“My uncle’s in town,” Jane admitted. “Want to come over and say hi?”
Jenn’s eyes lit up. “Oh. Which one?”
“Uncle Chris. My actual uncle.” Though she loved Team Ten, they were more honorary uncles, and a few weren’t that much older than Jane.
“I’m in. That means heading over to Bainbridge, right?”
“Aren’t you all but living there?”
Jenn flushed. She and her boyfriend practically livedin each other’s pockets, and Dash had a big house on the island. “Pretty much. I just can’t give up my home in the city, though. Especially when I’m neck-deep in a case.”
“How’s the trafficking case shaking?”
“We’ve shut down three of the five major players, and we’re working on the others. It’s taking time, but we’re going to get there.”
“And that girl and her sister?”
Jenn sighed. “The sister… We were too late to help her. But the girl is getting the help she needs.”
“Good.”
They discussed Jane’s home invasions, which were taking on a life of their own in the press, unfortunately. “But I got eyes on the killer, and we talked to the last victim. He’s changing his MO, and I’m not sure why.”
She also knew she hadn’t gotten enough out of Stephen Harte, despite his wife’s threats. Jane wanted another go at him, so she’d reached out to his lawyer to set up a meeting first thing Monday morning.
Ray had wanted to go after him again last evening, but Stephen had shielded himself and his family with tough legal protection. Monday was the soonest they could talk to him.
With any luck, the guy would still be alive come time for their meeting.
Jenn wound down with all her questions. “So do you want to drive over Saturday together?”
“I was planning to stay over until Sunday. You’re more than welcome to come along.”
“I’m game. With Dash gone, I’m lonely.”
“What about Sam?” Jane liked Jenn’s cousin. Despite Jenn’s best efforts to match them up, Jane and Sam had become good friends.Platonicfriends.
“He’s at some training thing in Spokane for the week. Everybody’s ditching me.” Jenn leaned closer and poked Jane in the arm. “Don’t even try leaving me behind. In fact, I’ll drive us so you have no excuse to bail.”
“Would I do that?”
“Yes. I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning to catch the 9:35 ferry.”
“Text me and let me know when you’re on the way. I have plans later tonight.” Jane frowned, wondering just what Matthew needed help figuring out. “I have to tell you, this case I’m on has so many roots and connections, it’s like there’s this massive conspiracy digging into everything.”
Jenn shook her head. “Be careful. Remember the Mazzucas. And Dan.”
“Hard to forget.”
“We never did find Kaminski, did we?”
“No.” But it was looking like they were getting closer to tracking the bastard down. And Jane didn’t know if that was a good or bad thing.
* * *
Half an hour later,Jane packed up and left for the day. She stopped by a popular fast-food place and picked up some tasty burgers and fries. Nothing as sophisticated as Matthew’s first meal, but she hoped he’d appreciate it.
She pulled up and had just crossed the street to his house when he met her at the gate and took the bags of food from her hands.
