Abigail straightened. “No. I don’t suppose I do. However, I was becoming bored and fatigued with life, and all of a sudden, there you were.” Her gaze traveled over Laurel’s hair. “A crimson beacon in a gray world. An object of fascination, a mystery for me to solve. Don’t you want to be solved?”
Laurel made sure to meet the woman’s gaze directly. “There are many diagnoses I could make with you. Sometimes the simplest explanation is the best.”
“Meaning?” Abigail inhaled and licked her bottom lip.
Laurel brushed a snowflake off her aching skin. “Lady, you’re batshit crazy. Stay away from me.” She turned and walked up the snowy steps and across the porch.
“I wouldn’t turn your back on me, were I you,” Abigail called out.
Laurel opened the front door and walked inside, shutting it without looking back. Taking a deep breath, she leaned against it, willing her heart rate to slow down to heart attack range.
Her mother stood near the mantel. “What the heck was that all about?”
“If I knew, I’d tell you. What was she doing here?” Laurel asked.
Deidre leaned over and flicked on a Santa lamp. “She’s part owner in the Deep Green Grower’s company, and they’re interested in partnering with Pure Heart Tea to create and sell a CBD oil–based tea. It’s a good business opportunity.” Her hands shook. “I told her we weren’t looking to expand, and she became a little demanding. I didn’t like it.”
“I’m glad you declined her offer.” Laurel raised a hand before her mom could argue. “There are tons of good growers out there, and if you want to find one to work with, I support you. Don’t go into business with Dr. Caine. Trust me.”
“Oh, I do. I don’t want anything to do with such a bossy woman.” Deidre looked her daughter over. “Are you okay? Did that Huck Rivers try anything?” A muscle ticked in her jaw.
“Actually, I tried something, and he said no,” Laurel mused.
Deidre stepped back. “Oh. Well.” Her hands fluttered until she clasped them tightly together. “I’m sure you haven’t eaten. How about I make you chocolate chip pancakes while you shower?”
“Thanks, Mom.” Laurel might not understand love any better than Abigail, but she felt it, and she’d do anything to protect her mother.
Anything.
Chapter Eighteen
“Thanks, Monty,” Huck said, surveying the Fish and Wildlife conference room. Matching green file folders had been placed at each seat at the table, and photos had been taped neatly to a case board at the head of the table.
Monty shrugged. “I couldn’t sleep and came in early. I’ve never been part of a task force before. That body yesterday . . .”
Huck nodded. They’d both seen their fair share of bodies, but nothing like the blonde left naked in the snow. Huck hadn’t realized the extent of the torture inflicted upon her until he’d read the ME’s report when he’d arrived at work. Dr. Ortega must’ve worked all night. The clinical descriptions had made the coffee curdle in his stomach. “Hey. I know you want to keep things private, but if you need a break, let me know.”
“I’m fine,” Monty said grimly. Yet his attitude toward Huck had softened slightly.
Laurel Snow walked into the office. “My boss in DC told me to report to a task force this morning. It’s a good idea. I’m pleased we’re on the same track.” She met his gaze directly, without any embarrassment over their time in bed earlier. “What can I do?”
Huck gestured to the chair to his left, away from the door. “Have a seat and look through the file. Are you ready to give a profile today?”
“I am.” She kept tugging at the light yellow sweater she wore over a pink corduroy skirt that emphasized her small waist. Though he’d always liked taller, curvier women, she appealed to him in a way others hadn’t. “Did we receive the ME’s report?”
“Yes,” Huck said as Genesis Valley Sheriff York arrived, strutting to the end of the table. Huck might’ve caught a slight eye roll from Laurel.
Huck leaned over to flip open his file folder. “In front of you is the entire case file, including copies of the preliminary autopsy reports, information on known victims, photographs, and witness statements. Dr. Ortega spent the night performing an autopsy on the newest body, and we have an identification. Her information is listed on the third page. Her name was Lisa Scotford, age twenty. She lived outside of Genesis Valley.”
Laurel looked up. “Was there a missing person’s report filed on Ms. Scotford?”
“No. Somebody should go speak with her family after this meeting. The notification was conducted earlier today, and they had no idea she was missing,” Monty said.
Sheriff York straightened up in his chair. “I live in the same area as the family, so I made the notification, and the parents were devastated. Lisa lived alone in an apartment near Lola Creek and was last seen three days ago. It wasn’t unusual for her to do her own thing for a few days, so the family wasn’t worried.”
Laurel looked up. “Lola Creek? By the Genesis Community Church?”
The sheriff straightened. “Yes. The family are all members, as am I, and the funeral will take place there once the body is released.” He hitched his pants up over his belly. “The family is heartbroken, but I still got them to answer a few questions. Lisa wasn’t dating anybody and hasn’t for a long time, since high school. She dated a Bob Jerome all through high school, and he’s currently attending Notre Dame. I verified his location on the way in today. Lisa was thinking about attending the college but hadn’t applied as of yet.”
