Stranded. Debby Giusti

for the rumble of the engine and the sound of the wheels on the gravel drive as he backed away from the Amish store.

      She didn’t want to talk to Frank, yet that’s what would happen shortly. Colleen wouldn’t lie, but she couldn’t tell him everything. He’d be like the other law enforcement officers she had approached.

      They hadn’t believed her.

      Frank wouldn’t believe her either.

      * * *

      Instead of driving up the mountain, Frank headed to where the rescue crews were working farther south along Amish Road.

      Colleen didn’t question the change of direction. Instead she gazed out the passenger window as if distancing herself from Frank.

      Through the rearview mirror, he saw Duke balanced in the truck bed, his nose sniffing the wind. The dog had an innate ability to read people. Duke had taken to Colleen from the onset, yet Frank wouldn’t make a judgment about Colleen based on his canine’s desire for attention.

      Nearing the rescue activity, he pulled to the side of the road and cut the engine. “I’ll just be a minute.”

      She nodded but didn’t question the stop.

      Duke whined to get down.

      “Stay and guard the truck.” Guard Colleen, as well.

      Huge generators operated the emergency lights and rumbled in the night. Frank’s eyes adjusted to the brightness, and he quickly searched for a familiar face in the wash of rescue personnel.

      Spying Colby near one of the medical vehicles, Frank hurried forward. The other agent held up both hands and shrugged with regret.

      “Frank, I’m sorry. I got caught up in a problem with the Amish and never made it to the barn. Did you find what you were looking for?”

      “I found Colleen.” Frank glanced back at the truck. She held her head high and stared straight ahead. If only he could tap into that defensive shell she wore as protection.

      He turned back to Colby. “Any chance you can spare an hour or two?”

      “We’re in good shape here. What do you need?”

      “Colleen was rummaging through her car. Supposedly she was searching for her carry-on bag. Earlier I had found Vivian’s phone with a video showing what appeared to be a drug exchange.”

      “You know we’re not allowed to search a suspect’s cell phone without a warrant.”

      Frank nodded. “I was checking to see if it still had power. The video came up on the screen. I didn’t have to search for anything, and I didn’t access her call log, much as I would have liked that information, as well.”

      “You think both women were dealing?”

      “I’m not sure what to think, but Colleen’s ready to answer questions, and I want you there since I’m not officially on duty.”

      “You could take her into post.”

      Frank nodded. “That’s an option, but Fort Rickman’s digging out from the storm. I doubt anyone wants to stop that effort to question a witness when we can handle it here.”

      “Good point. I’d be glad to serve as another set of eyes and ears. Give me a minute to let the captain know that I’ll be away from the area for a bit. I’ll meet you at Evelyn’s house.”

      Frank appreciated having another CID agent present when he questioned Colleen. She seemed legit, but even pretty young things with red hair popped pills and dealt drugs. Better to be cautious instead of making another mistake. Frank hadn’t seen Audrey for who she really was. He needed to be right about Colleen.

      Was she a deceptive drug dealer or an innocent woman caught in the wrong place at the wrong time?