Tracking Concealed Evidence
Author
Sharee Stover
Reads
16.9K
Chapters
1
EPILOGUE
With Echo resting in her lap, Shaylee glanced up as Jamey and Bugsy entered Dugan’s office. Her smile still sent his heart into rapid rhythms.
“Sorry I’m late.” Jamey settled into the available chair with Bugsy beside him. “So, it’s confirmed?”
Shaylee passed him a folder with documents. “The last of the test results arrived this morning. The blood on the boots was Zia’s, and the soil samples prove they came from the sinkhole with traces of gypsum. DNA inside the boots confirms Noreen as the wearer.”
“Baxter’s trying to negotiate a plea deal, but the district attorney told Baxter’s counsel to stop wasting their time. The DA’s going for the maximum sentencing, and the media is blasting his deeds to the public. He couldn’t get out of this mess with ten legal teams.” Dugan leaned across the desk. “You were dead-on accurate, Jamey. Noreen’s actions of placing Zia and the boots in Baxter’s trunk left bug evidence even after she’d hidden them at the cabin.”
“She’ll have a long time to think about her crimes,” Shaylee said, sadness in her tone.
Franny appeared in the doorway. “Y’all should get a move on.”
Shaylee glanced at her watch. “Oops, she’s right.”
The group relocated to the press conference in the city council chambers. Jamey and Shaylee took their place behind the podium where Dugan repeated the charges against Noreen and Baxter along with the status updates.
The governor stepped forward. “We owe a debt of gratitude to Jamey Dyer and his forensic detection canine, Bugsy, for rescuing Detective Adler. Without their keen partnership and skilled training, she would’ve died at the hands of Noreen Liddle and Baxter Heathcote. Additionally, their efforts resulted in the discovery of Zia Heathcote’s remains. In appreciation for all their work, I’m proud to name them this year’s Governor’s Honor recipients.”
Dugan provided closing remarks.
Afterward, while Shaylee and Jamey mingled, his old boss, George Pritchard, approached. “Dyer, I owe you an apology. If you’re willing, your job is yours for the taking.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’ve got other plans.” Jamey put an arm around Shaylee.
“Understandable. Best to you.” George smiled.
“Please excuse us.” Jamey led Shaylee outside and together they strolled the city grounds to a stone bench under a maple tree. He’d wanted a romantic setting, but he’d burst if he waited a second longer.
“Look!” Shaylee pointed at two orange-and-black spotted butterflies flitting by. “Regal fritillary.”
He gaped. “You remember their name?”
She shrugged. “You’re a great teacher.”
Love warmed his heart to overflowing. God, thank You for the privilege of loving this woman. Give me the courage to ask her.
“And if I’m not mistaken, he’s courting her,” Shaylee said.
Sure enough, the male chased the female in circular flight, dancing above the wildflowers. He glanced down at Bugsy, who winked and panted contentedly. Echo barked, tail wagging, as if to say, Now!
Jamey sucked in a breath. “Shaylee, the day you entered into my life, I realized I’d missed out on everything I never knew I wanted.” He was rambling. “Um, I mean. Why am I so nervous? This sounded so much better in my head.”
She grinned, a knowing sparkle in her eyes. “Just say it really fast.”
He swiped a sweaty palm against his pants and removed the ring he’d carried in his pocket for two weeks. He displayed the solitaire between his thumb and forefinger. “Shaylee Adler, would you do me the honor of becoming Mrs. Bug Dude?”
She threw herself into his arms and he nearly dropped the ring. “Yes!”
Jamey kissed her deeply, inhaling the scent of her perfumed shampoo.
“Hey, what’s with the PDA?” Dugan’s voice boomed, interrupting the moment.
“A totally justifiable reason for a public display of affection,” Shaylee interpreted, though Jamey understood the acronym. He slipped the ring onto her finger.
“He finally asked?” Dugan grinned.
Shaylee blinked. “You knew?”
“Since the captain is family to you, I felt it appropriate to ask him first for your hand in marriage,” Jamey explained.
Shaylee chuckled. “What if he’d said no?”
Dugan cleared his throat, and Jamey swallowed hard. “I would’ve had to beg Bugsy to convince him.”
Shaylee laughed.
Dugan slapped Jamey’s shoulder a little harder than necessary. “I can’t think of a better man. You have my blessing.”
Shaylee smiled wider. “Great, because I need to give you my resignation.”
Dugan frowned. “What?”
“Jamey and I are opening a private investigation agency specializing in multiple canine disciplines like search and rescue, forensic and detection. Along with Jamey’s entomology experience.”
“After the wedding and a long honeymoon,” Jamey inserted.
Shaylee’s cheeks blushed. “Definitely.”
Dugan met his eyes. “Bug Dude returns?”
“Proudly, sir.” Jamey laughed.
“Brilliant plan.” Dugan leaned to pet Bugsy and Echo. “If you’ll teach an old dog like me to work with one of these awesome creatures, I might ask for a job.”
“You hold the leash, and they do the work,” Jamey said.
“Sign me up.” Dugan winked before walking away.
“This morning I read that God restores the years the locusts have stolen. I don’t know if that applies to us, but it spoke to me. Just like God turning ashes into beauty.”
Shaylee kissed him softly. “He doesn’t waste anything. Not tears, or pain, or loss. Somehow it works together for His perfect plan.”
Keep reading for an excerpt from Dangerous Mountain Rescue by Christy Barritt.
