Laurel searched for a method to provide him comfort, but nothing came to mind. “Thank you, Dr. Ortega. Please let me know when you have the autopsies completed.”
“I will. Per protocol, I’ve notified both of your superiors.” Ortega cleared his throat. “Huck?”
Huck looked at the phone. “Hi, Dr. Ortega.”
“I’m very sorry for your loss.”
Huck’s eyes darkened. “Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate it.”
Chapter 14
After a long afternoon of failing to make progress on her cases or track down the Bearing men or Pastor John, Laurel tightened her seat belt in Kate’s vehicle. “Thank you for the ride home.”
“Sure thing,” Kate said cheerfully, her headlights on bright. “So Huck got called out on this too-dark and cold night?”
“Yes. He said he’d be a couple of hours.” Sometimes Laurel almost forgot that they didn’t actually work together. “Now that we know the Iceberg River victim is his mother, we have to take him off this case anyway.” She’d miss working with him.
Kate nodded. “Why did you want me to call Sheriff York for you earlier? I thought we all agreed that he’s a pain in the butt.”
Laurel sighed. “We needed his help since we’re down two agents. Plus, since he has familiarity with the mayor and the Bearing family, I believe he knows where they are and can bring them in.” So Laurel could schedule time to interview all of them. Since Dr. Ortega had positively identified Mrs. Bearing as the second victim, the sheriff had no choice but to cooperate. If he could only locate Pastor John, he’d actually be of use. Fish and Wildlife were searching for the snowmobiling group, but they only had so many available officers right now, and the Cascades were vast.
Kate’s Volkswagen Bug slid on the ice. “Oops.” She corrected and slowed down.
“I thought you planned to purchase a winter vehicle.”
Kate shrugged. “Vic’s will is still being contested by that twit, Kirsti, so the funds he left for the girls haven’t exactly arrived yet.”
Kate’s ex-husband had been murdered by a serial killer earlier that year, and unfortunately, his last will and testament was being challenged by the very young woman for whom he’d left Kate and the girls.
“How are your girls doing?” Laurel asked.
Kate pushed hair out of her eyes. “They’re great. Vida is still perfecting her soccer skills for the upcoming season. She’s all into geometry. Val is working hard on her photography projects while playing basketball, and Viv is getting ready for lacrosse. It’s the first time she’s played, and she’s pretty excited. She’s still dating Ryan.”
“That’s good. I’m glad they’re doing well.”
Kate’s girls were twelve, fourteen, and sixteen—all cute blondes like their mom.
“We’ll have to get together for dinner soon,” Kate said. “They miss seeing you.”
Laurel had found herself exceedingly preoccupied with numerous commitments lately. “I agree. And don’t worry, my vehicle is at Huck’s cabin, so I can drive myself tomorrow if he’s out on another mission.” He’d been called in right around dinnertime to help plant warning flags up near peaks ripe for avalanches. It was a good thing he enjoyed working outside with his dog.
“No problem. If you want a ride, I’m happy to pick you up.”
Laurel shook her head. “Thanks, but I’m ready to drive. I do have a new car.”
Kate pulled up to Huck’s cabin. “Do you want me to help you shovel the drive?”
“Huck enjoys unwinding when he returns home by excavating the entire area. I’ll just clear the walkway for now,” Laurel said. “You say hi to your girls for me.”
“I will.” Kate waited until Laurel stood safely to the side of the metal building before backing down the driveway.
Laurel removed the biggest shovel from the shop and made quick work of the walkway before hurrying inside the cabin and shedding her coat and boots. Huck had given her a key not too long ago, and she was starting to feel at home. That feeling should have caused her some concern because she’d never been at home with anybody but her mother.
Her stomach grumbled, and she moved to the kitchen, glancing toward the quiet living room. Huck, per usual, had already stacked kindling and logs in the hearth, so she decided to make a fire before eating. She struck a match, and the logs instantly ignited. There was nothing like a wood-burning fire in the winter. She should add one to the barndominium she planned to build on her mother’s property.
She looked out at the light snow still falling. Like everyone else around her, she was more than ready for spring.
Something in the snow on the deck outside caught her attention, and she moved closer to the sliding glass door. Her breath caught in her throat. She dodged back to the kitchen and grabbed her weapon out of her purse, then shoved on her boots before hurrying to the door and opening it.
