The drone slowly lowered, making a perfect landing between the three of them. It powered down. Rogers began packing up without a word.
“Let us know when we can view the footage,” said McGaven.
“I’ll give you a memory stick when it’s ready,” he said. Once the drone was safely packed into the car, Rogers got in and drove off.
“That was weird,” Katie said.
“I told you.”
“The most important thing is that we can now view the whole property.”
“Wonder what he meant by the anomaly?” said McGaven.
“My guess is that something didn’t look quite like the rest of the property. It could be good, bad, or who cares.”
“Okay.”
She sighed. “And until we see that footage it’s just another thing we don’t know—yet.”
SEVEN
Monday 1515 hours
Katie returned to the crime scene after changing her clothes at home to something more appropriate to the task at hand. This time she was in her Jeep with Cisco and they were going to search the property in order to find anything that might shed light on the crime scene. Even though the bodies had been buried some time ago, there still could be some indications of clues, answers to why this particular property was chosen, and who the unknown man in cowboy boots was.
Katie slowed as she entered the loose gravel drive. The barrier was still there with a sign stating “Keep Out.” The patrol officers were gone, while John and Eva were loading up the forensic van. McGaven pulled in behind her.
Cisco stood up, wagging his tail as he watched McGaven get out of the vehicle. Katie’s partner was also dressed more casually due to the fact that he acted as cover for the K9 team, trailing behind them as they searched.
Katie got out of her Jeep. She stood quietly and observed the now empty area. There was a cool breeze, stronger thanearlier. She wondered how the killer had brought in the bodies. Did he lure them? Did he load them into a car and drive them here? Twenty years ago the area would have been even denser and any buildings or businesses even farther away. The killer most likely thought the bodies would never be found. It seemed probable the third body was connected to the skeletons; the killer coming back to the same dumping ground. Was there something that prompted them to choose this particular spot?
“Hey,” said McGaven. “How do you want to proceed?”
“I think we need to start on the south side,” she said, referring to the entrance area. “I’ll have Cisco work a tight grid.”
“Sounds good.” McGaven automatically checked his gun belt and weapon, and made sure he had another magazine in case of trouble.
Katie went to the Jeep and let Cisco out. The dog spun around, tail wagging, and gave a snort. He was definitely ready to go. Katie grabbed the long lead and searching harness. The dog stood still, allowing her to put on his gear like so many times before. Katie double-checked that she had her weapon, cell phone, and evidence bags.
“You going to search the property?” said John. He had quietly approached. He stood close to Katie. “Need anything?”
Katie took a step back. She could feel his penetrating presence and didn’t want to get distracted. His handsome face, muscular body, and dark eyes that could read your every thought made it difficult to concentrate. “I think we’re good.”
“Good.” He smiled. “Eva and I have our work cut out for us.”
“I can’t wait.”
“Can’t wait for what?” said McGaven as he walked up.
“To find out more about the skeletons.”
“Oh that,” McGaven said sarcastically.
Katie gave her partner a stern look.
“Okay, good luck,” said John and he returned to the CSI van.
Katie pulled Cisco close. “You ready?” she said to McGaven.
