Hidden in the Shadows Read Free Page B

something.”
    Just then, Ethan’s phone rang. From the tone of the conversation, Maria guessed the caller was Wyatt.
    “Okay. Will do,” he told the caller. Hanging up, he put the phone back in its holster. “Wyatt wants you to bring that computer in and put it in Evidence.”
    “Don’t we need Lori’s permission or a warrant for that?”
    “She gave it. Wyatt’s at the hospital. Apparently, when Sterling hit the barricade, he t-boned Robbie Bailey’s cruiser.”
    Maria’s eyes widened with dismay. “Oh, no. Is Robbie okay?”
    “Yeah, just shaken up pretty good, with some bumps and bruises. He wasn’t in the cruiser, but nearby. He had to jump out of the way. Anyhow, Wyatt asked Lori about the computer, and she okayed it.”
    “All right. I’ll get it ready to go, then.” It didn’t take long to unplug the various peripheral components from the tower, and once that was accomplished, Ethan used crime scene tape from his evidence kit to seal the computer’s drive bays and removable sides. “Since Sterling’s dead, we won’t need this for trial. There’ll be an inquest, though, and they’ll want to see it.”
    They made the drive back into Leroy in near-silence. Maria’s mind kept going back to the date she’d walked out on, and she groaned when she thought about the repercussions she would likely face from Savannah. She had turned off her cell phone when she’d gotten in Wyatt’s vehicle, and she was almost afraid to turn it back on. Just the idea of dealing with her family made her tired.
    Ethan slowed the vehicle as they approached downtown. “Something bothering you?”
    She shrugged. “I guess you could say that. Although, compared to what Lori’s been through tonight, I feel petty even thinking about complaining.”
    “That’s hardly a fair assessment. What she’s been through is not a normal situation. You’re trying to compare it with what, everyday life? That’s apples to oranges. So what’s going on?”
    She explained about the blind date. When she recounted how Wyatt had backed the young man down, she couldn’t prevent a chuckle. “You should have seen the look on Damon’s face. Of course, I’m certain I’ll hear all about how his dignity was offended, as well.”
    Ethan whistled. “I’d have paid good money to see that.” As he pulled into the sheriff’s department parking lot at the courthouse, he sent her an unreadable look. “You know, when you came in earlier, I kind of hoped you’d been on a date with Wyatt.”
    Thankful for the darkness that hid her flush, she gave a nervous laugh. “You’re kidding, right?”
    He stopped in the process of reaching for the door handle. “No, I’m not. Why? Is the idea that ridiculous?”
    “No. Yes! I mean, he’s my boss. That aside, I’m not his type. You know that. He likes thoroughbreds; I’m more of a draught horse.”
    To her surprise, Ethan laughed. Hurt and somewhat offended, she got out of the car. Still chuckling, he followed her to the trunk.
    Arms crossed, Maria confronted him. “Why is that so funny, Detective?”
    “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to laugh, really. It’s just that I had a very similar conversation once upon a time about my wife. You see exactly where that concern got me.” He pointed to the gold wedding band he wore.
    She relaxed when she realized he truly hadn’t been laughing at her. “But Ethan, you and Beth have loved each other forever. You’re different.”
    “We have. But there was also a strong attraction there, in addition to the affection. Are you seriously going to try to tell me that you’re not attracted to Wyatt? Because frankly, I won’t believe you if you do.”
    She looked across the parking lot for a long minute. “What makes you say that?”
    He shrugged, then unlocked the trunk and retrieved the computer. She followed as he started walking toward the building. “Something Beth said a couple months ago. It made me start watching you and Wyatt, the way you interact