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Jenna disconnected and waited for the message to arrive. She glanced at the file and turned in the direction of the security guard’s office. “Let’s go check his locker at the gym.”
After showing the security guard the paperwork, they collected a forensics kit from Kane’s truck then followed him to the gym. The guard took them into the locker room and used a pair of bolt cutters to break the padlock. Jenna noted the whiteboard with names and numbers listed. “Are those the names of people and corresponding lockers?”
“Yeah, they all have a combination lock, so they don’t need to carry keys. They pick a locker then add their name to the list.” The security guard stood to one side.
A whiff of body odor crawled up Jenna’s nose as she opened the door and peered inside. “So the lockers are used by anyone?”
“Yeah, but only male students. The women’s locker room is next door.”
Jenna nodded, pulled on a pair of gloves, and used her Maglite to look inside. There on the top shelf was a large gold pinky ring sitting beside a watch. “Get a photo of the ring, Kane, then we’ll bag it along with the watch.”
She labeled the evidence bags and collected the items, and then they bagged his clothes, including a baseball cap and a jacket with the football team’s logo on the back. “That’s it.” She turned to the guard. “Thank you for your help.”
“No worries, ma’am.” The guard strolled away.
“From the stink coming from his jacket, Jacobs wasn’t much into personal hygiene.” Kane wrinkled his nose. “If he was involved in Chrissie’s rape, I wonder if Wolfe will be able to pull any trace evidence from his things.”
“We’ll drop by on the way back to the office.” Jenna glanced at the bagged items. “We need to find evidence against at least one of the guys in Lyons’ house.”
Seventeen
It had been a long day, and after entering all the day’s information into the files, Jenna glanced at the clock. It was a little after seven, and a spell in the hot tub, dinner, and an early night were calling her name. She’d come up against a brick wall with her investigations and would think on them overnight and start fresh in the morning. She closed down her computer, collected her things, and then headed out her office to the reception area. The place was quiet and Maggie had left for the day, leaving Rowley on the counter. She strolled down to Kane’s desk and waited for him to stop typing. “Let’s call it a day, I’m beat. It’s my turn to cover the 911 line tonight so I’m planning on getting an early night.”
“Sure, give me five.” Kane smiled at her and went back to his computer.
Jenna walked to the counter. “No one has been in for a couple of hours, we’ve no outstanding warrants or misdemeanors to worry about, I’m going home.”
“It’s been pretty quiet in town today.” Rowley picked up a bunch of keys, slid on his hat, and moved around the counter. “I figure things will pick up as the rodeo starts tomorrow.”
Jenna sighed. “It would be nice if one festival and rodeo went off without a hitch. Those cowboys seem to get pleasure out of knocking each other senseless or causing trouble with the locals.”
“It’s a small price to pay for the revenue it brings the town.” Kane walked up behind her, pulling on his jacket. “Duke, where are you?” He peered around the counter and grinned at his dog. “Time to wake up and go home to sleep some more.” He rubbed the dog’s head then looked at Jenna. “Ready?”
Jenna nodded. “Yeah.” She turned to Rowley. “See you in the morning.”
Having Rowley lock up and open the office worked to her advantage; as he arrived at the office at the crack of dawn each morning, it meant she didn’t have to dash into work. By the time she arrived at around eight thirty, he’d dealt with most of the walk-in complaints and had the coffee machines bubbling. Of course, she made sure he was paid for his overtime. To her, finding a dedicated deputy like Rowley had been a dream come true.
She followed Kane outside and dumped her things in his truck. The smell of popcorn and hot dogs drifted on the breeze, and people moved along Main Street, chatting loudly. She sighed with relief. The festival, for once, was going on without incident. Her heart sank at the sound of a dirt bike coming fast, and she turned to see who was stupid enough to speed past the sheriff’s office. The bike came right at her and screeched to a halt, turning sideways with the effort to stop. She recognized the rider as Atohi Blackhawk. He often helped with cases.
“What’s the hurry?”
“A mess of joggers are getting into one hell of a ruckus on the path that goes to the top of the rapids. There’s a crowd of college kids watching.” Blackhawk pulled off his helmet and frowned. “I figure someone is gonna get killed.” He pushed long black hair from his eyes. “I would’ve tried to break it up but they’re tough guys and no way was I getting involved.”
“Okay, lead the way.” Jenna jumped into the truck. “Joggers?”
“I’m guessing they’re from the college; there’s a switchback path that follows the river to the top of the rapids then comes down through the forest and ends up back at the parking lot. All the college kids use it to reach the rapids. They jog and hang out there.” Kane backed out of the parking space and followed Blackhawk through the traffic. “Do you remember Mayor Petersham made a big deal out of clearing it last year so it was a safe trail for the students to use?”
Jenna nodded. “Yeah, vaguely. His speeches tend to go on so long I tune out after he’s finished speaking about our budget for the year.” She yawned. “I hope this won’t take long; this day’s been hard enough already.” She glanced at the forest as they sped by; this late in the day the shadows seemed to stretch forever.
“It’s going to get longer if we have to walk to the top of the rapids.” Kane glanced at her. “Maybe Blackhawk will lend us his new dirt bike?”
“Maybe it will all be over by the time we get there.” Jenna shrugged. “How long can a fight last?”
“It depends.” Kane pulled up behind Blackhawk and they jumped out the truck.
Jenna buttoned her jacket. “Where did you see them?”
“Way up the top of the trail.” Blackhawk handed her a helmet. “Here, put this on.” He removed his helmet and handed it to Kane. “Take my ride, I’ll wait here.”
