Page 18 of Race to Save Her

“Anything that can help our cases here?”

“Absolutely. There are some great advances—especially in fingerprints. But…”

“But what?” she said, smiling.

“How are you? I’m not going to accept just ‘fine.’”

Katie adjusted her position and turned to him. “I’ll admit having a severed finger left in my car was jarring, but I’m treating it like any other case.”

“And…”

“And that’s why when a dismembered arm was found today… It’s just an investigation.” She loved looking into his eyes.

“I know you can take care of yourself, but this case sounds really sinister and someone is directly targeting you.”

She nodded. “I’ve thought about that. But I don’t think it’s me personally, just the attention of our team.” That was wishful thinking, but she didn’t want John to worry. She’d get to the bottom of it.

John leaned back with a stern look on his face.

“I’ve brought in Deputy Chris Anderson to help me until Gav gets back.” She waited for a response, but then decided not to as she leaned in to kiss him. “I’ll be just fine.” She kissed him again.

“Anderson is a good guy.”

“I think so too,” she said. “Cisco and I tracked him from the crime scene and he seemed to be a natural cover officer.”

John remained quiet, so Katie studied him for a moment. She could read his emotions and it was clear there was something bothering him, but she didn’t push. When and if he wanted to tell her, he would.

“I bet you’re tired. Let’s go to bed.” She stood up, taking John’s hand, and guided him out of the living room.

John smiled, wrapping his arms around her. “This is the best part of coming home from a conference.”

A trail of clothing followed them to the bedroom.

THIRTEEN

Monday 0745 hours

Katie walked down the police station’s hall with trepidation, though she was relieved Sunday hadn’t delivered a third body part. The sheriff’s admin assistant was away from her desk. Katie took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

“Come in,” said a familiar stern voice.

She hesitated for another moment before going into the office. The sheriff was seated at his desk behind several neat piles of paperwork. He had a police radio turned down low, quiet conversations between officers and dispatch chattering away, keeping him abreast of what was going on in real time. His silver hair, chiseled features, and still-fit body gave him the authority to command an entire department. It was both the way he carried himself and the years of law enforcement service.

He looked up and smiled. “Katie, right on time,” he said.

She remained standing at attention.

“Please have a seat.” His friendly uncle smile quickly faded as he turned back to being the official sheriff.

Katie sat down, keeping her attention on what was so important, breathing slow and relaxed, preparing for what was next.

“I can see you’re hesitant,” he said.

“Just waiting to hear what you have to say.”

“Katie, you and McGaven have an incredible solve rate of your cases—perfect, in fact.”

“But…”