Read Online Speed Trap by Patricia Davids - Free Book Online Page B

anyone can do at this point. The nurses at the hospital tell me you’ve been over every night to tuck in the little fellow.”
    Embarrassed that her emotional attachment had become common knowledge, Mandy tried to shrug off her involvement. “I feel responsible for him. Besides, he’s adorable. He has the sweetest smile.”
    And a dimple in his cheek like his father.
    True to his word, Garrett had called every day for an update on Colin’s condition. Each time she talked to him, Mandy felt her resistance to him crumble a little more. If only she could be sure he was innocent.
    Having been so wrong once before, she wasn’t willing to take that chance again. Colin’s life might depend on it.
    â€œAny other cases I should know about?” Tom asked.
    Pushing her conflicting feelings about Garrett to the backof her mind, Mandy went over the cases that needed Tom’s attention. “Besides a few traffic tickets and a dispute between neighbors over some cows on the highway, the county has been quiet for the past few days. The only major arrest we’ve had is that young couple on burglary charges that I brought in yesterday.”
    â€œIs it a solid case? Never mind, that was a stupid question. You always bring me solid cases. You do good police work, Sheriff. We’re lucky to have you.”
    â€œThanks.” Praise from Tom was high praise, indeed.
    Rising to his feet, Tom said, “I’ll be in my office if you need me. Do you want to notify Social Services that Bowen’s been cleared or shall I?”
    â€œI’ll do it.”
    At the door, he paused with his hand on the knob. “I’ve been meaning to ask how things are working out between you and Fred Lindholm? I know there was a lot of resentment on his part when he was passed over and you were appointed sheriff.”
    â€œSometimes Fred’s attitude isn’t the best, but I think we’re making it work.”
    â€œI’m glad to hear that.”
    After he left the office, Mandy added her findings to the file she already had on Judy Bowen. At the sound of a knock, she looked up to see Fred enter.
    She asked, “Have you had a chance to interview J. J. Fields and Spike Carver about the farm supply robbery?”
    â€œThey claim they had legitimate reasons for being in the store.”
    â€œAnd you believed them?”
    â€œThey’re both working as tow truck drivers for Turner’s Truck Stop. They claim they were in the store to pick up new work gloves and that’s how their prints got there.”
    Puzzled, Mandy asked, “Why would Aaron Turner hire a pair of shady characters like J. J. and Spike? Does he know they have arrest records?”
    â€œI assume he does.”
    â€œDon’t assume, Fred. Check.”
    His scowl deepened, but he didn’t comment. He just turned on his heels and left. Donna poked her head in when he was gone.
    â€œSheriff, Ken called to say he’s going to be a half hour late this morning.”
    Mandy had a hard time containing her annoyance. “Again? That’s the third time in a month. Did he give you a reason?”
    â€œHe said he overslept.”
    â€œIf he keeps this up, he and I are going to have a chat.”
    Donna took a step into the room. “Is that the report on the paint sample? What does it say?”
    â€œThe paint isn’t a match to Bowen’s truck.”
    â€œThat doesn’t mean he didn’t do it. It just means he was driving a different vehicle.”
    â€œI thought of that, but I’ve got no proof that he had access to another truck.”
    Dragging a hand through her hair to get it out of her face, Mandy wondered what she was missing. Her whole focus was on Garrett. He’d become an obsession and she wasn’t sure why.
    â€œI may be looking in the wrong place on this. Did K.C. ever send the files on the murder investigation I asked for?”
    â€œI haven’t seen