Page 93 of Forever Dead

“This one she’s going to hate me for.”

Selena called, and the answer came quickly enough that Connor could hear Tanya’s voice faintly through the speaker.

“Raven, I just messaged you.”

“I need another favor.”

“Of course you do.”

Selena smiled. “Can you run a title-deed search?”

There was a pause before Tanya asked, “On what?”

“Two properties in Harlan County. Historical ownership, as far back as the digitized records will take you.”

Connor opened the evidence folder to Eleanor’s property details and handed Selena the page. She read the full Marsh farm address into the phone, then did the same with the Tully property sheet Arnold passed her.

Tanya said something Connor could not make out.

Selena replied, “Behave yourself, he’s standing next to me.”

Connor said, “What?”

Selena waved him quiet.

Tanya said something Connor could not make out.

Selena replied, “Yes, I realize you’re not a county clerk. Humor me.”

She listened, then said, “Call me back when you’ve got something.”

The call ended.

*

They spent the next fifteen minutes going over the Tully property while Matt continued processing the laundry room. Then Selena’s phone rang. She answered immediately.

“Tanya?”

Connor watched her expression sharpen.

“Wait. Say that again.”

She listened, then a smile broke across her face. “Tanya, I owe you a bottle of wine.”

Connor straightened. “What is it?”

Selena ended the call and turned toward him.

“Both properties were once owned by the same local family. And there seems to have been beef about that in recent years.”

“Who?”

“The Cutlers.”

Connor felt dread rush through him. He knew exactly which Cutler the records were pointing toward.

Selena studied him.