“No prints, if that’s what you were hoping for.” Peters scowled. “They think the perp wiped it down with a towel or something before ditching it.”
That meant there likely wouldn’t be any DNA, either. She hid her frustration with a curt nod. “Okay, thanks again for driving out.”
Peters shrugged and left without saying anything more. Jordan sighed loudly. “I told you that guy is useless.”
“I don’t disagree.” She wasn’t sure why Redding had sent him, other than maybe to force Peters into doing something more than having conversations with her over the phone. Peters was close enough to retirement age that her boss probably didn’t want to force him out, which would result in him losing his pension. Peters’s talk about retiring was one of the reasons she had taken the Detective exam. She’d scored top of the list, but there wasn’t a position open. At least, not yet. “But it doesn’t matter. At least now we know the minibike won’t help us find him. That leaves me with the dagger tattoo as my only lead.”
“Yeah, okay.” Jordan still looked disgruntled. “Although that so-called interview with Peters was pretty much a giant waste of time.”
Bear came over and nudged her. She realized he was giving her a gentle reminder about needing his breakfast. Hounds were all about their food.
“Let’s feed the dogs, then I’ll get back to work.” She felt a renewed sense of determination. Jordan was right—Peters wouldn’t be any help.
She knew full well that hard work and thorough police work would ultimately crack this case. But they needed to catch this guy fast—she wasn’t sure she or Jordan could afford any more close calls.
* * *
Once the dogs were fed, Jordan rummaged through the freezer for a pot roast to make for dinner. Autumn would likely head home that evening, especially if her security system was installed as promised.
He defrosted the roast in the microwave, rubbed it with seasoning, threw it in a slow cooker with carrots and potatoes, then set the dial on Low. The meat would be tender and juicy by dinnertime.
When that was finished, he reached for his jacket. Since discovering Jenny had been murdered, he’d put off some of the larger ranch chores, like moving the cattle out to pasture. It could still snow in April, but the cattle needed space to roam and he’d spread out enough hay for them to graze.
Besides, snow this time of the year didn’t last long. And the recent thunderstorm gave him hope that spring was on the way.
Spring equated to new life on a ranch. It made him think of his sister’s baby girl. He prayed the baby was being well cared for.
“Are you leaving?” Autumn asked as he shrugged into his jacket.
“For a few hours.” He reached for his cowboy hat and settled it on his head. “I’m heading out to move the cattle. If you need something, call. I’ll have my phone with me. I can be back here in fifteen minutes if needed.”
“Okay, I’m sure I’ll be fine.” She sighed. “Hopefully, I’ll have an ID on this guy by then.”
“You will.” He was confident in her abilities. She was the opposite of Peters with her dedication and determination.
Yet, holding a grudge against the guy wasn’t helpful. He told himself to get over it and nodded at the puppy. “I hope you don’t mind, but I need to leave Cutie here. Someday, she’ll be a good cattle dog, but not yet. She needs more training and less enthusiasm. At this age, I’m worried she’ll end up being kicked or trampled.”
“That’s fine. I’ll watch her. Bear won’t appreciate it, but he’ll help keep her entertained.” She rose and reached for her own coat. “I may as well take both dogs out, though. Then I can work for a while without being interrupted.”
“Sounds good.” He followed her outside, watching as both dogs headed off in different directions. For once, Cutie wasn’t hounding Bear. He chuckled when the puppy found a stick and proudly carried it back, dropping it near Bear as some sort of gift.
Bear looked from the stick to Cutie and up at Autumn, as if to askNow what?
Cutie would miss Bear when they left.
Just as he’d miss Autumn. In a way he’d never missed Shiloh once she’d brushed him off without so much as a backward glance.
Proof that he hadn’t cared about Shiloh as much as he should have. Oh, he’d thought he loved her and had been hurt when she’d left.
Yet, his feelings for Autumn were deeper and far more complicated than what he’d experienced with Shiloh. And that was a scary realization because he didn’t want to fall for someone, only to lose them.
Been there and done that. Wasn’t interested in taking that trip again.
Still, he let his gaze linger on Autumn for a long moment before heading to the barn. They’d both had trouble with previous relationships, but that didn’t mean they were meant for each other.
Did it?
He shook off the thought and saddled Durango. The stallion was feisty, having been left alone for the past few days. He tried talking soothingly, then gave up and swung up in the saddle. Once they got to work, the horse settled down.
