“No phone games?” said Milo. “GuessGrand Theft Autocan’t compete with reality.”
Chapter
4
Officer Katherine Santos was a mid-twenties, six-foot blonde with stooped posture. Maybe a tall person’s habit, maybe the stress of a first homicide scene. Freckled and sturdy, she had a strong jaw but a weak mouth. Officer Stephen Meade was ten years older, thin with a black buzz cut and small dark eyes that flitted around like houseflies.
The two of them had sprung out of their cruiser before we got there.
Milo introduced himself and me, avoiding the doctor bit and keeping my presence ambiguous. Neither uniform seemed curious about that. Or anything else. Both looked drained and grim.
He said, “Quite a thing to discover, guys.”
Meade said, “Last thing I expected, sir. Kathy’s first but she’s the one who thought smart and opened the freezer.”
Santos shrugged, nodded.
Milo said, “Good work, Officer.”
She blew out air. “I almost didn’t. But then I figured it was there, let’s check.” She lowered a hand to her abdomen and let it sit there. “Lastthing I expected. There she was. Right on top. I couldn’t believe it. I mean…”
Meade said, “Like out of a movie.”
Santos said, “Not the kind I watch.”
Milo said, “Your intuition was good, Officer.”
“You say so,” said Santos. “Sir.”
Meade said, “I’m figuring you could probably go years and never see that.” Looking to Milo for confirmation.
“You’re figuring right, Officer Meade. So. Where does the neighbor who called in the welfare check live?”
Meade pointed south. “Four houses down, the white one with the brown roof. Mrs…. um…” Snapping a finger to no avail.
Santos said, “Winslow. Genevieve Winslow.”
Meade looked up at her. No resentment at being out-remembered. More like grateful for the save.
Milo said, “We’ll be heading over there. Everyone else on the block needs to be canvassed. If that’s not productive, extend it…what do you think, Detective Bogomil, a block in either direction?”
Alicia said, “Good start. We can always go farther. Especially if someone out there has security footage.”
Milo turned back to the uniforms. “You guys are in charge of organizing the canvass.”
“Us?” said Meade.
“Any reason why not, Officer?”
Meade stood up taller. “No, sir. Thank you, sir.”
“Me, too, sir,” said Santos. “Thanking you, I mean. We’re on it, sir.”
They stood there for an uneasy moment then she saluted and walked ahead of Meade to the adjoining cruiser. By the time she was addressing a pair of phone-wielding comrades, Kathy Santos’s back had straightened and her mouth had transformed.
Strong as her chin.
—
