The Christmas Rescue by Laura Scott Page B

“I was part of the team who found his boat and I can tell you, we didn’t find anything suspicious. Accidents like drowning are required to be reviewed by the ME.”
    â€œYou investigated his death?” she echoed in surprise.
    He glanced at her, his expression serious. “I was part of the team that searched for him, yes. As I would anyone lost in the water.”
    She didn’t know why she was surprised to hear he’d searched for Jeremy, but she was. Two years ago she hadn’t even known Rafe. Now she knew their paths had crossed, even then. She went back to the subject that wouldn’t leave her alone. “Do you know for certain how long the criminal smuggling ring has been going on?”
    â€œAt least a year, as far as we can tell, maybe longer,” Rafe conceded. “But again, there’s no way to know exactly when Bill Schroeder became involved. It could have easily been after your husband’s death.” He glanced at her, compassion warming his gaze. “Don’t torture yourself about this, Kayla. You’re right. If the ME had thought the circumstances of your husband’s death were suspicious, there would have been a more in-depth investigation. Don’t borrow trouble. Let’s just concentrate on moving forward from here, okay?”
    Rafe was right, she knew he was, but it wasn’t easy to let go of the nagging thoughts. Dealing with Jeremy’sdeath had been difficult enough, but she couldn’t comprehend how she’d feel if she discovered he was murdered. She forced a smile. “I’ll try.”
    â€œGood. When we get back to your B and B, we need to broaden our search.”
    â€œBroaden the search where?” Kayla couldn’t imagine what else there was to look through. “Everything of Jeremy’s is in the attic.”
    â€œKayla, I need you to think about this carefully. Is there any possibility Bill Schroeder could have hid something without you knowing about it?” he asked. “Any way at all?”
    Hid something? In her house? She stared at Rafe, casting her memory back to the day Bill had surprised her by stopping over when she hadn’t heard from him in over a year. He’d seemed ill at ease, holding the door open as if unsure of whether or not to come in. He’d finally come in, but before the door closed, Clyde caught sight of a squirrel and took off into the woods. She told Bill to have a seat moments before she and Brianna had immediately gone after the dog. Just a couple of months earlier, they’d let Clyde run loose in the woods and he’d suffered a close encounter with a skunk. The horrible stench still burned in her memory and she’d never wanted to risk that mess again. Hence their frantic search for Clyde.
    Thinking back, she didn’t think she’d been gone very long but maybe it was just enough time. “Yes, it’s possible,” she finally admitted.
    â€œReally?” Rafe’s intense gaze pierced her.
    â€œThe day he came over, the dog got loose. Brianna and I went after Clyde while he waited inside.”
    â€œLong enough for him to hide something?” Rafe persisted.
    â€œYes, about ten to fifteen minutes.” She shivered despite the mild temperatures outside. Why would Bill purposefully drag her into this mess? Because he’d been desperate? Or had he believed whatever secret he’d left would be safe with her?
    â€œI’m sorry, Kayla,” Rafe said in a low tone, reaching over to take her hand in his. His hand was strong and warm, and for the life of her she couldn’t convince herself to let go.
    She tried to smile. “It’s not your fault, Rafe.”
    He gave her hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze. “Maybe not, although I still feel responsible. But know this, Kayla. I will keep you and Brianna safe. I promise.”
    She nodded, her throat tight with repressed fear. Sitting here with her hand engulfed