“I think for once I agree with Grace. If you like it, keep it. You deserve it.”

He smiled as he stepped on the gas, and the car leapt forward, rolling off the hill toward the big timber front gate. “I promise you one thing. This little beauty doesn’t bounce you around like the pickup. Might as well relax and enjoy the ride.”

Ellie sighed with pleasure and settled back in the seat.

Kade was just beginning to get the feel of the car when, a few minutes into the trip, his cell phone started ringing. He checked the caller number on the screen built into the dash; it began with 702, a Boulder County area code. Something about the number pricked the back of his mind, and a ball of unease settled like a rock in his stomach.

Kade had a bad feeling the phone call meant trouble.

* * *

Ellie noticed the knot bunched in Kade’s jaw as he hit the hands-free button on the wheel. “Logan.”

“Logan, this is Matt McBride, Boulder County Chief of Police.”

Kade eased the big Mercedes over to the side of the road. “Chief McBride. Been a while. Six years, as I recall.”

“Close enough.”

“What can I do for you, Chief?”

“You going to be around this afternoon? We need to talk.”

Kade’s shoulders tightened. Ellie wasn’t sure what information the police chief might have, but she knew Boulder was where Heather’s body had been found.

“I’ll be around,” Kade said. “What time?”

“We’re flying in. The chopper only takes about an hour.”

“Must be important,” Kade said.

“I’ll see you in an hour.” The voice faded from the speaker, and Kade leaned back in the driver’s seat.

“What do you think’s going on?” Ellie asked.

His gaze swung to hers, and she could read the turbulence there. “McBride was head of the department when they found Heather’s body. Maybe they caught the guy who killed her.”

“I hope that’s what it is.” But there was something in McBride’s voice . . . Ellie didn’t think he was bringing good news.

Kade turned the car around in the middle of the road and drove the short distance back to the ranch house. He let Ellie out, pulled the Mercedes back into the garage, and closed the overhead door.

Maria was in the kitchen when Ellie walked inside with Kade.

“You’re supposed to have the day off,” Kade said.

Maria just shrugged. “I was going to take my grandmother to church, but she wasn’t feeling well, and there were some things I wanted to take care of.”

Kade nodded. “Well, I’m glad you’re here. I’m making some changes, starting in the kitchen. From now on, you’re in charge. I’ll talk to Mabel when she gets back, tell her it’s time to let you take over.”

Maria’s gaze shot to Ellie.