and everyone, including Bennett, still called him Sheriff King.
Bennett explained about the threat against Emilia and being shot at. “We believe it’s connected to Derrick Jackson. Emilia isn’t sure Derrick was the only one in the cabin with them. Do you know of anyone Derrick might’ve been working with?”
Randy was quiet for so long, Bennett thought the connection had dropped. “Sheriff?”
“I’m here. There were no other fingerprints found in Derrick’s cabin. We questioned the neighbors, and no one mentioned another vehicle. I believe you’re barking up the wrong tree, son. I’m sure Emilia has enemies. Have you looked into the criminals she’s helped put away?”
“There are investigators working on that.” Bennett lowered his voice as a nurse passed by. “What do you remember about Alice Nelson’s disappearance?”
“Nelson? That girl ran off with her boyfriend. Hold on…I’ll remember his name.”
Bennett fought back a sharp reply. Randy wouldn’t have to remember the boyfriend’s name if it was written in the case file. It was one of the many things they’d butted heads about. Randy had never been particular about following procedure.
Randy blew out a breath. “I can’t remember right this moment, but it’ll come to me. I’ll text you. Why are you asking about Alice Nelson, anyway?”
“Because Derrick Jackson gave her a ride home from work. According to the case file, he was the last person to see her alive.”
“Nope, that ain’t right. There was a party that night and Alice was there. When I get home, I’ll dig around and find my personal notes.”
“Didn’t you turn your personal notes over when you retired?”
“I’m organizing them. Ain’t no need to rush me, son.”
The doors to the emergency room swished open. Claire marched in. The sheriff spotted Bennett and headed in his direction.
Bennett said a quick goodbye to Sheriff King and tucked the phone back in his pocket before turning to Claire. “Word of warning, Randy King will call you by the end of the evening.”
“Too late. He’s already left five messages with my front desk.” She frowned. “Someone in my department is feeding him information, but I don’t know who.”
“I’m sure it’s several people. Not to mention the townsfolk. There isn’t much that stays secret in Fulton.”
She muttered a reply he didn’t hear before planting her hands on her hips. “What happened tonight?”
He provided a rundown of the shooting. Claire jotted a couple of things down on a notepad. “Can you give me a description of the vehicle?”
“No. It was dark and raining. I can’t even tell you if the vehicle was a truck or an SUV.”
“Well, I looked at your vehicle in the parking lot. I think Emilia was struck by accident. Most of the bullets were directed at the driver’s side.”
Bennett had been in such a rush to get Emilia inside the emergency room, he hadn’t taken the time to study his vehicle. His gaze narrowed. “The shooter was aiming for me. Why? To force me off the road so he could kidnap Emilia?”
“A definite possibility. Anyone set on killing the pair of you would’ve fired at both sides of the vehicle.” She paused. “Of course, we have to consider this attack may not be connected to the threat against Emilia. You may have been the primary target.”
“Doubtful. I have my fair share of enemies, but this is too much of a coincidence.”
“What if both are true? Think about it this way, Bennett. You rescued Emilia from the woods before the killer found her. You took her from him, so to speak. He might want revenge.”
Bennett hadn’t considered that angle, but it had merit. He didn’t care about the risk to himself. Being a Texas Ranger was dangerous, even under normal circumstances, and he’d accepted that a long time ago. But he wouldn’t let anyone harm Emilia. Not while there was breath in his body.
He crossed his arms over his chest, keeping his eye on the closed exam room door. “This has to be connected to the murders from last year, but we need proof.”
“Agreed. What did you find out from John McInnis?”
Bennett ran through the conversation with the businessman. “John has a connection to several of the victims and Derrick. He’s worth looking into more. Were you able to search the evidence room?”
Claire’s mouth flattened. “Everything in connection to the murders and Emilia’s abduction has been destroyed. Probably done in the ordinary course of business since the case was officially closed. The only thing we have are the case files, and they’re incomplete. Sheriff King liked to exert control