She stood when Ray did. “Sherry, have you ever heard Jim or Karen mention the Collective?”
Sherry blinked. “No. Why? What’s that?”
“I’m not sure yet.” A detail Dave had mentioned still bothered her. “What about the Ravens? When did your brother start playing pickleball, do you know?”
Sherry frowned. “Pickleball? What are you talking about?”
“I thought your brother and Karen had gotten into the sport. Didn’t they play as a team called the Ravens?”
“No way. Karen always teased that none of her friends wouldplay that silly sport. I think it’s fun, but when I tried to get her to play with me, she just said pickleball was for those who couldn’t play tennis. And my brother preferred golf.”
Jane smiled, feeling another part of the puzzle click into place. “My mistake. Thanks for helping us today.”
She handed Sherry a card, aware she hadn’t earlier. Ray did the same.
“Anything you need.” Sherry walked them to the door carrying Bubbles, who was licking at any part of her she could reach. “Detective Ryan, Agent Cannon, please feel free to call me. And if I can think of anything to help you, I’ll let you know.” She sniffed and wiped her eyes. “Get the monster who did this and put him away for life.”
“That’s the goal, Ms. Duvall.” Ray petted the dog, earning a gentlewoof.“Please don’t hesitate to reach out.” He nodded to Jane. “She’s one of the best. And that’s exactly who you want working this case.”
Sherry gave them a watery smile before shutting the door behind them.
Once in the car, Ray turned to Jane. “What’s with the pickleball reference?” His eyes narrowed. “Hold on. Didn’t Dave Duvall mention his sister-in-law and brother playing?”
“Yes, he did.” Jane looked into Ray’s eyes and said slowly, “We’re going to pretend we didn’t hear about that for now. As soon as I get something concrete, I’ll let you know. But seriously, keep it close, okay?”
He nodded. “I hear you loud and clear. But keep me in the loop, yeah?”
She nodded.
Ravens and corvids and rooks.
Jane could almost see the threads tightening, tying the clues together, leading her ever closer to the truth.
Chapter 12
“Hold on,”Malcolm said as Jane sat with him Saturday afternoon at the family ranch on Bainbridge Island. She’d been telling him about meeting up with Christian. “You’re corrupting kids now? You bribed a minor with food? You federal agents know no shame.”
“Oh please. At least I’m not shooting at them like some people I know.”
“Nineteen-year-olds with AKs don’t count.” Malcolm winked.
He appeared worlds better than he had weeks ago. He’d put on some weight and no longer had shadows under his eyes. His leg seemed to have healed.Seemedbeing the key word.
She had a feeling he’d pushed himself harder than he should have to get back to full-time duty. Sitting for a few days would normally make Malcolm stir-crazy. The guy had been on light duty for sixweeks.
“Why have you been avoiding me?” he complained. “I leave tomorrow.”
“I’ve been slammed at work. And I know you leave tomorrow. That’s why I stopped by this weekend, even though I’m in the middle of a mess of a case.”
“Sounds deep. But hey, even though I won’t be here to help if you need me—” he ignored the look she shot him, as Jane didn’t need help to do her job, though she appreciated her family’s skills— “Chris will be here.”
She sighed.
Malcolm shot her an evil grin. “You think Sven and I were bad? You know your uncle is going to be all up in your business.” He jumped to his feet as if he’d been sitting on a coiled spring. “But better you than me, Janey. Now how about we talk about this date you have tomorrow night?”
Jane wasn’t often blindsided, but his knowledge of her pending dinner with Matthew broadsided her. “What?”
“I know people, who know other people. And guess what? We talk. So what’s the deal with the ex-boss? Is he harassing you? Want me to make him disappear?” He settled back in his chair and studied her.
