He pulled into the station parking lot, and everyone climbed out of the car. The station doors opened just as they reached them. A man in a black suit exited, followed by a blond woman, her head down and hair in a tight bun. Reid stopped abruptly. “Victoria?”
She lifted her head, lips pursed and eyes closed. “Yes.” There was a hard edge to her voice. When her gaze met Reid’s, her face softened. “Reid. The police said you were in town.” She stepped toward him.
He opened his arms and gave her a comforting hug. “I’m sorry about Joe.”
She pulled back and wiped her eye with a tissue she’d been holding. “Thank you. I can’t believe he’s gone.”
“Victoria, this is Quinn Matthews and her son, JJ. Quinn, this is Victoria Lockhart.” Reid stepped back and put his hand on the small of Quinn’s back.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” she managed to croak. Guilt, shame, grief, anger, and embarrassment swirled through her, opening a pit in her stomach.
Quinn fidgeted next to Reid, feeling awkward. She didn’t know Victoria, and apparently, she hadn’t really known Joe that much. But that didn’t stop the grief other people would be going through. Grief that was evident on Victoria’s face.
“Thank you. This is my brother, Andrew.” She gestured to the man who had preceded her. He only nodded in return.
Victoria was pleasant, considering the circumstances, seemingly oblivious to Quinn’s role in her husband’s life. No staring daggers or harsh words. Joe must have never told Victoria about Quinn or JJ. They had been a well-guarded secret.
“What happened yesterday?” Victoria’s gaze searched Reid’s.
“Joe texted me to meet him at a diner here in town. He didn’t show. Just called and told me to get Ms. Matthews and her son out of the building.”
Victoria dabbed her eyes and looked at Quinn. “Why?”
“I wish I knew, Mrs. Lockhart.” She wiped her palms on her jeans.
“Joe helped us get away from some guys that were trying to kidnap Ms. Matthews and her son. He wasn’t able to get away, though.”
Victoria hiccupped and covered her mouth, stifling a sob.
Andrew wrapped his arm around Victoria and pulled her close, hugging her tightly. “She’s had a rough time since she got the call.”
Victoria sniffed. “I knew there was a possibility of danger with his job. I just never expected him to die.”
“It’s not something we expect in our line of work,” Reid said. “Did he tell you anything about this job?”
She shook her head. “No, I didn’t even know he was on a job. He’d told me he was going camping for a couple of days.”
Reid paused a moment. “When did he leave?”
“About midmorning the day before last. He packed his stuff in the camper, kissed me goodbye, and left.” Tears streamed down her face, and her brother hugged her closer.
“I think we should go.” Andrew looked at Reid pointedly.
“I understand. Let me know when the arrangements have been made.” Reid patted Victoria’s shoulder.
Andrew led Victoria away. Reid turned to Quinn. “Shall we?”
The process was the same as yesterday. Walk in, ask to speak to Detective Jacobs, wait, and then get taken to a room to wait some more.
They were now sitting in the same room they’d been in yesterday morning. After seven minutes—Quinn had timed it—Detective Jacobs opened the door, holding a manila folder and accompanied by a uniformed officer.
“Ms. Matthews. Mr. Lucas.” He nodded to both of them.
“Sir.” Reid nodded back.
“This is Officer Porter. He’s one of our K9 handlers.” Detective Jacobs turned his attention to JJ. “I thought JJ might want to meet Officer Porter’s partner, Cruz, and learn a little about their job.”
JJ practically bounced in her lap. “Can I?”
