heels. “That reminds me. Friends of yours were asking questions about Michael McCormick, digging into his whereabouts on the night Ms. Foster was attacked and so forth.”
Addison didn’t have to ask how Chief Walters heard that piece of news. Michael must’ve gotten wind of their private investigation and called his friend.
“None of you are police officers,” the chief continued. “You have no business investigating Michael or anyone else. If you persist, I’ll be forced to arrest you for interfering with a police investigation.”
Beside Chief Walters, Trevor pressed his lips together. Addison had the vaguest impression he was pleased. Heat flooded her cheeks. Her life was being threatened, and they were more worried about appearances than finding the man responsible.
“I will continue to do everything within my power to protect Addison. That should put us on the same side, Chief, but if it doesn’t…” Jason’s tone was unyielding and unrepentant. “Then so be it.”
Chief Walters narrowed his gaze. “We all want the same thing. Wendall Atkin behind bars where he belongs. Come on, Trevor. We have work to do.” He nodded toward Addison. “Ma’am.”
Trevor fell in step beside his boss. They joined some other officers in the yard. Addison watched them go, frustration burning her stomach. “Do you get the feeling we’re being manipulated?”
“I’m not sure what to think.” Jason tilted his head toward the house. “Let’s go inside.”
The kitchen was warm. Nathan and Kyle were sitting at the table, Connor at their feet. The pasta remained untouched on the stove.
Guilt swamped Addison. “Guys, what are you doing? Why didn’t you eat?”
“Not without our hostess.” Nathan rose, his bulky frame moving more gracefully than Addison would’ve thought possible. “Sit down, Addy. We can serve. What did the police say?”
Jason summarized what they’d discussed outside. Then he gently pushed Addison into a chair before she could form an objection. The scent of garlic and oregano mixed with tomatoes made her stomach grumble.
The three men bustled around the kitchen as though they were used to working together. Within moments, a hot plate of food was set in front of Addison, along with a frosty glass of iced tea.
Nathan set two more plates piled high with pasta on the table and sat down. “Let’s say grace and I’ll tell you what I’ve learned about Wendall. Addison, will you do the honors?”
They joined hands. Addison bowed her head. “Thank you, Lord, for this meal. May it nourish our bodies. We also give thanks for Your safeguarding and protection. For friendship.” She squeezed Jason’s hand. “And for Your loving presence in our lives. Amen.”
The men gave a chorus of amens in return.
Addison placed her napkin in her lap, then picked up her fork. She took a bite of pasta and sighed with pleasure as the flavors exploded on her tongue. Her three guests spent the next few minutes eating and complimenting her cooking. Despite the pressure of the situation and the stress of the last few hours, Addison relaxed.
Her gaze drifted over the guests at her table. Nathan and Kyle were handsome men in their own right. Considerate. Brave. Any woman in her right mind would jump at the chance to be in a relationship with either of them. But Addison only felt friendly affection for the two men.
She peeked at Jason and her pulse jumped. Everything about him drew her in. Their conversation from earlier replayed in her mind. A relationship between us isn’t possible, no matter how much I wish otherwise. Knowing what she did about him, it sounded like Jason was trying to protect her. The question was: from what?
She didn’t know. But Addison had every intention of finding out.
Jason wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Okay, Nathan, spill it. What did you learn about Wendall Atkin?”
“This won’t come as a surprise, but Wendall is bad news.” Nathan reached for the salad bowl. “I checked into the murder case he went to prison for. Wendall broke into the man’s house and beat him to death.”
Jason’s hand tightened on his fork. “That’s similar to the initial attack on Addison.”
“I had the same thought. Wendall was staying at a pay-as-you-go motel following his release from prison, but disappeared about a month ago. I spoke to several family members. No one has seen or heard from Wendall in weeks. However, they confirmed what Wendall’s son, Steven, told you. The SUV with the decal looks like Wendall’s vehicle. He kept it at his sister’s house while he was in prison.”
“Is she in contact with him now?” Jason