“Do you know which police department is handling his case?”
“I would assume Cedar Valley, but I’m not sure.”
“I can find out. So, other than the ex-husband, is there anyone else who might be involved or want to hurt Daphne?”
“I asked her that same question after she was attacked. She mentioned the ex-husband’s mother, his best friend, and her mother,” I said.
Walter shook his head. “Her mother’s a bitch, but she wouldn’t do any of this. As for his mother and best friend, I don’t know either of them well enough to speculate.”
I made a mental note to ask Daphne about her mother. She hadn’t said much about her, but I wanted to know more about their relationship, or lack thereof. Walter probably would have answered any questions I had, but I felt like asking him would have been prying. Daphne had the right to decide what she did or did not want to share about her life.
“All right, I’m going to check in with the officers outside before I head out. I’ll put one of our lead detectives on this case. He’ll be in touch tomorrow,” Chuck said.
“Thanks, Chuck,” Phoenix said and extended his hand.
After Chuck left, Phoenix turned to me. “You and Daphne can’t stay here anymore.”
“I second that,” Walter said.
“Third,” Buck chimed in.
I raised my hands in surrender. “There’s no need to convince me. I wholeheartedly agree. I’m not sure how Daphne’s going to feel about it though.”
“It won’t be forever. It’ll just be until we figure out who’s trying to hurt her and put a stop to it.”
“Where do you think she should stay?” Walter asked. “I don’t want her somewhere by herself. Of course, she’s welcome to stay with me, but I’m assuming you meant somewhere that isn’t somehow connected to her name?”
Phoenix nodded. “That’s exactly what I meant. I was thinking she could stay somewhere on the farm. Even if someone figures out she’s staying there, they won’t be able to get to her.”
Walter gave me a pointed look. “Will you be staying with her?”
“Yes, sir, if that’s what she wants.”
“It’s what I want, so I’ll make sure she’s agreeable,” he said. “No offense to the rest of you, but I’ve seen him in action firsthand.”
“No offense taken,” Phoenix assured him. “Dice is a valuable member of the club, and Daphne feels comfortable with him.”
“I should probably head over to Byte’s house and let her know what’s going on,” I said.
“Go ahead. We’ll finish up here and head that way,” Phoenix said. “Ranger’s there. Be sure to call and let them know you’re on your way.”
“Good idea,” I said and pulled out my phone.
“You don’t need to stay,” Chuck said. “I think I have everything I need. If not, I know how to find you.”
With that, we locked up Daphne’s house and walked to Byte’s, after calling Ink of course.
9
DAPHNE
Iran down the street as fast as I could, but it felt like it took forever to reach Byte’s house. Banging on the front door, I shouted for both of them, causing Shadow to bark. “Byte! Gabby!”
Gabby flung the door open and gasped. “Daphne! What’s wrong? Where’s Dice?”
“At my house. Chasing after someone. Told me to come back here. Send Byte,” I said between breaths.
I heard the distinct sound of a gun being chambered. “You two stay here. Lock the door and set the alarm,” Byte said before he disappeared through the front door.