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FORTY
Rowley turned his cruiser into the Brights’ driveway and followed Rio around the house, checking that the cousins hadn’t returned home. The place was the same as when they’d left it and the cousins nowhere in sight. “I guess it was worth a try. I’ve known people to take off and then sneak back home. They figure we won’t check twice.”
“It was worth dropping by again.” Rio climbed into the passenger seat and fastened his seatbelt. “I’ll add Tom Parsons’ coordinates to the GPS. With any luck he’ll be back by now. I figure it’s a waste of time talking to him, and we should be out looking for Susie Hartwig.”
Rowley turned his truck around and headed back to the highway. Listening to the voice on the GPS, he easily found his way to Tom Parsons’ ranch. “Kane mentioned this guy keeps his vehicle out back. I figure we should leave the cruiser here and go in on foot to see if his eighteen-wheeler is there. It will give us a chance to see if it has an oil leak.” He pulled his cruiser off the driveway and behind a clump of bushes.
Keeping to the shadows from the pine trees lining the driveway, they headed for a long tall garage out toward the back of the property. Rowley turned and smiled at Rio. “So, he’s home then?”
Moving cautiously, they made their way into the garage and alongside the truck. They bent down and using their flashlights examined the cement floor. Water pooled alongside the truck and a hose looped over a tap still dripped. It was obvious Parsons had washed his truck recently. Rowley straightened shaking his head. “It looks clean to me. Let’s see if he’s willing to talk to us.”
“We should go back and pick up the cruiser.” Rio stood hands on hips looking at him. “He might figure we’ve been sneaking around without permission if we walk up to the door.”
Rowley nodded. “Yeah, good idea.” He led the way back to the cruiser and they drove to the end of the driveway, parking out front of the porch.
As they climbed the steps to the ranch house, the strong smell of dirty diapers oozed out of the screen door. Rowley wrinkled his nose and rapped on the doorframe.
A man walked toward the door carrying a newspaper and his eyes narrowed as he stared at them. As the door opened, Rowley introduced himself and Rio. “We’re just following up on the chat Deputy Kane had with your wife.”
“Sure, what do you want to know?” Parsons leaned against the screen door his hands pushed into the front pockets of his jeans.
Rowley went over the dates and times they’d discovered the bodies, watching him closely for any telltale signs of involvement.
“I don’t recall seeing anyone on the side of the road on the way into town, but it’s dark most times I’m on the move. Not on any of the days you mentioned.” Parsons’ head furrowed into a frown. “This is bad business. No woman is safe to walk around alone anymore.” He looked steadily at Rowley. “I always avoid driving through town and take Maple. It saves me time with the traffic and all. So, I guess I missed seeing the body on the carousel and I haven’t visited the landfill in at least a week.”
“Think over those days and times again.” Rio repeated them. “You must recall if you were here. It was only a few days ago.”
“Yeah, it’s possible, but I can’t be sure about the times. Lately I’ve had a fast turnaround, so I’m literally dropping off one consignment at the warehouse and collecting another for delivery. I don’t kind of check my watch every five minutes. It’s load the truck and drive, unload the truck and drive. Most times I forget what day it is I’m so busy.” Parsons shrugged. “I have a growing family, so I take the work when it’s available. The last couple of weeks it’s been nonstop.”
“What about sleeping?” Rio looked at him closely. “There are rules about driving long hours without taking a rest.”
“Oh, I get my sleep.” Parsons smiled at him. “Most times it’s at a truck stop or a motel. I usually grab a shower and I’m fresh to go.” He sighed. “I’m home for a few days now, so I’ll get the chance to see my kids and spend time with my wife before the next job.”
A young boy walked up the hallway and wrapped his arms around his father’s leg. Parsons picked him up and rested him on one hip. The child’s thumb went in his mouth and his head dropped against Parsons’ shoulder. Rowley exchanged a glance with Rio and nodded at Parsons. “I can see you’ve got your hands full.” He smiled at the little boy. “Thanks for your cooperation.”
“Anytime.” Parsons turned away, allowing the screen door to slam shut.
As they climbed into the cruiser, Rowley turned to Rio. “What do you think?”
“He seems way too busy to fit killing into his schedule.” Rio sighed. “Let’s head back to the office so we can do some real police work.”
