Shane looked away for a moment. “The file had been sealed by a local judge.”

“Sealed?” Russell asked in surprise. “In an unsolved murder case? I thought they only did that when a juvenile was involved?”

“I guess they did it because of the little girl.”

“Angel Beaumont. But she’s dead.”

Shane said nothing.

“She is dead, right?”

“Her death certificate was signed by the same judge.”

Russell swore.

“Now don’t go jumping to conclusions,” Shane warned. “The judge was probably acting as coroner back then.”

“Don’t give me that. You think something is wrong with this case or you wouldn’t have just told me about this.”

Shane cocked his head at him. “How involved are you with this woman?” He swore as he caught Russell’s expression. “Hell, Russell.”

“It isn’t like I’m falling for her.” Russell couldn’t regret making love with Dulcie, no matter how big a fool move it had been. “She’ll be gone back to Chicago soon.”

Shane was shaking his head and frowning. “Look,” he said. “I found something in the file. I’m sure Dulcie is going to find out about it sooner or later. Maybe sooner and from someone who cares about her would be better.”

Russell held his breath.

“Laura Beaumont’s maiden name was Hughes. She was the daughter of Brad and Kathy Hughes of Chicago—and the mother of two daughters. Angel was the oldest.”

Chapter 10

After making plans to meet Jolene later, Dulcie called Renada. She felt terrible for not doing it sooner.

“Honey, you sound awful. Put the property up for sale and get out of there,” Renada said.

“It’s not that simple.” She had skipped telling her friend about Laura’s murder or about Angel Beaumont. “I still don’t know why it was left to me and until I do, I can’t leave.”

“How did I know you were going to say that? Have you at least met a handsome cowboy?”

“Actually...”

Renada laughed. “I can’t wait to hear all about it. You’re sure you don’t need me to come out there?”

“Positive. How is the design class going?”

“Wonderful! I am having so much fun. I’ll tell you all about it when you get back. Back soon, okay?”

“Okay.” Dulcie hung up and felt like crying. She missed her friend, but she knew it was more than that. She was scared. She’d been scared ever since she’d heard she’d inherited the property in Montana.

And it had only gotten worse once she’d arrived here and found out what had happened to Laura Beaumont and her daughter.

She was convinced she was Angel Beaumont. It was the only thing that made any sense, she told herself, as she drove to the farmhouse. And if there was one person who might tell her the truth it was the rainmaker.