“Everything began with that site and the other properties involved are connected to it in different ways. I know I’m not making complete sense, but I can’t get it out of my head.”
The fire crackled as if perfect timing that something ominous was coming—a warning sign.
“I think it might possibly involve someone within this construction project—or someone connected to the investigation. Everyone needs to be aware and focused.”
John hugged her. “I will do whatever you need.”
Katie smiled. “I know.”
THIRTY-EIGHT
Sunday 1145 hours
Katie had a great morning and a more positive outlook on the case. They were making progress—she needed to remind herself of that fact. Snippets of her evening with John were a welcome distraction.
After going for a moderate run, she took the time to get some chores done around the house before driving to her uncle’s condo. She called him, but it went to voicemail. Sometimes she knew her uncle, especially on Sundays, would go “phone silent” to re-energize. He was probably out for a walk or at the golf club restaurant getting some coffee. If there was an emergency, he would check in periodically.
Katie got her things together and was ready to leave. Cisco pushed his way to the door.
“Oh, no, Cisco. I’m sorry, it’s just me and Uncle Wayne today.”
As if the dog understood her, he turned slowly and walked toward his dog bed with his tail hung low.
“I’ll be back soon.” It pained Katie that she wasn’t going totake him, but she didn’t know for sure what her uncle had planned and didn’t want Cisco hanging out in the car.
She decided to take the scenic route, which was a beautiful part of Pine Valley. She drove toward the large golf and country club where the sheriff had a condo. He’d recently bought a smaller place after his wife was murdered in their large home. He had been grieving for a while and was now finally becoming more comfortable and sociable with his new life.
Katie parked in the visitor’s space near the condo. It was a nice location with stunning grounds. She got out and admired the tidiness and beautiful landscaping. She could see part of the green golf course and watched a couple of players. Her uncle’s two-story condo was number 9 and faced the golf course and a pond surrounded by trees. She jogged up the steps to the front door and rang the bell. She waited for almost a minute, but there was no answer. She tried again.
Katie thought her uncle could be somewhere on the grounds, so she used her key to enter. Once inside, she caught a whiff of perfume permeating in the air. It was subtle, but it was definitely a woman’s perfume and recent.
“Uncle Wayne?” she called. Katie put her cell, purse, and keys on the small table at the entryway. “Are you here?” she said, making sure she wasn’t walking in on something.
There was no answer.
She casually walked through the condo and then upstairs, which confirmed her uncle wasn’t home. Taking a close look, she felt uncomfortable looking at personal items or noticing that his bed was unmade, but it was clear there had been two people sleeping in it. At first, she was concerned but she decided to wait for a while. He could be anywhere. Going back downstairs, she grabbed a bottle of sparkling water from the refrigerator and sat down on the sofa that faced the golf course, watching various groups of golfers.
Katie went to retrieve her phone. She saw there had been amessage that had been sent an hour ago that she’d missed. It was a voice mail from her uncle.
“Sorry, Katie, I’m not going to make our lunch today. Sydney and I are on a short road trip and will be back late. Talk to you soon.”
Katie listened to the message again. Something bothered her about it, which she couldn’t pinpoint. He sounded fine and was obviously enjoying his new relationship. She quickly sent a brief reply and said she would reschedule a meal soon.
Katie locked the condo and took a walk around the area. The case was on pause as she waited for lab results and various searches to be completed. But that didn’t mean she didn’t think about it almost every waking moment.
There was a small restaurant at the country club, 18th Hole Café, and she decided to stop and have lunch. She thought about John, but knew he was doing some errands today. As much as she missed and thought about him, it was important to have time apart and respect each other’s boundaries.
She took a seat at a small table in front of the windows and ordered a burger and salad. As she enjoyed her view, she noticed a middle-aged man staring at her from a corner table. There were a few other tables with patrons, but they weren’t paying any attention to Katie. She turned to face the man and nodded a greeting, but he only grimaced. He had gray hair and a beard and was wearing a T-shirt and jeans.
Katie ignored him and enjoyed her meal. After she finished up with an iced tea, she paid the bill and left. Her mind was already on the case again as she headed to her Jeep, and when she reached the driver’s side door and automatically unlocked it, the man from the café approached her.
“You’re the sheriff’s daughter,” he said.
“His niece,” she said with authority, not liking his tone.
“I’ve seen you before and your dog.”
Katie faced him and kept eye contact. Quickly taking aglance around, she noticed there wasn’t anyone else parked near her at the moment. They were basically alone.
