He glanced up. In all the time she’d known him, Reed had never appeared tired. Until now. Shadows rested under his gorgeous eyes, and the faint lines around his mouth had deepened. Emma mentally berated herself. She’d spent her time worrying about how this was affecting her, but what about Reed? This had to be torturous for him.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“I couldn’t sleep and thought some tea might help. Would you like some?”
“That’s a good idea. I need something other than all the coffee I’ve had today. By the way, deputies located the truck Mike used to nearly run us off the road. It’d been reported stolen earlier in the day.”
Another dead end. Emma grabbed the electric kettle and filled it with water. “What are you working on?”
“I’m trying to find some connection between Owen and the hitmen or Joshua and the hitmen. There’s nothing though. They haven’t been in jail together. They didn’t go to the same school or frequent the same places. We interviewed friends and family, not that it helped a lot. No one seems to know much of anything.”
“Maybe neither of them are involved. We could be moving in the wrong direction.”
He rubbed his eyes. “I know, but my gut says otherwise. There has to be something I’m missing.”
“The local bar seems like a place all of them would hang out.”
“I thought the same, but Charlie and Mike liked to hang with their cousin Vernon for the most part. They always went over to the next town.”
Emma poured hot water into two mugs and left the tea to steep on the counter. She took a closer look at the papers. There were printouts of criminal records. One caught her eye.
“Joshua looks so young here.” His cheeks were plump, his skin mottled with acne. “How old was he when he started getting into trouble?”
“Twelve. His juvie record is spotty. That photograph was taken when he was seventeen. He’d been arrested for breaking and entering. Stole some electronic equipment from a home while the owners were on vacation.”
She scanned his criminal record. “Looks like he had a habit of breaking into houses. It’s a shame Joshua didn’t have parents who taught him the right path...” Her voice trailed off and she stiffened. “Reed, what if you’re looking at the wrong Lowe?”
“What do you mean?”
“Joshua’s father was a criminal. Maybe he and one of the Young brothers crossed paths a long time ago.”
His fingers flew over the keyboard. Moments later, he gave an excited yelp. “That’s it! I can’t believe I missed this. Joshua’s dad and Charlie Young were arrested for a string of robberies in nearby Glatten. We never went back into Joshua’s childhood. If we interview neighbors, we might be able to prove Joshua knew Charlie and maybe even Mike. It’s a tenuous link, but it’s a place to start.”
Reed got up from the chair and hugged her. “You’re a genius.”
“I don’t know about genius, but I’ll take the compliment all the same.” She laughed and pulled back slightly. “I’m glad I could help.”
“You do help. More than you realize.”
Reed’s gaze dropped to her mouth. He hesitated and she could see the questions in his eyes. In an instant, Emma realized Vivian had been right. Reed was holding back, not because he didn’t want this, but because he wasn’t sure about her feelings.
“I haven’t dated since Mark died.” The words burst from her like a dam cracked open. “My goal was to start fresh in Heyworth. To start Helping Paws and raise Lily. Everything is a mess right now because of the case.” She didn’t want to think about what would happen if they didn’t find the person after her. One thing at a time. Emma took a deep breath. “And I don’t know if I have it in me to fall in love again. Especially given your job. I know that’s not fair, but losing Mark was awful. I don’t want to go through it again.”
He lifted a hand to cup her face and butterflies erupted in her stomach. “Emma...”
“At the same time, I care about you, Reed. Beyond just friendship. And I don’t know what to do about it.”
“That makes two of us. I don’t know what the future holds, Em, but I’m thankful to have this moment with you.”
Reed bent his head and kissed her. The warmth of his touch spread through her like molten lava. She lost herself in it. Everything about this man called to her. His bravery, his honesty, his goodness. In Reed’s arms, she was protected and cared for. Nothing else existed except for the feel of his lips against hers, the gentle caress of his hand on her face, and the feelings they shared.
Reed’s phone rang. He broke the kiss. “Sorry, Em. I have to grab that. It could be headquarters.”
He scooped up the phone from the table and answered.
“Sheriff, there’s been an explosion on Emma’s property.” Deputy Irving’s tone was rushed and loud enough Emma could hear every word. “I’ve called for backup and the fire department—”
His voice cut off as a boom echoed over the speaker.
“Deputy Irving,” Reed yelled into the phone. “Jack, answer me!”
Silence followed. He checked his phone to ensure the line was still open, but they’d been cut off. His fingers shook slightly as he dialed his deputy’s number. Lord, please. The man has a wife and children. The phone rang and rang, but Jack didn’t answer.
Reed called into Dispatch. “Mona, we may have an officer down. Send every available patrol to Emma’s property. Deputy Irving isn’t answering my phone call. Radio him now.”
“Hold on, sir.”
Reed paced the length of the kitchen. For days Emma’s property had been crawling with law enforcement due to the search for Bonnie. Tonight was the first time only one deputy was left standing guard. Jack had specifically said there was an explosion and
