked over her shoulder at Ty. “I’m sorry.”

Ty nodded, accepting the apology. “We’re all in shock. Let’s go outside and talk about this.”

There was a knock on the door and then a feminine voice called out. “Brock? Hello?”

Ty watched as a young woman walked in. He’d seen her around the lodge but hadn’t interacted with her. She was staying in the villas. Her eyes widened with horror as she saw the body on the floor. Her hand came out to cover her mouth, but not before a scream split the air.

“Brock!” She started toward the body, beginning to get to her knees.

Caleb caught her. “You can’t touch him.”

“Sonya.” Tears streaked down Lucy’s face. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what happened.”