Page 74 of Wild Escape

We took a seat at a high-top table, not too close to Hendrick, and not too far from Devon. A cute waitress sauntered by and took our drink order. Strictly for purposes of cover, we obliged.

“Nothing for her,” I said, nodding to Daphne.

She scowled at me.

“Don’t let him control you like that,” the waitress said to her. “If you want a drink, honey, get a drink.”

I gave her an incredulous look. With a discrete flash of the badge, I said, “She’s in custody. She killed six people, including three waitresses.”

Mortified, the waitress stiffened.

Daphne shrugged, playing along with it.

The waitress spun around and strutted away. I wasn’t sure we’d get our drinks.

Devon shook hands with the older gentleman. The two shared a smile before the man slid out of the booth and went about his way. Devon stayed at the table. He pulled out his phone and checked his messages. His thumbs danced across the screen as he sent a few texts.

This was his office for the time being.

I figured we'd sit back and observe for a moment. Devon didn't look in a hurry to go anywhere. Another waitress stopped by his table, and he ordered another round. It wasn't even noon yet, but that wasn't stopping anybody here.

A few minutes later, a surprising figure stepped into the bar.

I nudged JD and motioned to Douglas Caldwell's daughter, Kenzie.

She glanced around the bar, looking for someone. Then she spotted Devon and hurried to join him. She slid into the booth with an intense look on her face. This wasn't a casual encounter.

Kenzie looked a little pale and strung out. She’d been through the wringer. She had a sickly pallor with sunken eyes. I watched her interact with Devon. That's when I noticed her shoes.

I cringed, and that sick sensation twisted in my stomach. I didn't want to think what I was thinking. I said to JD, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but those look like the same shoes the female assailant wore during the Caldwell incident."

Recognition flashed in Jack's eyes, then he deflated too. It was sad to think Kenzie might be involved. I pulled up the surveillance footage from the Caldwell residence, and we watched it again on my phone. The red canvas sneakers were unmistakable.

After watching Kenzie and Devon for a few moments, I figured it was a good time to say hello. That was about the time the waitress returned with our drinks. Jack paid the tab, and I marched to Devon‘s booth.

38

Hendrick watched with great interest. I think he enjoyed this.

"Kenzie, it's Deputy Wild. We met the other night.”

She gave me a blank look at first, then recognition flashed in her eyes. "Oh, yes. Of course.”

"How are you getting along?”

She nodded. "It's difficult. But I’m managing.”

"That's good to hear. What brings you to the convention?”

Devon looked uncomfortable. His nervous eyes glanced around. He spotted Hendrick, and his suspicious gaze narrowed.

"I thought this might be a good place to look for the book. I heard rumors. I thought it might lead to my father's shooter."

"You should leave that kind of thing to us. It could be dangerous.” I looked at Devon. "I don't believe we've met."

"Devon Anderson," he said.

"And what brings you to the convention?"