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“Me three, but I have an idea.” She brought up the web browser on her phone. “We talked before about how the shooter knew where to find Katherine.”
“That article from a while back, but it would only get them to the county.”
“Uh-huh, but I just remembered that Katherine set up a website for the diner. She could have mentioned herself. Then they tagged on to her from there.”
“Worth looking into.”
The site loaded on her screen, and Amanda selected the “About Us” page. “Here it is.”
Trent leaned in. “Unless I’m not seeing it, there’s nothing about Katherine.”
“No, there isn’t.” All that Katherine had included was information on May Byrd, the founder. Amanda quickly skimmed the write-up, and there wasn’t even mention of May’s daughter, Hannah. “I have another idea. With the diner getting some serious business these days, that means attention, possibly online reviews. One of them might have mentioned Katherine specifically.”
Amanda googled Katherine’s name, and goosebumps rose when there were hits related to Hannah’s Diner. Some were standard online reviews, but there were a few blog posts. She clicked on the first one. “Here’s a review that mentions Katherine.” She scanned the article and read a tidbit out loud. “‘Katherine Graves, niece of the founding entrepreneur, brings a breath of fresh air to a well-loved Dumfries establishment.’”
“Guess we could conclude if someone had their mind set on finding her, it wouldn’t have been difficult.”
“Still, though.” Her thoughts were like wisps of fog, escaping her grasp and not fully taking shape. There was something telling in all this, but to hell if she knew what. “Was it someone local from a case she oversaw while with the PWCPD or did her abductor follow her from New York?”
“I’m not sold on it being someone from the county. She was the sergeant behind the scenes. We’re the ones testifying in court and building the cases.”
“She put her stamp of approval on all of them, but I see your point. There’s also what May told us about Katherine’s reaction to talking about the NYPD sometimes.” She took a few breaths, appreciating they had already covered this ground.
“Though there was at least one person who did have an issue with Katherine while she was interim sarge. You know who’s coming to mind?” He met her gaze and seemed to be trying to keep a straight face but was failing badly.
“This has nothing to do with Logan.” A year and a half ago when Katherine first came to the PWCPD, she was set on charging Logan with the murder of his estranged wife for a quick close and to impress the higher-ups. Amanda had been his ultimate savior, realizing all the evidence against him was too convenient. Thankfully, she eventually got through to Katherine and was able to cuff the real killer.
Trent laughed and held up his hands. “Hey, you’re the one who said his name, not me.”
He was trying to laugh this off, but she sensed an underlying resentment toward Logan. Trent’s attraction to her was no secret. He’d kissed her before, and she had kissed him back. While that had been some time ago and prior to Logan, a charged energy buzzed between them. But as long as they were partners, a romantic relationship was off the table. Their feelings for each other put them at enough risk. All this aside though, she was adamant about Logan’s innocence. He didn’t have a tattoo and would never shoot a teenage girl. “I’m with your earlier opinion. We’re not looking at someone from the county. This goes back to Katherine’s time with the NYPD, whether it was while she was a sergeant or before she advanced rank. It’s time we find out what hornets’ nests she stirred up there.”
FOURTEEN
Amanda still hadn’t heard from the NYPD lieutenant. It was concerning that her message, stressing a life-and-death matter, hadn’t prompted a call back. “I’ll follow up with Katherine’s former boss, but we also have Natasha Bauer, Katherine’s friend and assistant district attorney. Katherine might have confided in her about something that will help us. To start, she might know who sent those threats.” It was past nine thirty now, so the office would be open.
“And I hate to say it, but we need to keep our minds open too. We don’t know if her abduction relates to a previous investigation,” Trent said.
“I realize we could just be spinning. Meanwhile, Katherine is God knows where. Being tortured? Already murdered?” She paced in a circle, a hand to her forehead. She was gulping air and doing her best to swallow fear and anger before they took complete hold of her. There was so much anger. “We’re talking about a fellow cop, Trent. We need to do all we can to get her home safely.” Once an officer, always an officer.
“No one’s arguing.” He reached out, his fingertips barely grazing her forearm, but it stopped her from pacing.
She regarded him, her eyes blazing.
“The best thing we can do is keep a level head and take one step at a time.” He smiled at her.
Amanda appreciated his positivity, but her thoughts turned dark. While Katherine wasn’t currently a cop, the career had a way of branding a person for life. There was inherent danger that came with that. And when one was active in law enforcement, every shift was unpredictable. The people they encountered were at their lowest and things could take a hostile, and fatal, turn in a hot second. Coming home safe and sound was like the roll of the dice. None of this vulnerability was eased by the masses who drummed up violence against law enforcement and rallied for it to be defunded. It was like that old saying about throwing the baby out with the bath water. Yes, there were corrupt cops, but they were the minority not the standard. And while aware this hatred was out there, this was Amanda’s first time facing off with it. While the motivation behind Katherine’s abduction was currently unknown, it was a crime against her sister in blue. It struck as a personal affront, like this perp had assaulted blood.
Really, the next second, the next breath, was never a guarantee for anyone. But this job stacked the odds against a person. Life was fragile, and the next moment couldn’t be taken for granted. For all she knew, this day could be her or Trent’s last.
Amanda looked down, prompted by the warmth seeping from Trent’s fingertips. His hand was still on her arm, and it washed away her ability to think clearly. Letting herself go on impulse, dipping into flow, she stepped forward and put her mouth on Trent’s.
He stiffened, and she feared he was going to push her away. Just when she was certain he would, he pulled her closer and deepened the kiss.
Afterward, they parted in unison. Moved back a few feet.
Her heart was pounding, and she could hardly catch her breath. “I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry.” Even if I’m not…
“No, don’t apologize.” He shook his head. “This is on me too. Well, obviously. I should have just…” He left the rest unsaid and met her gaze.
