End Game (Will Robie #5)(96)

“I wasn’t aware that we were arguing,” said Claire, her tone turning a bit icy.

“Actually, we’re not, since my decision has already been made. And I wouldn’t call it being a tomboy. I just like my guns, the country, and being my own boss. And I’m not that much into weed, really.”

Claire smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Well, you can’t blame a mother for trying.”

They both fell silent. Reel finally said, “Do either of you know Scott Randall?”

Claire looked at her curiously. “He bought one of Roark’s places in the bunker, right? Roark mentioned him to me before.”

“He’s the one whose daddy left him a ton of money and he runs around with that bitch of a wife,” observed Patti.

Reel looked at her. “How do you know that?”

“They came into town a while back. I think when they were first purchasing the unit. They came into the bar. You could tell that he thought he was the cock of the walk and he just wanted to show off his wife. She wiped the chair before she sat down and refused to drink anything here. She thought it was all cheap shit.”

“Well, I ran into the lady too, and I have to agree with your assessment,” said Reel.

“Why do you ask about Randall?” said Claire.

“I found out that he comes back here from time to time, but he doesn’t go to the silo. He stays in a cabin a ways from here. And he goes there with folks who have been described to me as serious dudes.” She looked at both of them. “You two know anything about any of that?”

Claire shook her head. “I have no idea. Unless he was hunting or fishing.”

Reel focused on Patti. “How about you? You get around, see things. Maybe Randall without his wife?”

Patti shrugged. “Yeah. I saw Randall around here a few times. I didn’t see these other people you’re talking about.”

“What was he doing when you saw him?” asked Claire curiously.

“One time he was driving. Another time he was walking.”

“Was he armed?” asked Reel.

“Not that I could see.”

“Where was he walking?”

“Bluff Point Road. Around there.”

“That’s where his cabin is.”

“Didn’t know that,” said Patti.

“You think that Roger is dead, don’t you?” Claire asked Reel abruptly.

They both looked at her.

“Why do you ask that?” said Reel.

“Because I’m not stupid. I know that when someone goes missing this long and it wasn’t voluntary that chances are not good that they’re still alive.”

“We’re working on the assumption that he is still alive. He’s a resourceful person, more so than the average person.”

“I’m well aware of Roger’s capabilities,” Claire said bluntly. “But I also know that the fact that he is still missing and has not communicated with you does not bode well for his safe return.”

“I’m not going to give you false hope, Claire. Things do not look good. But I’m doing my job and I’m going to keep doing my job until we find him.”

“Dead or alive?” she replied.

“We’re going to find him,” Reel said again.

Claire finished her wine. “Good, because I’ve been thinking about what you said about regrets. Maybe Roger and I should have another go at it.”

Patti set her beer down. “What, you’re going to get married?”

“I didn’t say that. But what if we did? I’m not getting any younger and neither is he.”

“You’re assuming that he wants to,” said Patti.

“We’ve had talks,” answered her mother. “I’m not sure we’re all that far off in our opinion of the future we might have. Together.”

“Well, this is the first I’ve heard of it,” exclaimed Patti.

“I haven’t really talked about it,” replied Claire.

Patti was about to say something in return when the door to the bar opened and there stood Robie.

He saw them and hustled over to their table.

“What’s up?” asked Reel coldly, no doubt thinking of where he had just come from.

“We’ve got a big problem,” answered Robie.





CHAPTER





57


Reel couldn’t take her eyes off the bloodstain.

Valerie Malloy’s blood presumably.

Robie stood to her right, staring at the same spot on the floor.

Derrick Bender was on her left. He was on the phone talking to the state police.

He clicked off and looked at them. His face was weary and when he spoke, his voice was scratchy.

“They’re putting out BOLOs, and they’re sending in a forensics team to go over this place.” He looked around. “I can’t believe it. Who the hell would have done this? She’s the sheriff.”

“Do we know her movements?” asked Reel. She was looking at Robie.

“She called me tonight. She wanted to meet.”

“About what?”

“About my run-in with some of Dolph’s guys.”

“What!” exclaimed Bender. “I was out there processing the scene.”