“What time did you leave?”
“Uh, I don’t know. Maybe around nine or ten. I didn’t check the time.” She still doesn’t meet my gaze.
“Were you alone?”
“No, I told you. Jeff, I mean Professor Kincaid was working here as well.”
“Was that unusual? You two here, late at night?” My brows lift and her face heats.
“I’m not sure what you’re implying but nothing was going on between us.” Her tone says just the opposite.
Huh. Well now. Isn’t that interesting?“Thank you, Ms. Zhinn. You’ve been very helpful.”
Back in my truck, my phone pings with a callback number and Hal, from the State Police investigation division answers on the first ring. “Dude. Who the hell did you piss off?”
“Why?”
“Total overkill, man. The brakes were cut, the tire lugs were loosened, and the steering fluid drained. Not only that, they messed with the computer. Your rental car was a death trap.”
“Shit. Prints?”
“Not yet, but we’re looking into it. We’ll find the bastard.”
“Gotcha, keep in touch.” Not seeing any other options, I text Jeff.
Me: Tomorrow. Pike’s Peak. 4:30 AM. I will pick U up.”
He doesn’t answer straight away so I report to home base. A couple kids had their dorm broken into and their laptops were stolen. There’s a possible drug connection out of Burlington, a local bar serving to minors, and a missing collegiate.
I make a whole lot of phone calls until late and still, not a word from Danni. Maybe, she’s waiting to hear from me.
Me: Hey? Want to grab a drink?
She doesn’t answer and it’s for the best. Feeling dejected, I feed Toby and just as I’m settling down for bed, I get a text.
Jeff: C U tomorrow.
Game on.
Chapter 16
Cole
When my phone alarm bleeps, I stare at the screen. Why is it going off at four in the morning?
Oh yeah. Hunting. I told Jeff I’d take him out this morning.
Toby’s tail whaps the floor by the front door.
“Ay-yup. Give me a second.” The weather report on my phone says I should have a couple hours before the nor'easter barreling up the coast gets worrisome.
“Woof.”
“Got to get dressed, boy.” I tug on long underwear, jeans, and button up my red plaid flannel shirt. At the door I add coat, hat, scarf, and gloves.
“Alrighty.” Turning the handle, I push, and my breath freezes in the arctic air.
Toby tip toes out the door and glances up at me like I had something to do with the temperature change. Raising his back leg, he does his business, and places a stick by my boots.
