Never Giving Up (Never #3)(28)

Patrick held his hands up in surrender. “I wouldn’t even dare to suggest otherwise.”

Megan gave him a dreamy smile. “You’re so perfect for me.”

The two of them floated away on their newlywed cloud and I returned my attention to my wife. “Are you still ok with not knowing if it’s a boy or girl?”

She shrugged. “I like not knowing.” That was enough for me. If Ella was happy, I was happy.

The reception continued and we watched Robert give a heartfelt speech, singing Megan’s praises and warning Patrick about what would happen to him if he ever hurt her. The cake was cut, the garter removed, and Megan tossed her bouquet. Kalli caught Megan’s bouquet, but for some reason didn’t look too happy about it. When I gave Ella a questioning look, worried about her friend, Ella waved it away and had her own sad look on her face. Something was going on there and later I would try to remember to ask her about it. For now, though, I wanted to spend some more time with my wife’s belly pressed up against me as we danced.

“Honey,” Ella said softly, her cheek resting gently against my shoulder. “Your pocket’s vibrating.”

“Huh?”

“Your phone in your pocket is vibrating,” she laughed. I stepped away from her and reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone. I didn’t recognize the number, but that wasn’t really out of the ordinary—a lot of people called me for quotes on work and to make consultation appointments. I went to put it away but Ella stopped me. “Just answer it. You’ll be thinking about it all night if you don’t.”

“Nope,” I said, dropping the phone in my pocket. “They’ll leave a message. It’s a Saturday. I’ll call them back on Monday.” She rolled her eyes at me sweetly, trying to look annoyed but really not pulling it off.

We danced for a little while longer, but eventually I could tell Ella was losing steam.

“I think it’s time we head home. These shoes were a big mistake.” We both looked down at her feet and I couldn’t believe how swollen they were.

“It’s a good thing I have power tools. We’ll need something heavy duty to cut you out of those shoes. Come on,” I said as I placed a kiss on her forehead. “Let’s tell everyone goodbye and head home.”

After what seemed like an hour of goodbyes, we finally made it out to Ella’s Toyota. She handed me the keys and I was glad we were in agreement over who should drive. Her feet were in no condition to be operating a vehicle.

“That was a really great wedding. Megan did a fantastic job,” Ella said as she dug through her purse, pulling out her phone. “Huh. That’s weird.”

“What?”

“I got a phone call from a number I don’t recognize.” She stared at her phone, as if it would announce who had called her, answering all her questions. I pulled out my phone and pulled up my missed call log. I turned the screen towards her.

“Is this the same number as the one that called you?” She looked at my screen and then back to hers.

“Yeah. Weird. I wonder who it is.”

“One way to find out.” I pushed a button activating the Bluetooth and dialed the number from my phone. When the phone on the other end of the line picked up, it was a man’s rough voice they heard.

“Dillard here,” the voice said in the way of a greeting.

“Uh, hello. I missed a call from this number earlier this evening.”

“And who am I speaking with?” The man asked, almost as if I were wasting his time.

“Porter Masters. Who am I speaking with?”

“My name is Detective Henry Dillard. I am investigating a crime and looking for a Ms. Ella Sinclair. This number was listed as a contact for her. Are you able to get ahold of her?”

“It’s Ella Masters now, and yes, I can get ahold of her. She’s my wife.”

“Great. Is she available?”

“I’m here, Detective,” Ella said, placing her hand on my thigh as we drove down the highway.

“Good evening, Mrs. Masters. Sorry for bothering you on a Saturday evening, but I was wondering if you could come down to the Portland police station. It’s a matter involving your open case.” My stomach tightened at the detective’s words. The shooting. Ella’s wide and worried eyes found mine and I knew I had to keep it together for her. She would feed off any panic I showed, so I took steady and calm breaths.

“Well, Detective Dillard, my husband and I were headed back to Salem for the evening. Can we make arrangements to meet tomorrow or even Monday perhaps?”

“I don’t want to alarm you, Ma’am, but it’s a matter of urgency for you to make it to the station as soon as possible.” Ella looked at me, waiting for me to make the decision.

“We’ll be there in fifteen minutes,” I stated flatly.

“See you then.” I heard his line go dead over our speakers and gave Ella’s hand a squeeze. Neither one of us said a word as we made our way to the station.

Twenty minutes later, Ella and I were seated in a stale room that looked like it came straight out of a cop drama: large mirror (one way, I was sure), aluminum table, three chairs. Nothing else. It was cold and I felt goose bumps as I rubbed my hand up and down Ella’s arm. The door opened and a tall, imposing man stepped in, looking us both over. Once the door was closed behind him, he reached his hand out to both Ella and me. We shook his hand and all three of us sat down.