“I bet I can guess where you are right now,” said the sheriff.
Katie smiled. Her uncle knew her so well. “It’s an amazing morning. Speaking of which, why are you up so early on a Saturday?”
“Going for a drive with Sydney. We’re going to hit some historic areas and have lunch. I’m excited. It’s been a while since I’ve had a lovely female companion.”
“Uncle Wayne, you deserve it. When can I meet her?”
“Soon. She’s heard all about you.”
Katie chuckled. “I’m sure.”
“I wanted to check in on you. I know this case is… a bit unusual.”
“Yes.”
“And no matter what I say, I know you’re going to work today.”
“Uh…”
“Don’t deny it. Just promise me you aren’t alone.”
“Cisco and McGaven will be with me.”
“Good,” he said. “Also, I don’t know if you’ve already thought about this, but you might want to check out those involved that were for and against purchasing and building the police-fire buildings. Many folks wanted to preserve the area. I don’t have names, but I’m sure you can find out.”
Katie’s mind was already speeding ahead. “Thank you, Uncle Wayne.”
“If you aren’t busy, come by the condo tomorrow afternoon—and I promise, no shop talk.”
“Sounds great. I’ll be there.”
“Love you. Talk to you soon,” he said.
“Love you too.” She was glad they would spend some time together tomorrow.
Katie sat for another few minutes, thinking about what her uncle had said. Maybe they were working so hard with thebodies and crime scenes they were overlooking more mundane things.
After a few more minutes, Katie got up from the rock with Cisco following and they made their way down the steep trail.
THIRTY-FIVE
Saturday 1000 hours
Katie took a quick shower and changed into jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. The weather was windy and overcast, so she wanted to be dressed appropriately to search the Collins property—namely, the structure that was still left. They didn’t really give it a second glance on their first visit, but now she wanted to pay closer attention to where the home and barn were located.
Grabbing a jacket from her closet, Katie heard a knock at the door, followed immediately by Cisco’s barking. She hurried to the door and opened it. McGaven stood there dressed appropriately for searching the rural property.
“Hey,” she said. “I think you’re two minutes late.”
“Nope. Your clock is wrong.” He had a grin on his face.
Katie opened the door wider as McGaven entered, greeted by a very happy dog.
“Hey, buddy,” he said as Cisco ran circles around him.
Katie informed McGaven of Buck’s departure from the hospital and what the sheriff had suggested about checking out names of individuals for and against the building project. Helistened as he went to the kitchen to get something to drink followed closely by Cisco.
“Don’t you ever have soda?” he asked.
