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9-1-1 call came into dispatch.” He set down the pen and met her gaze. “Anything else you can think of? Even something minor you think doesn’t matter. It could be important.”
    As if she hadn’t been told the same thing before? The investigators handling Kent’s murder had drilled that line into her head over and over again, like a mantra. “I can’t think of anything else.”
    He stood, shutting his notebook and slipping it into his shirt pocket. “Why don’t I let you get ready and then I’ll take you to get your car?”
    â€œSounds good.” She stood, balancing on her tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on her feet. The pain medication from the night before had long worn off, and she’d forgotten to take a pill this morning. “It shouldn’t take me longer than thirty or forty minutes to get ready.”
    â€œNo rush. I’ve got a couple of things to do. I’ll just pick you up in an hour.”
    She saw him out, then leaned her back against the closed motel door. Did he believe her? He hadn’t seemed eager to entertain the notion of someone setting her house on fire. But she knew the truth. That call had been a warning. Now she knew someone didn’t want her in town and they were serious.
    Even if the police blew her off, she’d figure out on her own who was behind the threat and the fire. And why they didn’t want her in Lagniappe.
    Â 
    Why would someone try to run Monique Harris out of town?
    Gary sat in the cruiser, reviewing his notes. He’d have to make a full report sometime today, but he didn’t want to slant it toward arson if there was a logical reason her house had caught fire. And he didn’t want to mention the threatening phone call if Monique had fabricated the whole thing.
    His gut told him that despite the ordeal and the trauma she’d undergone in the last year, Monique Harris wasn’t melodramatic or delusional. She seemed levelheaded and calm, even when listing her reasons to believe someone was after her, with no proof.
    She was also very attractive. The type of woman who was both strong and vulnerable at the same time, making him want to protect and stand beside her. His mother had seen it, too. Still, she was a subject in an ongoing investigation. He was the lead officer. To be considered for chief deputy, he’d have to handle this case with kid gloves—do everything by the book, dotting each i and crossing each t. And not noticing things like just how pretty she looked in the morning sunlight.
    His cell phone trilled.
    He flipped it open. “Anderson.”
    â€œYes, son, I know your name. I gave birth to you, remember?”
    Gary smiled at his mother’s teasing. “Your biscuits and gravy were a hit. So were the clothes.”
    â€œOh, good. I wanted to check on that poor girl. How is she?”
    Beautiful? Admirable? “She’s getting ready now, then I’ll take her to get her car.”
    â€œGary Anderson, you aren’t in that motel room while she’s getting ready, are you? What will people say? If you aren’t considering your reputation, think about that poor girl’s.”
    He chuckled. “Mom, I’m sitting in my car outside the motel, doing some paperwork.”
    â€œWell, good thing. That poor child doesn’t need anything else poured on top of her. She just lost everything she has.”
    â€œDon’t worry about it. You raised me better than that.”
    â€œI’d hope so.”
    He swallowed another laugh. “I need to finish up some stuff before she comes out. I’ll call you later.”
    â€œWhy don’t you invite her to join us for supper tonight?”
    â€œMom, I already told you that I won’t be able to come over this week. Not with the sheriff on vacation.”
    â€œBut that young lady needs some TLC. Surely you can manage for supper? Where’s your compassion? It’s the Christian