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“Maybe we’ll be able to catch another week a bit later, but I guess with the county fair and rodeo in town this week, things are gonna start getting crazy.” Kane leaned back and dark lashes closed over his eyes. “We might as well make the most of the lull.”
Jenna hoped Deputy Jake Rowley would head out to work early as usual and open the office of the Black Rock Falls Sheriff’s Department. As far as she was aware, all was quiet in town and she really didn’t feel like rushing.
She’d arrived in Black Rock Falls some years prior after giving evidence against an underworld kingpin and landing in witness protection. After spending a year recovering from PTSD, she’d put her name forward in the elections and won the position of sheriff. She’d finally left undercover DEA Agent Avril Parker behind and slipped into her new life with enthusiasm. Dave Kane, an intimidating, six-foot-five sniper, had arrived a couple of years later, and she’d discovered he was an off-the-grid DC’s Special Forces Investigation Command agent with incredible profiling skills. He’d just lost his wife in a car bombing and gained a metal plate in his head. They had the same secrets: new identities and faces, not to mention security clearances that went right up to the office of POTUS. During their time together, they’d formed a special bond as close friends. When they had the chance to grab a couple of weeks’ vacation, it seemed natural to spend it together.
The outer perimeter alarm sounded then cut out and Jenna jumped to her feet. With one hand on her weapon, she slid into the cover of the house. “It’s a white van.”
“It’s Wolfe.” Kane frowned. “Why didn’t he call first?”
After spending a week of luxury vacationing in Santa Cruz with Kane, the last person Jenna expected to find on her doorstep was the medical examiner, Shane Wolfe. The Texan ex-marine, who resembled a blond Viking marauder, had been Kane’s controller during his time in DC’s Special Forces Investigation Command. When Wolfe had suddenly arrived in town with his three daughters, bulging with expertise in forensic science and technology, Jenna had snapped him up as a deputy, and now he carried the office of medical examiner for Black Rock Falls and the neighboring counties.
Wolfe carried a device in his vehicle to allow access to Jenna’s ranch security, but it was unusual for him to arrive unannounced. As the van pulled to a halt, Jenna walked back onto the porch to greet him and glanced at Kane. “He doesn’t look happy.”
“I’m glad you’re home.” Wolfe climbed out of the van and ran up the steps. “We need to talk.”
Jenna waved him inside and led the way to the kitchen, poured him a cup of coffee, and they all sat at the table. “What brings you all the way out here at the crack of dawn?”
“I called both of you earlier but your cellphones gave me the same message: ‘I’m not available, call 911.’” Wolfe gave them an exasperated stare. “I knew you’d flown in last night and Rowley told me you’d been by for Duke. Did you forget to turn on your cells?”
Jenna’s face grew hot. Yeah, she’d turned her cellphone to vibrate and it was sitting on the bench with her keys. “Seems so, I’m sorry to have worried you. Is something wrong with the girls?”
“No, they’re fine.” Agitation rolled off Wolfe but he took a deep breath and smiled at Jenna. “Emily is home to finish her degree in Black Rock Falls, so she’ll be working with us again.” Emily was Wolfe’s eldest daughter and as smart as a whip.
“That’s wonderful. So, what’s up?”
“A call came in on the 911 line yesterday morning from the college about a suicide. Livi Johnson found her roommate Chrissie Lowe, eighteen years old, dead in the shower around seven. Rowley was the first responder and called me.” Wolfe sipped his coffee then lifted his chin and looked at her. “I’m not so sure this is a suicide. I’ve reason to believe Chrissie Lowe was raped before her death but I’ll confirm after the post.”
Horrified, Jenna swallowed the bile creeping up the back of her throat. “Rowley didn’t mention he had an open case.”
“He doesn’t know the facts as yet.” Wolfe leaned back in his chair. “I only did a quick visual examination, we processed the scene, and I removed the body. I’ve sealed the room as I can’t rule out homicide. I notified her parents and requested permission to perform an autopsy.”
“What did you find?” Kane shifted in his chair, making the joints creak alarmingly. “Was it homicide?”
“I’ve yet to make that determination. I haven’t performed the post yet. I knew you’d be back today so I waited.” Wolfe narrowed his gaze. “As Webber has classes today, would you be able to attend the autopsy this morning?”
Colt Webber, a badge-carrying deputy, wor
ked as Wolfe’s assistant and was studying forensic science at college. He sometimes acted as Jenna’s representative at autopsies and backup when necessary.
“Sure.” She frowned. “You smell a rat, don’t you?”
“Definitely.” Wolfe waved his cup. “From my initial cursory examination, the method used to cut the veins was unusual. In most suicide attempts the cut is made across the wrist but the incisions in this case run from wrist to forearm. Although, we have established the pocketknife belonged to the victim.”
“So, if anyone found her, she’d likely bleed to death before they could help her. It’s a no-return move.” Kane frowned. “How would she know to do that? It’s not general knowledge.”
“With all the information available on the internet, I can’t be sure.” Wolfe sipped his beverage. “Although, she does have a brother in the military—a Navy Seal.” He pushed a hand through his hair in an agitated manner. “She could’ve heard about the technique from him.”
“I doubt a brother would discuss killing techniques with his sister.” Jenna stood, collected the cups, and placed them in the dishwasher. “Was there anything else?”
“Bruises.” Wolfe pushed to his feet. “This morning they are more apparent, and I can’t say for sure she wasn’t held down in the shower and sliced open to make it look like suicide.” He met her gaze. “I’ll know more after the post. Can you be at the morgue by eleven?”
Mind whirling, Jenna nodded slowly. “Yeah, sure, we’ll be there.” She walked Wolfe to the door. “We’ll head into the office and see if Rowley has followed up on the case.”
“I’m sure he’ll have more information.” Wolfe smiled at her and headed for his van. “You’ve trained him well.”
Jenna rubbed her temples and looked up into Kane’s concerned face. “See, we’re home for one night and mysterious things start happening in town.” She shuddered. “I’m starting to believe we attract crime.”
Two
