Chapter Twenty-seven

 

 

“What do you mean, he was found murdered?” I asked, feeling sick to my stomach.

“Some hikers found his body in the middle of the woods, north of Sand Lake. He was shot in the chest.”

Sand Lake. That was too close for comfort. I rubbed my forehead. “Do they know who did it?”

“Right now, you’re the number one suspect. Apparently, he flew in from Iowa with you and your friend?”

“Yes. We flew with him,” I admitted. Lying about that was useless and if she wanted me in jail, she’d have already given the information to the police. I had a sinking feeling that it was Reaper’s crew. If that was the case, Jessica was in danger and I needed to get back to the cabin.

Her eyes burned into mine. “Did you kill him?”

“No,” I said firmly. “He was fine and heading home when I last saw him. Barney and I were friends. I would have never hurt him.”

Her shoulders relaxed. “That’s what I thought. Someone did, though. I think it was someone looking for The Judge.”

“Who is this Judge you keep talking about,” I asked.

“So, you’re going to deny it?”

“Deny what?”

“That you’re him?” she asked, smirking.

“I’ve never even heard of the guy.”

She stared at me for a few seconds, her eyes calculating. “The girl in the picture is the step-daughter to the president of the Gold Vipers, a motorcycle club in Jensen. A man they call Slammer. Obviously, you know of him?”

“Yes.”

“My husband has friends in high places and they were able to identify her from the picture. I know all about the rape, and how her attacker was found murdered three years ago.”

“And?”

“Rumor has it that the infamous Judge not only killed her attacker, but is now Jessica Winters’ bodyguard.”

“I don’t know anything about the guy you’re referring to. The truth is, Jessica and I are friends and she wanted to get away from Iowa for a while. That’s why she’s in Anchorage.”

Caitlyn smirked. “Right.”

“Believe what you want.”

“I will. I find all of this extremely hot, by the way,” she said, touching my arm. “Knowing who and what you are. What you’re capable of.”

“You’ve got it all wrong, sweetheart,” I smiled coolly. “I’m not the guy you think I am.”

“Still playing it cool, huh? I understand why you’re not admitting to it, and that’s fine. I actually expected it. I’m not out to get you. I want to help your friend.”

“Why and how do you want to help Jessica?”

“As for ‘why’, let’s just say that I have compassion for rape victims like her. As far as ‘how’ goes, I believe that I’ve already helped. By giving you this information.”

“So, you think that Barney’s murder has something to do with Jessica?”

“I believe that she’s being stalked by someone out to hurt her step-dad’s club and maybe even The Judge.”

I stood up. “If her life is in danger, I need to get my ass moving and make sure she’s safe. So, what do you want from me?”

Standing up, she grabbed my hand and placed it between her legs. “I think you already know.”