Washed Up (A Gracie Andersen Mystery Book 4) by Laurinda Wallace Page B

runner. He didn’t like any part of the focus on the B & B. But, as he knew all too well, everybody lies to the police. He hoped that Amanda was guilty only of being reckless with evidence, not an accessory to a crime.
    “Please tread lightly,” he managed, working to keep his personal feelings buried.
    “Don’t worry about it. Remember: Ricky’s capture is need-to-know only. Nobody, not even the hospital, knows we have him and Ramage. Too dangerous.”
    Marc nodded, recalling Hank’s words all too well. The man was hanging on by a thread. It would be a miracle if he survived.
    They watched the crime scene team pack up their van. The adrenalin rush had taken a toll. He felt wrung out physically and emotionally. If interviews were in the morning, he wanted to be present and coherent.
    Before he could ask, Agent Galvez said, “Let me take you home, Stevens. You won’t be driving your vehicle anywhere. And here’s the tow truck finally.”
    A flatbed tow truck growled its way up the incline. Agent Galvez met the truck and handed Marc’s keys to the driver.
    “Ready?” he asked, looking at Marc.
    “Yeah. It’s been quite a night.”
     

CHAPTER 20
     
     
    Gracie sat in the shady courtyard, enjoying her second cup of coffee and watching the hummers dive-bomb each other. They were feisty little things, so much fun to watch. Her bird book purchase was a big help identifying the diverse birdlife. She’d already spotted three different varieties: a broadbill, Anna’s, and magnificent. All were beautiful with shimmering greens, purples, and bright pinks. Marc had promised to join her this morning after the trail crew interviews. Fortunately, her presence wasn’t required for any of it.
    Amanda padded glumly from her living quarters, Cochise and Molly running ahead, anxious to be let out into the yard. Once the gate opened, they were off on their rounds. Gracie thought she saw telltale signs of red, puffy eyes on her hostess. It hadn’t been a restful night apparently.
    “Good morning.” Gracie leaned back in her well-cushioned wrought iron chair.
    “It’s morning. That’s all I know or care to,” Amanda answered dryly.
    “Sorry about the repeat interview.”
    “Well, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Everyone is being questioned though, so at least it’s fair. Gary and Hank should be here any time. Have you seen the cops?”
    “No, but I think I’ll steal another muffin from the kitchen. Want one?”
    “No thanks. My nerves are shot after yesterday, which has my stomach in revolt.”
    The front door swung open, and Gary entered, followed by Marc, Ranger Ortiz, plus the inseparable DEA agents. Amanda bit her bottom lip and silently joined the group inside.
    “Where’s Hank?” Amanda asked.
    Gary looked at the floor, and Agent Galvez took Amanda into the reading room. Marc joined Gracie in the courtyard, quickly settling in at her table.
    “What’s going on?”
    “It’s Hank,” Marc said. “He died this morning.”
    “What? How? Why?”
    “He was shot last night. It’s under investigation.”
    “Shot? He’s dead?”
    Marc nodded. “Yeah. I thought he was going to be all right, but it didn’t work out that way.” He grasped her hand, his eyes pleading. “Gracie, please don’t go with Amanda anywhere or do any more hiking in the mountains.”
    “Really? Do you think Amanda’s in danger?”
    “It’s possible. We need to sort out all the connections today. Otherwise, someone else may … get hurt.”
    Her ill-timed holiday had officially become the vacation from hell. Maybe she should consider trying to find a flight home. She wished he’d divulge the whole story of what was really going on.  Marc’s communication style left a lot to be desired. She and Michael had talked about everything. They worked side-by-side in the barn, always together. This relationship with Marc was far different than her expectations. She pulled her hand away, giving him a weak smile.
    “Thanks for the