“You’re welcome. And if any of your patients have been approached with an offer that sounds too good to be true, call me right away.” Autumn handed over her business card.
“Thanks again,” Dr. Kohl said.
Autumn nodded and turned away. One clinic down and many more to go.
By the time she finished visiting the OB clinics, spending some time chatting with the patients who were either entering or leaving the facility, the hour was approaching lunch time. Autumn was reassured that she’d made an impact. Everyone she’d spoken to had been horrified at the possibility of more young women going missing, and eager to work with the police.
At least the word was out and hopefully would spread far and wide to protect those pregnant women who might be a target for this illegal adoption ring.
She thought of Jordan often throughout the morning, half expecting him to show up at one of the clinics. And if she were honest, feeling slightly disappointed when he hadn’t.
Which was ridiculous. She didn’t want or need him hovering over her shoulder as she worked. Yet she knew Jordan was the complete opposite of Steve.
River Jameson called as she was grabbing a bite to eat. “Learn anything knew?” he asked.
“I wish,” she said with a sigh. “The OB clinics are all on high alert, though, so that’s good news. Did you find anything?”
“Nope.” He sounded as dejected as she did. “I visited the hospital and the one group home for single pregnant women. They’re on alert now, too, but they didn’t have any information to share.”
“This case is beyond frustrating.”
“Tell me about it,” River agreed. “I’m calling because Emmett wants us to use our K-9s to search a deserted canyon about ten miles from here. He got a tip from some guy who claimed he saw someone out there with a large duffel bag.”
She glanced at Bear, who was stretched out at her feet. He was always happy to hang out with her, but she knew he’d rather be working. “I agree, we should make sure the guy didn’t bury someone out there. I can meet you at the canyon in ten to fifteen minutes.”
“Make it twenty,” River said. “I’m grabbing something to eat, then will head out. I’ll text you the information on where to meet.”
“Sounds good.” She had hoped to spend the afternoon going through her list of suspects, but if Emmett wanted them to search, then that task would take priority. Especially since Bear was cross-trained as a cadaver dog. One of the few that might be able to uncover another grave. “See you in twenty.”
She ended the call then quickly sent a text to Jordan.Doing another search. Will call when done.
Three little dots indicated Jordan was typing a response.OK, thanks for the update.
It felt weird to keep him up-to-date on her movements. After finishing her meal, she and Bear hit the road.
She’d likely arrive before River, but that was okay. She’d go through her list of suspects while she waited. It was smart of Jordan to consider this guy might be related to her mother’s cases.
As she left town, she noticed a dark car coming up fast behind her. A speeder? Under different circumstances, she’d be tempted to pull the driver over, but she wasn’t officially on patrol, so she decided to let the guy go.
Only the driver didn’t slow down or move to pass her. As the vehicle zoomed up in her rearview mirror, she realized it was a black sedan. The shooter! In that moment, she understood the driver intended to hit her!
Bear was in the back crate. Heart pounding with fear, Autumn wrenched the wheel to get out of the way as the front corner of the black sedan struck the rear bumper of her vehicle. Praying for safety, she gripped the steering wheel tightly, fighting to maintain control. It took all her strength to stay on the road.
The car behind her didn’t give up. The driver had dropped back, but now veered into the lane behind her. This stretch of the highway was mostly deserted, which was probably a good thing.
Instantly, the black car sped up for a second attempt. She wrenched the wheel at the last minute, moving onto the shoulder. Her actions weren’t quite good enough, and she felt the SUV shudder beneath her fingers at the impact. The momentum sent her farther off the road, her tires scrabbling for purchase. Concern for Bear had her braking to a stop. She glanced over, trying to get a look at the driver, but all she saw was a blur as the vehicle whizzed past.
And this time, the black car kept going, vanishing from sight.
* * *
Jordan had been on his way to town when Autumn’s text came through. He hadn’t wanted to admit he couldn’t stand sitting at home another second longer and had come out to find her. And the ME’s office had called to let him know he could start making funeral arrangements for Jenny.
He shouldn’t be surprised that she’d been asked to do another search. Obviously, Bear’s skilled nose was in high demand.
As he’d already eaten lunch, he decided to keep going. In addition to stopping at the funeral home to finalize arrangements for Jenny’s burial on his ranch, he needed more puppy chow for Cutie. He could pick up some more groceries, too.
Better to do something constructive rather than pacing around the house.
