What I've Done (Morgan Dane #4)(88)

“I suppose that’s one theory.” The sheriff removed his hat and swept his hand through his wispy hair.

“But why would he have killed Shannon and his best friend?” Morgan asked. “The two crimes are very different. There’s no pattern.”

“Maybe Noah knew what Justin had done to Shannon,” Lance offered. “Then Justin killed Noah to shut him up.”

“But who tried to kill Justin tonight?” Morgan rubbed the ache in her temple. Thinking made her head hurt.

“Adam is still on the loose.” Lance scanned the dark woods, as if the shooter might be out there somewhere. “He has a temper and a history of violent behavior. Our computer expert tracked some of the threatening emails Haley has received to Adam Carter’s house.”

“But how would Adam know that Justin killed Noah?” Morgan couldn’t connect the dots.

“We won’t know until we find Adam.” The sheriff sighed. “Do you know why Justin would have killed Shannon Yates?”

“No.” Morgan shook her head. “But he has access to zolpidem, he knew Shannon from his business with the inn, and the surveillance videos at the club show that he was there the night she went missing.”

“Shannon’s rapist used a condom.” The sheriff scrubbed both hands down his face. “But several other DNA samples were found on her body. We’ll see if Justin’s DNA matches any of them.” He gestured behind him. “We still have a whole scene to process. And if Justin survives, hopefully he’ll be willing to talk.” The sheriff set his hat back on his head. “Standing around here yakking won’t help. I’ll get back to the scene.”

“Now that Justin has confessed to killing Noah,” Morgan said, “I’d like the charges against my client dropped.”

“I will look at the charges after all the evidence has been examined.” Colgate nodded.

Frustrated, Morgan tensed. “Zolpidem would explain Haley’s amnesia. If Justin killed Noah, then we think he gave the drug to Haley so he could frame her for the murder.”

“I will review all the evidence and talk to the DA.” The sheriff used a nonnegotiable tone.

Morgan wanted to thump the sheriff upside the head. “Justin admitted to killing Noah. You can hardly keep Haley under arrest for a crime another person has confessed to committing.”

“You are the only one who heard that confession. What if you didn’t hear him correctly?” Colgate pulled a roll of antacids from his pocket and put two in his mouth. “I promise you that the case will receive a thorough review. If the evidence bears out, then the charges will be dropped against Haley.”

Morgan protested, “Sheriff—”

Colgate held up a hand. “Ms. Dane, have patience. If Justin killed Noah Carter and Shannon Yates, then he is no longer a danger to anyone. I will not rush into anything. You’ll have to let the process work itself out.”

“The same process that was going to put my client away for a crime she didn’t commit?” Morgan shot back.

“It isn’t perfect,” the sheriff admitted. “But it’s all we have to work with. I wish you’d have come to me with this information instead of handling it yourself.” The sheriff chewed and swallowed two more antacid tablets. “Then maybe Justin wouldn’t have been shot, and I’d have a signed confession.”

“Sheriff.” Morgan raised her voice. “I have left you numerous messages over the past few days. You haven’t returned any of my calls.”

The sheriff exhaled, his chest deflating. “I have a hundred and eighty voice mails.” He pulled at his collar. “And I don’t even know how many random messages.”

Sharp had been right. Colgate was clearly in so far over his head, he couldn’t see the surface.

“Are we free to go?” Morgan swallowed her irritation.

“Yes. We have your statement. I’ll call you if I have additional questions.” The sheriff walked back toward the house.

She turned to Lance. “I don’t like this.”

“Me either. Haley deserves to have her name cleared ASAP. But that’s a technicality. What I like even less is the fact that whoever shot Justin is still out there.” Lance pulled out his phone, pressed a button, and held it to his ear. He lowered his phone. “Sharp isn’t answering.”

“There are places out toward Eliza’s house with poor reception.” But worry filled Morgan. “Let’s drive out to Eliza’s house. Haley deserves to know what happened as soon as possible. She didn’t kill Noah, and there’s a solid explanation for her amnesia.”

“And we’ll both feel better if we keep an eye on Haley until the shooter is brought in.” Lance turned and opened the car door. “The sheriff might be right. The answer to our questions could come from the evidence they collect tonight or from an interview with Justin.”

Morgan hurried to the passenger side. “But this case is so strange, I’m not comfortable making assumptions. The more people protecting Haley the better.”





Chapter Thirty-Nine

Sharp sped out to Eliza’s place in record time. He’d called to let her know he was coming, and she opened the gate as he drove up. There were no protesters in sight. Maybe the bastards had tired of tormenting Eliza and Haley.