Framing the Marshal, page 9
He swept the beam slowly, retracing their steps by using the crushed stalks for guidance. They walked for what felt like an eternity, finally emerging from the field.
Riker turned. They were several hundred yards from the truck, but at least they’d found their starting point.
In a rush, the trio hurried to the vehicle, and he reached inside. His gun was gone! Riker groaned. “And he’s got my weapon.”
Eliana’s eyes widened. “What do we do now?”
“The only thing we can. Walk until I get some reception to call for help. The truck is out of commission.” They were vulnerable in too many ways, and Riker was losing the ability to fake his assurance that all would be fine.
“Roll up the windows and lock the doors. We’ll come back for the rest of our things.”
“I’m keeping my computer bag.” Eliana did as he asked, while Riker surveyed the road. If they went the wrong way, they might walk right into the path of the killer. He prayed there was a farm nearby, but there was no guarantee anyone lived on the property.
“Lord, guide our steps, please.”
Eliana jerked to look at him as though he’d spoken in another language. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Your prayer surprised me.”
With Ammo’s leash in hand, they ventured in the opposite direction of the main road. “It’s naïve to think we’ll get to the cabin without further issue, so I need to establish a few ground rules.”
“Like?”
“As you’ve just experienced, our lives depend on split-second action. In the time it takes me to explain my reasoning, you could die. Please trust me when I say ‘go’ or ‘drop,’ or whatever.”
“I understand.” Eliana kept pace with him. “This can’t go on forever, right?”
“The killer assumes we have something on him, or we’re getting too close. He won’t stop until we’re dead.”
“I’m confused why he’d frame you and try to kill you. Seems a little erratic.”
“I don’t have a good answer,” Riker replied. “Chasing people through cornfields isn’t the Nites’s style.” At least he hoped not.
“I’m impressed by your ability to navigate us through that maze.”
Riker chuckled. “Corn mazes are always a source of autumn entertainment for farm kids.”
“Eww. Bugs and all? I barely kept from screeching every time I brushed against something creepy-crawly in there.”
“You’re not a country girl, I take it?”
“Not even close.” Though she’d lived in many places, the country wasn’t one of them. Unsure how to respond, Eliana remained silent, their footsteps crunching on the road.
They crested the hill and Riker searched for a signal. “Nothing.”
“Should we go toward the highway?”
“No, we’ll find a farmhouse soon.” He prayed that was true and opted to change topics. “Being out here reminds me of my cousin’s farm. I went up for a week every summer until my junior year of high school.” Why had he brought that up? He didn’t want to discuss their personal issues. Shifting direction, he said, “My grandfather was ill and refused to leave his home.” The same house Riker resided in. “So our family took turns caring for him.”
“You all rallied to care for him in his house?”
“That’s what family does.”
“Not all families.” Eliana frowned. “That must’ve been hard.”
“It was. He had Alzheimer’s and required constant care.” Riker sighed. “But in those rare moments, when he was lucid, we had the best talks. He was an amazing man. I miss him all the time.”
“Didn’t you regret not hanging with your friends at the country club or going on vacations?”
Riker snorted. “Hardly. What gave you that idea?”
She shrugged. “With your beautiful Dundee District house and a cabin in Valentine, I assumed you’re wealthy.”
She’d pegged him all wrong, although with her classy style, she probably focused on external things. He didn’t bother to correct her. His life was none of her business. “Pop needed us and until his death, when I was in college, I loved spending time with him.” The memories of his grandfather tore at Riker’s heart. “He died young at sixty-four.”
“I’m so sorry.” They walked along silent for a few seconds before Eliana asked, “Is there a history of Alzheimer’s in your family?” She must’ve caught herself because she quickly added, “Your biological family.”
Riker mulled over the question, unsure how much of his private life he wanted to share with her.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that. It’s none of my business,” Eliana said.
Her questions and assumptions had him pondering things he didn’t want to focus on. Like the devastating disappointment the murder charges would have on his parents. And the aftermath of going to prison for a crime he hadn’t committed. “My mom and dad never hid the fact that I was adopted, but I also had no desire to seek my biological family.”
Recalling the summers he’d spent with his favorite grandparent brought a mess of emotions. He’d watched the perfectly healthy, vibrant man he’d adored his whole life slowly lose his battle with a debilitating and wretched disease that stole his mind, faculties and memories.
And both reminders of his precious family rejuvenated his drive to do whatever it took to clear his name. Almost anything. Even if it meant going outside of the law to do it? His heart stalled. Would he? No. He’d fought his whole life for justice. He wouldn’t give up or surrender without fighting to the bitter end.
“Is that a light?” Eliana pointed to the east, where a small house stood in the distance.
“What time is it?”
She glanced at her watch. “Five twenty-five.”
“We found our farmer.” Riker increased his stride, forcing Eliana to walk faster to keep up.
“It’s a little early to disturb people.”
“The good news is early mornings and late evenings are all part of farm life. That works in our favor. Provided they’ll allow us to use a phone.”
