The Missing Mccullen

“She must have turned him down, ’cause he got mad. Told her he’d never let her go.”

Anger seeped through BJ.

Cash had lied about being in love with Sondra. And they’d argued the day she died.

What if he’d flown into a rage because she wanted him out of her and Tyler’s life, and he killed her in a fit of passion?

Spillman’s story brought up all sorts of doubts. She couldn’t automatically rely on the man, because it was clear someone could be trying to frame Cash.

But if not...

She was going to have to be extra thorough on this one to get to the truth. And not let Cash’s attachment to Tyler cause her to free another guilty murderer.

Chapter Five (#ulink_be22cc9b-8761-5f69-9267-60efe5825902)

BJ texted Maddox and asked him to meet her at the dining hall.

“Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Spillman.” She handed him a business card. “If you think of anything that can shed light on Sondra Elmore’s death, please call me.”

He tapped the card against his hand. “You be careful, Miss Alexander. I’d hate to see the same thing that happened to Sondra happen to you.”

The hair on the back of her neck prickled. Was that a threat? Or a warning about Cash?

Maddox pulled up with a grim-looking Cash in the back.

“Did you find anything?” she asked when he rolled down his window.

“Jasper already thoroughly searched the place. If there was anything there, he confiscated it.”

“If he says he found something, he planted it,” Cash said in a voice laced with anger. “I told you I didn’t kill Sondra.”

“I’ll call Jasper.” BJ entered the sheriff’s number into her phone, her own temper close to the surface. “This is BJ Alexander. I need to know everything you found when you searched Cash Koker’s bunkhouse.”

“I don’t have to tell you anything,” Sheriff Jasper barked.

“Yes, you do. Before the trial, you’re required to disclose all evidence to the defense attorney. That’s me. So why don’t you make both our lives easier and do it now?”

Jasper cursed. “All right, lady. We found pictures of Mr. Koker and Sondra. Looks like they were all lovey-dovey.”

She twisted to look at Cash, her pulse clamoring. “Explain.”

“They were wrapped up in each other’s arms.”

Cash had denied being romantically involved with Sondra. “Text me a copy. I need to see them myself. What else?”

“Ask him about my business plan,” Cash said from the backseat. “And my guns.”

BJ gripped the phone tighter. “Did you find a business plan?”

“Sure did,” Jasper said. “Koker needed finances to make that happen. My guess is he hated Elmore for firing him and decided to use that kid for blackmail money to buy his own spread.”

BJ bit her bottom lip. She and Cash had discussed a blackmail accusation back at the jail, but he hadn’t disclosed his plans to start his own business. Unfortunately, jurors might see that as a motive.

“What about Koker’s guns?”

“Took them for analysis,” Jasper said. “Besides, a dangerous man like him doesn’t need firearms in his possession.”

BJ gritted her teeth. “What about other suspects?”

“Listen, Ms. Alexander, we have motive and physical evidence. We got the right man.”

“We’ll see.” BJ ended the call, irritated.

Jasper did have a case. No doubt he’d twist the fact that Cash claimed he had amnesia to suggest he was lying. The ranch hand’s testimony about that phone call between Cash and Sondra would also be incriminating.

Damn. With motive and physical evidence, Jasper might get a conviction.

* * *

CASH WAS SHOCKED that Sheriff McCullen went by the impound lot and allowed him to retrieve his pickup truck.

“Just follow me to the ranch,” Sheriff McCullen said. “You can stay at Horseshoe Creek until the case is over. Miss Alexander is already staying in a cabin on the ranch.”

Suspicion once again flared inside Cash. Nobody helped a stranger for nothing. He’d just have to bide his time until he figured out what the sheriff wanted.

Questions nagged at him as he followed the police SUV. Farm and ranch lands spread for miles and miles, the open space beckoning.

He could not give up his freedom. He’d rather die than be locked away for the rest of his life.

All the more reason he find out who’d framed him and killed Sondra. Poor little Tyler—he must be scared out of his mind.

Sweat beaded on Cash’s neck. The cards were stacked against him, though. How hard would BJ Alexander fight to get him acquitted?

And what the hell did any of this have to do with the McCullens?

A sign for Horseshoe Creek Ranch mocked him as the sheriff veered down a long drive. The lawyer lady followed in her fancy car.

Cattle grazed in a pasture to the north and barns and horses were scattered throughout the beautiful farmland. An article a few months ago had featured Brett McCullen, former rodeo star, and his awards. He’d also expanded the ranch to include horse training and breeding. His popularity and skills definitely drew customers, and his contacts across the states aided in him securing the best horses.

Elmore had an impressive spread, but he’d talked about Joe McCullen with both admiration and resentment. McCullen had built a legacy for his sons—a fact Elmore envied. Sondra hadn’t cared about the ranch business, and Elmore had never had a son.

The sheriff drove toward the main ranch house, an impressive farmhouse with wraparound porches that sat on a hill overlooking the massive acreage. He bypassed the house, though, and veered onto a lane that weaved through the property. A half mile from the house, several smaller cabins had been built for employees or guests. Sheriff McCullen pulled in front of one and parked. Cash swung his truck in beside him, then the lawyer parked on the other side.

“This is where you’ll be staying, Cash,” Sheriff McCullen said.

Cash straightened. “I don’t understand why you’re doing this, Sheriff.”

The sheriff and lawyer exchanged a look. “Get cleaned up, then we’ll meet in the main house to discuss the situation.”