Outskirts Press, INC.

Buried treasure. Murder. Witness protection. Time travel. Vampires.

Dyan Strother has an unusual proposition: Let her participate in solving the eight-year-old murder of her friend—a murder no one knows has been committed—and she will be a cooperative protectee. Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Mackie has little choice but to accept. As the only member of The Janus Project available to be her protector, he would have his hands full if she remained true to her nature of misbehaving. Besides, looking into a cold case that had never been hot, especially one in a small Nebraska town, was just the kind of innocuous task he needed. He was wrong.

She scooted closer to Rob until their hips touched, and angled the screen so they could view it together. “It’s black-and-white but the image is crisp. They’re in the middle of the store. That’s too bad.”

“Why?”

“Audio is available only along the perimeter. Our Tony doesn’t seem to believe… No, there it is. Good thing he was standing close enough to the counter to grab it before he fell. At least he didn’t throw—I spoke too soon.”

“It doesn’t look all that bad in black-and-white,” Rob commented.

“What exactly did you tell the Rissolis?”

“‘Exactly’ would take too long. I convinced them that Tony is only a pawn and not worth blood or fortune, but that he would likely be able to lead them to the ones responsible if they push the right buttons. 

“The Rissolis are putting on quite the performance as concerned customers. You want to head out to the car while I finish my cup and settle our bill?”

“But we might miss something important or exciting.”

“You see that blue SUV at the far end of the parking lot?”

“Yes.”

“It arrived at about the time the Rissolis went inside.”

“So?”

“No one has gotten out.”

“They’re together… The Rissolis planted a tracking device while playing the role of concerned customers? They’ll stay in the store long enough after Tony slips out the back to allay any suspicion that they are associated with the events which are about to transpire—whatever those events happen to be—and the tracking device will allow them a leisurely arrival at the final scene. And there goes Tony out the back.” She kissed him on the cheek as she stood. “You’re in charge of the entertainment next time. I’ll watch which way the SUV goes. Don’t dawdle.”