Rowan handed Greer the bag. “That’s the shrapnel from both Bodie and Wade. I’m hoping there might be a few pieces large enough to pin to a known bomber or organization. Though, I realize that’s probably wishful thinking on my part.”
Greer nodded. “We’ll get on it. Were you able to retrieve anything useful from the site?”
Rowan glanced at Bodie, any sense of lightness fading. “Bodie’s guy, Buck Landry, identified some IED pieces. Mumbled something about the trigger plate. It sounded as if he had some thoughts on the manufacturer. And Kash’s partner, Nyx, sniffed out three more IED sites, though, the actual devices had been recently removed. Just some residual particles the dog picked up on. I had Deputy Jordan Archer take everything back to your office. We can start digging through it tomorrow, though, ATF was already on-scene — will be running the bomb angle. I have a feeling with the level of resistance we faced, the feds’ll be called in. Possible terrorist attack angle. Not that there’s much to mull over. The storm washed away most of our evidence.”
Bodie leaned forward. “What about all the shell casings? You might be able to pull some prints.”
“About that…” Rowan leaned her hip against the bed. “That crew must have done a sweep of the route. We were only able to retrieve a few, and they looked like ours. Even the blood had either been covered with dirt or soaked into the ground. We took swabs but…”
Bodie gawked. “They had a crew pick up all that brass?”
“I’m sure the forest swallowed some, but we ran a metal detector all over the area and up and down some trees and came up empty, so, you tell me what happened.”
Bodie studied her. The tight lips, the slightly narrowed eyes — how she shifted a bit on her feet. The girl definitely knew more than she’d admitted.
He did his best to draw himself up without wincing or grunting. “Time to come clean, Rowan. You mentioned you were out there doing recon. And you didn’t use my name when you radioed, even though I suspect you’d already recognized me. I need answers. Why were you there? Who were you hunting, and what the hell’s going on?”
Rowan stared at him, her blue gaze clearly assessing him. She glanced at Greer and Chase out of the corner of her eyes before bracing more of her weight against the bed. “First, I didn’t use either of our names because it was an open channel.” She scrunched up her nose. “Old and somewhat obsolete, but open. Though, I would have if you’d balked. As for everything else…” She paused when her cell rang. “It’s my boss. Excuse me for a moment.”
Her shoulders crept up, her back rigid as she swiped the screen — answered the call. “Scott.”
She glanced back, low murmurs drifting over to them before she took a few steps away. “I understand, sir, but…” She rolled her shoulders, tapping the floor with one toe. “Crystal, sir.”
A heavy silence filled the room as she stood there, staring at her cell before she blew out a slow breath — turned.
“That was Derek Hodges. He’s the Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge of the Pacific West division. Based on the information I’ve conveyed thus far, he’s decided to bring in Special Agent Avery Kaine from the Bureau’s counterterrorism unit.” Rowan glanced at her watch. “She’s just wrapping up another case. Should be joining us in a few days.”
Bodie coughed. “So, we’ve got ATF and the FBI in the mix. Any chance the state police will toss in a player, too?”
Rowan chuckled under her breath. “Not if I have any say about it. Don’t get me wrong, Lieutenant Morgan’s great. Solid cop, and I’d follow him into a firefight any day. Guy’s got your back. But his crew tends to mimic his lead, and if he was strung any tighter around rules and regulations, he’d be shitting diamonds.”
Greer grinned. “Is that your way of saying I’m not that uptight?”
Rowan studied Greer, her gaze occasionally drifting toward Chase. “After the way you handled that serial murder case last year, I’d wager money on your ability to see the gray areas.”
“I knew I liked you as soon as you transferred to the coast.” Greer held up the bag. “I’ll get these processed and photographed by our crime techs, then have them sent off to ATF in Portland in the morning. I assume they’ll be working remotely unless the situation warrants a personal visit?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they request scene access one more time before I clear it, but that’s my understanding.” Rowan bit at her bottom lip for a moment before pushing out a rough breath. “How do you feel about letting Buck have a look at the shrapnel before we hand it over? I know he’s not a deputy, but the man knows explosives better than anyone I’ve ever met. I’d really like his perspective on this.”
“You’re the lead agent.”
“I prefer to look at this as more of a partnership.” She snorted. “Not sure SA Kaine will see it that way, but I’ll deal with that if it arises.”
“I worked with Avery on some fugitive cases before I moved over to counterterrorism. She’s hardcore, isn’t afraid to tackle guys twice her size, but rules aren’t her top priority if it’s the difference between success and failure. Besides, Raven’s Security has been properly vetted by not just my department but also the U.S. Marshal Service for contract security work. Buck’s good.”
“Looks like I chose the right partners.” Rowan looked out the window. “It’s late, and we’ve all be running on empty for a while. Let’s call it a night, and we’ll pick everything up first thing.”
Chase stepped forward. “I realize Sunset Beach isn’t that far away, but there’s plenty of room at Foster’s place if you’d like to stay local. He’s got an entire wing dedicated for visitors.”
Rowan nodded. “Thanks. I might take you up on that.”
“Just let me know.” Chase palmed Greer’s back. “Greer’ll text you our address, just in case. There’s usually at least one of us up, if you need to crash later tonight. Otherwise, we’ll see you at the station in the morning.”
Rowan watched them leave, looking as if she’d cataloged every moment of the interaction — could spew it all back verbatim if needed.
Bodie cleared his throat. “Or, you can stay with me. My office is, hands down, the safest place in town.”
Rowan arched a brow. “You live at your office?”
