her own confusion mirrored in his expression.
They followed Henry into the sunroom. It was decorated in muted colors, with soft love seats and simple end tables. A poinsettia sat on the coffee table.
Emilia’s heart skittered.
“Henry?” A woman appeared in the doorway leading to the house. She was dressed casually in jeans and a sweater, and her dark hair was pulled back into a bun. “What’s going on?” Her attention flickered to Emilia and Bennett. “Everything okay?”
“Fine, dear. This is Texas Ranger Bennett—” Henry paused. “Sorry, I forgot your last name.”
“Knox. Bennett Knox.”
Emilia forced a friendly smile, hoping to put the other woman at ease about their surprise visit. “I’m Special Agent Emilia Sanchez.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Jackie Stillman.”
Jackie’s resemblance to the murder victims was unmistakable. She was slender and pretty, but her hair color didn’t appear natural. Her eyebrows were much lighter, indicating she was actually blonde. Why had she dyed her hair chocolate brown? For Henry?
Emilia’s heart beat faster as her gaze darted to the poinsettia on the table, then to Henry. Their eyes clashed. For a moment, the sunroom disappeared, and she was back in the cabin. Panic swelled in her chest and the scar on her arm burned. Her hand drifted to her sleeve, but instead of touching the mottled skin, her fingers tripped over metal. The bracelet Bennett had given her. Her thumb traced the cross charm and her breathing settled.
She was okay. Bennett was with her. So was the Lord.
The panic attack subsided, leaving her weak-kneed. Henry was still watching her, but his expression was confused. “Emilia, are you okay? You look pale?”
“Fine.” The word came out on a croak and she cleared her throat. “I’m fine.”
But she wasn’t fine. The panic attack had been swift. She hadn’t had one in months. Was it seeing Henry again that triggered it? Or was the stress of the last few days catching up with her? Emilia couldn’t tell, and it was unsettling.
Bennett placed a hand on the small of her back and she leaned into the touch, letting his presence ground her. His words from earlier this morning filtered through her mind. She was strong and resilient.
This case wouldn’t break her. She wouldn’t let it.
The couch cushion dipped under his weight and Bennett pitched forward to stop from sinking in deeper. He cast a glance at Emilia, concern nipping him. It seemed like she was on the verge of a panic attack a few moments ago. Whatever it was seemed to have passed. The color had returned to her cheeks.
Henry sat on the couch across from them. The sunlight hit on the scar along his lower lip. “What can I help you with?”
“We’re looking into the disappearance of Alice Nelson. It may be connected to a recent murder in town.”
“Kathy Rose, yes, I know.” His shoulders slumped. “I knew Kathy. Not well, but my wife works days and I work nights. We don’t have dinner together due to our schedules so I would often pop into the diner. Kathy was a nice lady, always had a smile for everyone.”
“And Alice Nelson? Did you know her?”
“I did. She and I were good friends. In fact, the last time I saw her was at a party we attended together.”
Bennett took out the photograph and showed it to Henry. “Was this taken at the party?”
“It was.” Henry took the picture and studied it. A flicker of sadness and regret crossed his face. “I was supposed to drive her home, but I got plastered at the party and passed out. Woke up the next morning lying on the bathroom floor with little recollection about what had happened the night before.”
“So the last time you saw Alice was at the party?”
He nodded. “She disappeared sometime that night. I’ve racked my brain trying to remember who she left the party with, but I can’t.”
Emilia pointed to the picture. “Is it possible she left with Derrick?”
“I don’t know.” Henry’s knee jiggled with energy. “I’m ashamed to say it, but I’m an alcoholic. In those days, I started drinking before ten in the morning, and by nine at night, I couldn’t pronounce my own name. Hit rock bottom when I went to jail for my second DUI. Afterward, I started attending Alcoholic Anonymous meetings, became a Christian, and turned my life around.”
Jackie came into the room with glasses of iced tea. She distributed the drinks and then took a seat next to her husband.
Henry showed her the picture. “Bennett and Emilia are looking into