Cold Case at Cobra Creek by Rita Herron Read Free Book Online Page B

information.
    “Lewis was a con artist,” Dugan said. “The day of his so-called accident, I suspect he was running away with the town’s money.”
    Riley made a sound of disgust. “Sounds like it.”
    “Who was it he swindled?”
    “Don’t matter now. Lewis is dead.”
    “Why do you think that?”
    “I figured the deal was void when he died. Haven’t seen anyone else from that development come around.”
    That was true. But if they’d signed legal papers, the deal would still be in effect. Unless the paperwork hadn’t been completed or whoever killed Lewis had him tear up the papers before Lewis died. “Can you give me a name or two so I can follow up?”
    “Listen,” Riley said. “These are proud men, Graystone. You know about being proud?”
    His comment sounded like a challenge, a reminder that Riley knew where Dugan had come from and that he should be grateful he’d gotten as far as he had. “Yes, I do.”
    “Then, they don’t want anyone to know they got gypped. Maybe that accident was a blessing.”
    “I guess it was for some people,” Dugan said. “But, Riley, the body I found earlier was Ron Lewis’s. He didn’t die in an accident.”
    Riley’s sharp angular face went stone-cold. “He didn’t?”
    “No, he was murdered.” Dugan paused a second to let that statement sink in. “And odds are that someone Lewis cheated killed him.” Anger hardened Riley’s eyes as he realized the implication of Dugan’s questions. “What about Ken Canter? Was he one of those Lewis cheated?”
    “Canter didn’t care about the money. He was just happy to unload his place. He wanted to move near his daughter and took off as soon as he signed with Lewis.” Riley made a low sound in his throat. “We’re done here.”
    Riley reached for the door to slam it, but Dugan caught it with the toe of his boot. “I know you want to protect your buddies, but Sage Freeport’s three-year-old son disappeared the day Lewis was murdered.” He hissed a breath. “Lewis was a con artist, there’s no doubt about that. And I’m not particularly interested in catching the person who killed him, except— ” he emphasized the last word “—except that person may know where Benji is. And if he’s alive, Sage Freeport deserves to have her little boy back.”

Chapter Six
    Sage had slept, curled up with Benji’s blanket the night before. Just the scent of him lingering on it gave her comfort.
    But Ashlynn’s comment about a grave haunted her.
    After she arrived back at the B and B, she called Dugan. She explained about her visit with Ashlynn and her suggestion that the sheriff should have looked for a grave where the killer might have buried her son.
    “According to the report my friend got for me, the sheriff arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion. I don’t think the killer would have had time to dig a hole and bury Benji, but if it’ll make you feel better, I’ll check it out.”
    His words soothed her worries, but she couldn’t leave any questions unanswered. “Thank you, Dugan. It would make me feel better.”
    “All right. I’ll head over there now.”
    “I’ll meet you at the crash site.”
    She hung up, poured a thermos of coffee to take with her, yanked her unruly hair into a ponytail, then rushed outside to her van.
    By the time she arrived, Dugan was waiting. “You didn’t have to come, Sage. I could handle this.”
    “This search should have been done a long time ago.”
    “Actually, the police report said that searchers did comb the area for Benji after the crash.”
    She studied Dugan. “Were you part of that team?”
    He shook his head, the overly long strands of his dark hair brushing his collar. “I was out of town, working another case.”
    “I understand it’s a long shot, and I hope there isn’t a grave,” Sage said, “but ever since that reporter suggested it, I can’t get the idea out of my head.”
    “All right.” He squeezed her hand, sending a tingle of warmth