Page 74 of Edge of Steele
Finn was disappointed. Sure he was, but… “We had two cameras on the main building. One is focused on the door. The other had a wider range. Both are motion activated. The wide-angle device could’ve picked up someone outside the office.”
Ryleigh looked at Finn. “Then let’s get to reviewing it. We should go to Russ’s office to download files if there are any. Chain of custody and all of that.”
Finn snapped off his gloves. “We both might have access to the files and can download them, but we’ll need Tobias’s approval to cover our bases. You call Tobias while I drive.”
Grady stepped outside. “I’m sure Blake will split the forensic team with the mill site and get the forensics going here. I can start by recovering that packaging, and we’ll go from there.”
“Thanks, man.” Finn bumped fists with Grady and followed Ryleigh, who was already racing up the hill as if a fire chased her.
She really was invested in finding out who was behind these bombs. She was desperate to keep bad publicity from ruining her family’s company and also find the bomber. Finn had added motivation now too. Not only did he need to clear his name so family services didn’t take Avery from him, but he too wanted to help save the Steele family’s reputation along with bringing in the bomber.
They climbed into his truck, and he maneuvered around the other vehicles to get them pointed toward Russ’s office.
Ryleigh took out her phone and made the call. “Tobias. Good. I’m glad I caught you.”
She explained the reason for her call. From what Finn could hear of the conversation, it didn’t seem as if Tobias was fighting access to the video files.
“Thanks, Tobias,” she said. “Also, if Russ approves, do you think your crew would like to help the forensic team move the rubble at your office?”
Tobias’s raised tone came through the phone, but Finn couldn’t make out his words.
“Okay, good. I’ll let you know.” She ended the call and smiled at Finn. “We’re good on the videos.”
“Sounded like Tobias objected to his men helping with the debris,” Finn said.
“Only that he would have to pay them when the company isn’t bringing in any income.” She tapped her phone screen. “I’m texting Russ to update him and let him know to expect us.”
He glanced at her when she was too focused to know he was watching. He was getting used to having her at his side, and he liked it. Liked her. Maybe more than liked.
She laid her phone on her lap and looked at him. “Since the Eckles’s place is just down the road, we should stop on our way to show the boot photo to Pauline.”
“Good idea. She could very well ID the person who trashed Gates’s place, and he could be our bomber.”
“True, but we have no proof of that.” She stowed her phone and tapped the clock on the dash that read four-thirty p.m. “Only an hour before you have to get home to Avery. You sure we have time to do both things?”
“I can wait until five forty-five, but Russ probably won’t let us review the files anyway.”
“You could be right.” She sat back, a pensive look on her face. “Can I help with dinner tonight?”
“Saturday night we make personal pizzas from scratch, so we’ll each make our own.”
“Oh, okay,” she said. “Sounds good.”
“It’s another one of Felicia’s traditions. Avery hasn’t seemed to really enjoy it, but maybe with the way she’s opening up, tonight will be different.”
“As long as you don’t try to brush her hair.” Ryleigh laughed.
Finn should laugh too, but his failure over braiding was a sore spot with him. “Maybe after dinner, you can teach me how to do those braids.”
“Of course. But I have to warn you.” She paused and cast a serious look his way. “It’s probably the hardest thing you’ll ever have to master. Even harder than becoming a SEAL.”
She laughed, a full-throated sound that made him wish they were on a date, and she wasn’t forced to be with him in a hunt for a deadly bomber. But shewasforced to be here, and he had to remember that. Even if she was fitting in. Even if she was great to be with. And even if he was falling for her big time.
He forced his mind to the drive and that alone, enjoying the wooded area until the Eckles’s metal mailbox, dinged with buckshot, appeared at the road. He turned down their drive. Gravel crunched under his tires, and tall grass and weeds swished against the wheels. Two vehicles were parked in front of the small and unimpressive house.
“Looks like they’re both home,” he said as he killed the engine.
“That baby is taking its sweet time in arriving.” Ryleigh slid out.