They hurried toward the lane leading to the white farmhouse. Sure enough, lights glowed from inside.
Once they reached the house, Riker paused beside an old pickup, surveying the space. He spotted a barn and pointed to it. “Stay over there. If I don’t return within five minutes, go to the road but stay near the corn so you have a place to hide if necessary. If you see anyone coming, run there for protection and then continue until you get service. Do you have your phone?”
“Yes, but surely there’s no harm here.”
Riker shot her a glance, hoping she remembered their earlier discussion.
Eliana paused and nodded. “Okay.”
“If it’s clear, I’ll come for you.”
“Shouldn’t we stay together?”
“If this goes bad, I’d prefer they assume I’m alone. That way, you’ll escape.” Unless he was walking into a trap.
Riker led Eliana around to the backside of the barn, hiding her from the road and the house. Eliana pulled her computer case beside her and leaned against the wood slats.
“Ammo, guard.” Riker gave the corresponding hand signal, and the K-9 maneuvered into position. “If anyone besides me returns, he will attack.”
She nodded.
With one last glance over his shoulder, Riker hurried toward the house and up the aged porch steps. He hated that he couldn’t see Eliana from where he stood. He’d either hidden her well or left her to die alone.
* * *
Eliana shivered, despite the balmy morning air. Ammo had remained on guard. She appreciated his presence, but Riker’s absence unnerved her, though she had a good visual of both the house and the road. How long had he been gone?
Ammo’s ears rotated like furry radars. Would he hear approaching danger? She shifted behind him, and he glanced in her direction then resumed his guard pose. The stance assured Eliana he’d attack if necessary.
Footsteps crunched on the gravel, drawing closer. Eliana sucked in a breath and flattened herself against the barn wall. Ammo emitted a low warning growl then sniffed the air, tail wagging.
“Just me.” Riker rounded the building. “Good job, dude.” He praised the dog, who lavished wet kisses on his face. “He acts like I’ve been gone for days.” He chuckled.
Eliana watched in amazement. “He recognized your scent before he ever saw you.”
“His hearing is impaired, but his sniffer works fine.” Riker got to his feet.
She exhaled relief and passed him Ammo’s leash.
“Beckham is on the way. The good news is, we didn’t get far from your house, and he was already on the road. Should be here within fifteen minutes.”
Eliana gathered the handle of her laptop case and followed Riker off the property. “I told him we’d wait by the pickup.”
“No issues borrowing their phone?”
“Not at all. They were very kind. Offered us breakfast, but I declined,” Riker replied.
Eliana’s stomach growled and her face warmed with embarrassment.
“Maybe I should’ve accepted.” He shot her a sideways grin, revealing his dimples.
“Guess I’m hungrier than I thought.” She shrugged.
Riker paused and faced her. “If you’re feeling faint or something, I might have a granola bar in my duffel bag.”
She shook her head. “No, I’m fine, really.”
“Are you sure?”
The genuine concern he showed touched Eliana. She was so used to fending for herself. How long had it been since someone cared enough to even ask if she needed anything? “Thank you, but I can wait until we get somewhere safe.”
“Okay, let’s put some distance between us and this place before stopping for food,” Riker suggested, then resumed walking.
Eliana hurried to meet his pace. “Definitely.”
They trailed back the way they’d come, and Riker told her about the kind couple at the farmhouse. As though the earlier terror had never occurred, the sunrise awakened the atmosphere in brilliant shades of purples, pinks and oranges while birds chirped morning songs. True to Riker’s prediction, two familiar SUVs approached the disabled F-150, leaning awkwardly on the road.
“Are you up for a short jog?” He gestured to the vehicles.
“Sure. Race you.”
“I’ll give you a head start and here, let me take that.” Riker hefted Eliana’s laptop case under his arm like a football, clutching Ammo’s leash in the other. “Go!”
Eliana sprinted, but Riker passed her with ease. She increased her pace, using her competitive drive to propel her forward. Riker’s long stride outdid her best efforts to catch up. She sidled up to him just as Beckham slid from the driver’s side of the first SUV and Skyler Rios emerged from the second.
“You did good,” he commended. His voice was steady, as though he’d strolled the distance.
She rolled her eyes and snorted, hand pressed against her chest, trying to catch her breath.
K-9 Bosco hopped out of Skyler’s SUV and hurried toward them. Riker released Ammo’s leash, allowing the dogs to greet one another.
“Perfect timing,” Riker said.
Eliana worked to calm her breathing. Clearly, she was out of shape. In a strange way, she’d enjoyed the challenge, even if he’d beat her.
Skyler shot her a worried look. “Are you all right?”
“Yes,” Eliana panted, waving away the concern. “I’m fine.”
“Riker.” Skyler’s scolding tone and icy glare conveyed her disapproval.
He lifted his hands in surrender. “She challenged me.”
Eliana laughed. “He’s telling the truth.”
Skyler shook her head and handed Riker the keys. “Figured you’d prefer a ride with a dog kennel for Ammo. Please bring it back in one piece.”
