Part 58 (2/2)

It was Jake's turn to curse, but under his breath. It had seemed like he would get something out of Marshall. Now the guy had a chance to reconsider.

The SUV pulled into the parking area in front of the house. Probably it was the car Marshall had been waiting for when he'd come charging out of the house.

Another man got out and ambled toward them. His gaze flicked from Jake to Marshall. ”You call the cops?” the newcomer asked.

”No.”

Interesting, Jake thought. Apparently one or both of them had a problem that might require police a.s.sistance.

”Then what's the law doing here?” the other man asked, his voice still casual.

Marshall sighed. ”This is detective Jake Cooper. He's looking for information about witnesses to a convenience store robbery.”

Beyond the spoken conversation, the tall, lean men exchanged silent messages that raised Jake's curiosity. Maybe Marshall hadn't shared any robbery details with his friend, no... relative, Jake decided. These guys looked they came from the same gene pool.

Finally Marshall cleared his throat and gestured toward the other man. ”This is my brother, Lance Marshall. He's come to help me find my wife. She's... missing.”

Instantly, Jake saw the situation in a new light. No wonder the man looked strung out.

And then there was the other guy. The brother. He was supposed to be here to help. But he'd reacted to what Marshall had said. Why? Could it be that this was the first time he'd heard that Marshall was married? Or was Marshall really married? The answer to that question was still pending.

Fis.h.i.+ng for answers, Jake asked, ”Marital problem?”

”No!” The answer was too quick and too decisive, making Jake wonder if it was the truth.

”Did somebody s.n.a.t.c.h her?”

Marshall balled his hands into fists. ”I'm not playing twenty questions with you.”

Jake held his ground. ”Take it easy. I'm the police. I can help.”

”I doubt it. And I can't help you on the convenience store, because we have to look for Rinna.”

Making a quick mental connection, Jake tried another question. ”Is her disappearance related to what happened the other day?”

Marshall's eyes narrowed. ”I have to go.”

”Yeah, I understand where you're coming from. But give me a few minutes of your time. I may have some information you can use.”

When he saw hope flash in the other man's eyes, he figured he was on the right track.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO.

”WHAT INFORMATION?” LOGAN demanded.

”There's something funny going on at that store, right? Is your wife involved in something there? Are you trying to protect her?”

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