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“But two heads are better than one. And I have a vested interest in seeing this wrap up fast. Like before Saturday.”
She flashed him her dimple. “I hear you. I’ll text you the minute I hear from Wallace.”
“Sounds good.” He paused beside her car and opened the door for her. “What was your friend’s reaction to finding her husband’s name on the list you got?”
“Shock, as you’d expect. I’m still shocked too. I did get a copy of his police report and autopsy findings. I can’t fault the accidental ruling—and it’s not my case to investigate—but that conclusion doesn’t feel right. Alison told me once he loved to camp and was very experienced. Why would someone like that stack logs next to his tent?”
“People can do foolish things if they’re under the influence of drugs.”
“I know. I factored that in. But I can’t shake the feeling that it’s all too neat and tidy. Like the other cases were—not to mention the similarities among them. Instincts don’ttake the place of concrete proof, though.” Bri sighed and slid behind the wheel. “On a more positive note, at least my personal run of bad luck seems to be over. No tire or car issues this week.”
“Let’s hope that continues. Drive safe.” He closed the door, lifted his hand in farewell, and returned to his car.
But as Bri drove past James Wallace’s house,safesuddenly felt far away.
Because his instincts were weighing in, as Bri’s had about her friend’s husband. And as he’d told her the day they met at the Kavanaugh scene, he listened to his gut too.
So why was it suddenly sending a red alert?
HIS PHONE WASVIBRATING.
Again.
Travis stifled a curse and tossed back the last of his scotch.
Marcia was driving him crazy.
Being at her beck and call every minute she was off work was too high a price to pay for the hospitality and accommodations she’d provided.
He had to get out of St. Louis.
The vibration stopped, and he signaled to the bartender for a refill. Gave the crowded, noisy bar a sweep. Homed in on a couple of chicks who were eyeing him from a table not far from the seat he’d claimed at the bar.
He gave them a leisurely perusal. Not bad. They could be amusing for an hour or two. As soon as he had his drink, why not—
The vibration started up again.
This time he spat out the curse.
Enough.
He yanked the phone from his pocket to let Marcia have it—but froze as he skimmed the screen.
An anonymous caller.
Aka the person responsible for keeping him in town far longer than he’d expected to stay.
Was this a reprieve or a new assignment?
Pulse accelerating, he picked up the drink the bartender set in front of him, took a fortifying sip, and pressed talk.
“It’s about time.” Though the voice remained genderless, the caller’s annoyance was clear.
“I wasn’t in a position to take calls.” He slipped off his stool and went in search of a quiet corner.
“It doesn’t sound like you are now, either. Are you at a bar?”
Since there was no escaping the loud music and raucous conversation inside, he pushed through the door that led to the patio.
