Target on the Mountain by Elizabeth Goddard (the chimp paradox .txt) 📕

he was facing. Ryan shifted back and forth on his aching feet as he filled in his boss, Captain Moran, as well as his boss’s superiors, Chief Deputy Carmichael and Sheriff Rollins. It was a rough day when the heads of the sheriff’s department came to the scene of the crime to question Ryan on the events of the evening, including the clandestine meeting with the FBI agent. Sheriff Rollins was none too happy about the turn in Ryan’s investigation, the threats on Tori’s life or the FBI agent’s attitude.

Ryan’s investigative tactics were being scrutinized, as well, for everyone to hear. Couldn’t they take this back to the office to discuss?

“I get the feeling from you that Special Agent Peterson has been working this investigation, perhaps even leading you, the lead detective on the case,” Captain Moran said.

The chief deputy watched and listened.

Ryan knew when to speak, and when to keep quiet. Now wasn’t the time to reply. His boss hadn’t finished with him.

“Maybe I need to have a few words with Agent Peterson’s boss,” Sheriff Rollins said. “It’s time for her to leave. She’s a distraction to you, Ryan, and her life’s in danger, and almost cost you yours.”

“Where is she now?” Captain Moran asked.

Ryan was more than relieved Katelyn had picked Tori up and carted her away from the scene so she wouldn’t have to endure more questions. “Safe.”

The captain eyed him. “I asked you a question, Detective.”

“In light of the fact that someone knew where to look for her at my original safe house,” Ryan said, “I prefer not sharing her location information here.” He gestured to the law enforcement presence and the public gathered at the scene. “Add to that, the Jeep that slammed into us was seen at the original safe house.”

Captain Moran lost his tough stance, his features softening a bit. Ryan hadn’t known him to be harsh, but maybe the captain was under pressure with his two superiors here, as well. He had to perform his duties or be scrutinized himself.

“That was the correct response,” he said. “Lets me know that you’ve got your head on straight.”

Tension eased from Ryan’s shoulders.

“Yes, sir,” Ryan said. “We have the name of the man who was driving and who was subsequently shot and killed. Eddie Slattery. We’ve run a background. I’m still looking for his connection to the other murders—of Sarah Peterson and her friends, and Dee James. Or a connection to anyone who would want to harm Tori.”

The sheriff nodded, only half listening as he answered his cell.

Ryan released a slow sigh of relief. He fisted his hands by his sides, impatient to finish the inquisition and answer their questions—all of which would be written up in his reports for them to read later. He understood the investigation of four murders, now six, had taken several turns and the public also wanted the killer caught. The entire sheriff’s office was being scrutinized, not just Ryan as the lead investigator.

But all he wanted, all he could think about was to get out of here and check on Tori. They needed to talk through the implications of what happened tonight. This could mean they had been following the wrong leads. Did Sarah’s murder have something to do with her social justice activities or not?

Captain Moran squeezed Ryan’s shoulder. “All right. I think we’re done here. Carry on, Detective Bradley. You’re doing a good job staying on top of things, considering all that’s happened so far. But I do agree with the sheriff that Sarah’s sister needs to be out of the investigation.”

“She has insight into her sister’s goings-on and has provided me with important information.”

“I understand. She’s offering assistance, but she’s also interfering with your investigation, I hope you realize that. When is she heading home to her real job again?”

“I’m not sure. I’ve tried to persuade her to leave.”

“Well, try harder.” With those words Captain Moran left him, to join the sheriff and chief deputy.

Captain Moran had effectively dismissed him. That was fine, because he wanted to leave and find Tori.

Except, to get out of here, he was going to need a new vehicle.

His cell buzzed. He looked at the text.

To your right.

Ryan turned and spotted Katelyn’s car parked a distance away from the wreck. He jogged over and climbed in on the passenger side, painfully aware that Tori was not in the vehicle with his sister.

He stiffened. “What’s going on? Why aren’t you guarding Tori like I’m paying you to?”

She steered the vehicle around the corner. “I can’t protect someone who doesn’t want to be protected. When we got back to your house, Tori called a cab and left.”

FOURTEEN

Tori dropped her briefcase, duffel and purse on one of two queen beds in the airport motel. She still couldn’t comprehend the chain of events that had propelled her here.

Maybe she had this all wrong.

Maybe she shouldn’t have walked away from Ryan’s attempt at protection. But someone had seemed to know their every move, no matter what they did. And this evening, Ryan had almost been killed along with Tori. Sure, he was accustomed to dangerous situations, but like he told her—it was harder to stay safe when someone was targeting you, even if you were trained law enforcement.

Tori might not have listened to his words before, but they hit harder when it concerned Ryan. After the deliberate car crash, she made the decision she wouldn’t put him or his sister in the line of fire. She’d already lost her own sister. The Bradley family didn’t need to lose anyone because of Tori.

Besides, she was due back in the office the day after tomorrow. If she returned to her job, it would take her a day of travel and recovery at her apartment as it was. Uncertainty about her plans had plagued her for the last few days, but now she knew exactly what she would do.

She would go back to South Carolina and hope she could find out more about Sarah’s murder when she was