Page 86 of Forever Gone

“Our home county.”

A tired, humorless smile crossed his mouth. “Glad you’re acknowledging it finally instead of running away from it.”

Selena’s anger came clean and immediate.

“I never ran away.”

“Sure, you didn’t.”

The old arguments crowded in at once. Washington. The marriage ending. Her father’s illness. Diane’s resentment. Connor remaining in Harlan County while Selena built a life hundreds of miles away.

None of it belonged beside a murder scene, but Connor had opened the door.

Selena stepped back.

“Finish up with forensics and get some sleep, Connor. You’re going to need it.”

His expression changed, though the anger did not leave.

Selena continued before he could answer.

“Tomorrow, we have to find a lead, or it won’t be long before a fourth victim turns up.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Morning had reached the Wilson Motel without improving it.

A thin wash of sunlight lay across the parking lot, catching on windshields and the metal rail outside the upper rooms. Fallen leaves had gathered along the curb overnight. Somewhere beyond the motel, a truck changed gears on the highway, the sound carrying through the cool air before fading toward Elmsview.

Selena locked her room and crossed the walkway.

Kelly’s door stood four rooms down. Selena knocked twice.

Movement sounded inside, followed by something striking the floor and a muttered curse. The lock turned. Kelly opened the door wearing dark trousers, a white shirt, and an expression that suggested each item had required negotiation.

Her black hair had been pulled into a low knot, though several strands had escaped near her temples. Concealer failed to hide the shadows beneath her eyes. She held her jacket in one hand and a bottle of water in the other.

Selena took in the water. “Late night?”

Kelly winced. “Sorry. I overdid it a bit. I guess I got carried away with being home.”

Connor’s voice returned from the clearing beside Linda Mercer’s body.

Have you had a drink?

Selena had spent part of the drive back resenting the question and the rest knowing why he had asked it. Kelly had stayed at the motel, gone to bed, and arrived at the door ready for work. A lecture would accomplish nothing beyond passing Connor’s irritation to someone else.

“It’s okay,” Selena said. “I’ll drive.”

Relief softened Kelly’s posture. “Thanks.”

She stepped into the walkway and pulled the door shut.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“Doctor Blethan’s.”

*