“I’ll try,” he goaded.
They spoke to one another with the ease of siblings, triggering Eliana’s contemplations. A familial connection would explain the results PHACE produced. If only Riker had knowledge of his biological roots.
“We’ll stay with the F-150,” Beckham said. “Tow truck is en route.”
“Shouldn’t we stick around?” Eliana asked.
“No. You two need to get on the road as soon as possible,” Beckham replied.
“I’ll help you transfer your stuff,” Skyler suggested, guiding Eliana to the truck. “You’re certainly getting more out of this than a beta test for PHACE.”
“No kidding. I should’ve read the fine print in the contract,” she joked, studying the F-150. “At first glance, it seems like replacing the tire is all we need.”
“Yeah, the criminal kept the appearance normal so the stripped lug nuts would be undetected.”
“Whoever is after us is determined to keep us off his trail,” Eliana surmised. What if he’d planted evidence to look one way, diverting them from the truth right in front of their faces? PHACE compiled the killer’s composite, making him look like Riker, while somehow revealing and hiding the killer’s actual identity at the same time. The concept slammed into her, and she turned, facing Riker.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” Skyler touched her arm, jolting Eliana to the present.
“Hmm.” She addressed the agent. “PHACE developed the composite based on the DNA makeup while concealing something else.”
“The answer is hidden within the original crime.” Skyler tilted her head.
“Yes.” Eliana withdrew her duffel from the back seat, and Skyler carried Riker’s bag to her vehicle.
At the far end of the road, Beckham and Riker walked to retrieve the wheel from the ditch.
“He’s a little gruff, but a good guy.” Skyler leaned against her SUV. “But you knew each other before, right?”
“A long time ago.” Eliana hoped she wouldn’t ask for more details. “Some aspects of Riker are the same as they were back then.”
“And others?”
Eliana surveyed the handsome man, rolling the wheel on the road. He glanced up, catching her, and she averted her gaze.
“Your opinion of Riker matters to him,” Skyler said.
Eliana snorted. “Hardly.”
Short of her program being the catalyst to send him to prison, she doubted Riker cared what she thought of him.
“There’s more below the surface of that handsome exterior,” Skyler said with a wink.
Eliana’s cheeks warmed. Desperate to conceal her emotions from Skyler, she led the way back to the truck, and peered inside, though there was nothing left to retrieve. “We’ve got everything,” she announced, hoping Skyler hadn’t noticed the way Riker affected her.
“His family is close, and he’s worried how they’ll take this news if/when they find out. They’re the most important people in his life.” Skyler added, “Do you think he’s guilty?”
The question was simple and honest, but answering it was complicated. She longed to be a part of the Heartland Fugitive Task Force, but no matter what PHACE produced, it put her on the wrong side of them. Still, her heart and instincts overrode her ambitions. “No. I don’t believe he killed Moneyman.”
Skyler nodded and placed a hand on her forearm. “You’re in a tough position. But the truth is the only thing that will set Riker free from indictment, conviction or public condemnation. Your program will provide that.”
“Or make me enemy number one for your team.” Eliana shoved down the emotion accompanying Skyler’s kind observation.
“We rely on God’s guidance and sovereignty,” Skyler replied. “You’re not powerful enough to overthrow God.”
The simple reminder had Eliana considering the truth. Lord, forgive me for thinking more highly of myself than I should’ve. You’re in control here. I surrender my will to Yours. The prayer floated up from her heart, providing a calming peace.
The men loaded the wheel into the bed of the F-150 and Riker hopped in, studying the object.
Eliana and Skyler faced him and moved closer.
“What’re you looking for?” Skyler asked, voicing Eliana’s internal question.
Riker didn’t immediately answer, but his eyes widened, and he removed a small box. “This!” He held up the device, allowing the group to inspect it.
“What is it?” Eliana asked.
“A GPS tracker,” Riker said. “He couldn’t follow us without being seen, so he waited until we were in a vulnerable position and ambushed us.”
“My SUV was at the scene, and Skyler followed me here. However, let’s conduct a quick check of both vehicles before you head out,” Beckham suggested.
They each took a wheel, searching for other tracking devices.
“Find anything?” Beckham asked.
“I’m not sure what I’m looking for exactly,” Eliana admitted. “I don’t see anything out of the ordinary.”
Riker moved beside her, reinspecting the wheels. “It’s clean.”
“Funny, if you’re not looking for it, you can totally miss what’s right in front of your eyes,” Skyler said.
“The GPS tracker didn’t have flashing lights that declared ‘Here I am,’” Riker teased.
Skyler’s comment lingered in Eliana’s mind, and she studied the agent. What was in front of them that they were missing?
Ammo and Bosco bounded around the vehicles, barking and playing. Impervious to the heaviness of the situation.
“Ah, if only we all lived as carefree as our dogs,” Skyler said.
Eliana chuckled. “Yes.” She approached the SUV, pausing beside Beckham. “Sir, would it be possible for me to view the crime scene again?”
