Pray for Mercy (Detectives Kane and Alton)

As she packed the dishwasher, Jenna laughed. “That’s one plan of action but we need a ton more if we’re going to catch this guy before someone else dies.”

FORTY

At the office, Jenna called everyone for a meeting. She glanced around the room and noticed Rio missing again. “Where’s Rio?”

“He called in.” Rowley swiped at the tip of his nose. “Cade took off from school yesterday. Rio had to go in and speak to the principal. He should be back soon.”

Jenna shook her head. “What is wrong with that kid?”

“Women.” Carter smiled knowingly. “It’s spring when young men’s thoughts go to girls and baseball. I figure with two on his mind, school is the least of his concern. Now that he hasn’t got a truck to go visit them, when they show up, he is blind to everything else.”

“Oh, wonderful. You do know one of them is a buckle bunny?” Jenna pushed a hand through her hair. “And how long does this phase of a teenager’s life last?”

“I don’t know. Until summer, I guess, or until the right woman comes along.” Carter grinned. “It’s not just teenagers. It takes everything I’ve got to keep my mind on working a case right now.”

“Oh, for goodness’ sake.” Jo glared at him. “You’ve never mentioned baseball once.” She turned to Kane. “What about you?”

“I love baseball but my mind is on the case.” Kane opened his laptop. “Anything else come through from Kalo?”

“Nope.” Carter peered at his screen. “If he finds anything, he’ll call.”

Collecting her thoughts, Jenna cleared her throat. “Okay, Kane, can you fit the old cruiser in the parking lot out back with a surveillance camera? Rowley, when Rio gets back, park the vehicle a short way from Trey Duffy’s house. If you leave it opp

osite the intersection, it would be just about right.”

“I figure you’ll want to make sure the footage picks up his comings and goings.” Rowley frowned. “Isn’t that a little obvious? If you catch him doing anything, he’ll challenge the illegal surveillance in court.”

Jenna nodded. “Do you recall the two fender benders we had on that intersection just last month? I figured we needed to see how many run the stop sign. If there are a few over the next week, we’ll ask the mayor to put in traffic lights.” She raised both eyebrows at him. “That’s what my daybook will read. If he just happens to show up on the footage, we can use it, and either way, it could save lives.”

“Sometimes saving lives takes a little thought.” Carter tossed a toothpick into his mouth and smiled around it. “That crossroads could be deadly.”

A knock came on the door. Jenna looked up. “Come in.” The door opened slowly and Rio poked his head around. “Oh good. Sit down. Is everything okay at home?”

“Not really, no.” Rio removed his hat and ran a hand through his hair. “Cade’s girlfriends were at the house when I got home yesterday. Kara had helped herself to my beer and I found her sorting through papers in my office. When I asked her what the hell she was doing, she took Cade and left with her sister. At least Cade was driving, and after what I’d been through, I was over chasing after him. He came back this morning and caught the bus to school. He refused a ride. When I spoke to the principal, I discovered Kara is always hanging around but has the excuse she’s waiting for her sister.” He shrugged. “I’m out of options. If I push too hard, Cade will move in with Kara and I’ll lose him altogether.”

Frowning, Jenna lifted her chin. “You can stop her from entering your house, but at seventeen, Cade is going to be a problem. I have no experience in raising teenagers, but unless he is breaking the law, maybe stepping back might work?”

“Until he turns eighteen and gets his inheritance?” Rio’s expression soured. “I’ve always questioned the idea of releasing that much money to a kid. At twenty-one, he might have developed some brains when it comes to women.”

“Are you his legal guardian until he turns eighteen?” Jo narrowed her gaze. “If so, you’re in control of his property.”

“Yeah, my parents mentioned it in the will but their grandma insisted on caring for them.” Rio sighed. “At the time it was the best choice as I was working and living in a tiny apartment. The estate took a time to go through probate. My father had some outstanding bills, and being a plane crash, it was ages before the insurance came through. It wasn’t until the twins took off that I discovered they were miserable.”

“Okay.” Jo smiled at him. “Who was executor of the will?”

“Me.” Rio raised one dark eyebrow. “Why?”

“I gather you set up a trust fund for the twins?” Jo’s eyes sparkled. “You would have included a provision to have the funds released according to your parents’ wishes?”

“To the letter.” Rio rubbed the back of his neck. “What are you getting at, Jo?”

“As their guardian, you have control over their money until they turn eighteen. So go and change the trust fund release date to until they turn twenty-one.” Jo shrugged. “Seems to me you have more than a valid reason as Cade is acting irresponsibly, but you don’t need a reason. If he challenges your decision when he turns eighteen, he won’t have the finances to take it to court. In the circumstances, it would be my choice of action. When it’s done, tell him and see how long his buckle bunny sticks around when she discovers it’s a three-year wait before she can get her hands on his inheritance.”

“Okay.” Rio relaxed into the chair. “I’ll get at it, when I’m free.”

Jenna looked at Rio. “Make the appointment and go do it ASAP. We can work around you.”

“Thanks.” Rio blew out a long breath. “Why didn’t I think of that?”