“Thanks for coming to see us rather than making us come to you,” Hawk said. “We’re trying to keep a low profile.”
“Jo’s safety is a priority,” the sheriff said. “Here’s your cell phone, Jo.”
He handed it off, and she looked at it like she hadn’t seen it in a month.
The sheriff shifted his attention to the detective. “Detective Sanders has some news as well as questions.”
“Coffee, anyone?” Remi gestured to the mugs and the carafe on the counter in a display suitable for her lodge.
The two county officials declined.
“If it’s more comfortable, why don’t we all have a seat.” Hawk pulled chairs from the table, and everyone sat in the living room.
Gray light from the cloudy day barely lit up the room as the house rattled with the wind.
“Let’s hear it, Detective,” Cole said.
“Is it all right with everyone if I record this discussion?” Detective Sanders asked.
“This isn’t an interrogation.” Cole crossed his arms. He wouldn’t stand for that today. “Or is it?”
“No. But if I ask a question, I want to be able to refer back to the answer.”
Cole wanted to tell the guy no. Then again, a thorough investigator was a good thing. “Fine. Record away.”
Sanders set his iPhone on the coffee table.
“We’re working with bomb specialists from King County, and I’ve contacted the Investigative Assistance Division of Washington State Patrol. They directed me to Detective Hargrove.”
Thorough, indeed. What was this guy doing in a backwater county sheriff’s department?
“Preliminary information tells us it was a cell phone bomb. An IED—improvised explosive device—triggered by a cell phone. We suspect the bomb is tied to this guy.” The detective tossed a photograph on the coffee table. “Detective Hargrovehas ID’d your attacker from the Hood, Line and Sinker.” He looked at Cole. “Good work getting the security footage out to the authorities. We believe he’s the ferry killer too.”
Jo shuddered and rubbed her arms.
Cole sat up. Now they were getting somewhere. “How did you link him to the ferry?”
“We caught footage of our suspect. Same man from the Hood, Line and Sinker attack. Devin Merrick exited a skiff at the marina in Seattle. We believe he got off the ferry mere moments after sending the vehicle overboard. He swam his way to a waiting skiff. Either an accomplice or someone he paid to wait for him. We’re still looking for that person. The FBI has taken an interest in Merrick.”
“He’swanted? How did he board the ferry to begin with?” Cole’s frustration wasn’t directed at the detective.
“So, the FBI is getting involved?” Jo asked.
“I’ve talked to the field agents in the local office. They’re up to their ears in other investigations but are ready to assist if we need help. I said they’reinterestedin him.”
“What does that mean, exactly?” Cole said.
“It means they could swoop in and take him, but they’ll wait for us to do the dirty work.”
Ouch. Sounded like Sanders had some history there.
“Do you?” Hawk asked.
“Do I what?” Sanders retrieved the photo from the table.
“Do you need help? You said they’re ready to assist if you need help.” Cole would love to get everyone involved if it meant solving this and Jo finally being free from danger.
“Not yet. But I do need answers. Ms. Cattrel, have you ever seen or heard of this man before the ferry incident?”
