“Let me know if you need any more help other than trying to get Gleason to try for a warrant for that gas station attendant’s name, which I have to say he’s balking at, but maybe this incident will change his mind.”
“Yeah, maybe,” Reid said, not holding out hope that even if he got the warrant that he would share the information.
“But like I said. Let me know what else I can do. Wouldn’t mind participating in something more challenging than my usual daily paperwork.”
“I don’t think Sydney would appreciate you getting involved in this.” Russ’s wife was a police officer in Shadow Lake and would know Russ would face risks on such an assignment.
“She wouldn’t like it, but she would understand.” A smitten look flashed across his face as it always did when he talked about her.
“In that case, we could talk about forensics,” Reid said. “I don’t have a lot of confidence in the local forensics staff, and this has escalated significantly. With a bomb, even a fake one, we should try to get the state techs on site.”
“Agreed. Even a decoy bomb could tell us a lot about the person who built it.”
“Since you know the chief, could you persuade him to call in State?”
Russ gnawed on his cheek for a moment. “Better yet, I’ll ask him to call in the Veritas Center bomb expert. Gleason won’t have a budget for that, but since we know the Veritas partners, we should be able to get this done pro bono. I doubt he’ll say no to that.”
“Sounds good. Make the arrangements.”
“Will do.” He arched a brow. “You should know, though, if the Veritas contract is with Gleason’s agency, they won’t be able to share what they find with us. But I should be able to get the chief to disclose the information.”
“Thanks, man.” He gave his brother’s arm a light punch. “Bandit’s in my car, but I’ll go tell Jess about our arrangements so once the bomb squad gives the all clear you can be on your way.”
In Ella’s room, Megan was seated in a chair by the window. She came to the edge of her chair, but he raised a hand to keep her from standing. Thankfully, the room was located on the opposite side of the parking lot where the bomb squad was likely swarming Megan’s car, and neither Ella nor Jessie were aware of the situation.
He went to Jessie, who sat on the bed with Ella, a snowman-shaped tic-tac-toe game on a table between them.
Jessie made eye contact, and Reid told her about the change in plans. Her wide smile confirmed staying at her uncle’s cabin for the night was a special treat. “Go ahead and keep playing but be ready to go when Uncle Russ is ready.”
“I know. I know. He doesn’t like to wait for anyone.” She wrinkled her freckled nose.
She knew her uncle well.
Reid’s phone rang. Seeing Colin’s name, he excused himself and stepped into the hallway. Russ locked gazes with Reid, but he held up his phone and answered the call.
“Fowler’s registered here, but he’s not in.” Colin’s no-nonsense tone came across loud and clear. “You want me to search his room.”
Reid did. How he did, but he didn’t want his friend and teammate to get caught breaking the law. At least not yet. “We’ll see on that. Maybe later.”
“Want me to keep an eye on the room in case he shows up?”
Reid didn’t answer right away. He was taking advantage of Colin’s time off, but Megan and Ella needed the entire team, so he would ask for as much as they would give. He updated Colin on the bomb situation. “I’d appreciate that if you’re willing to give up more of your vacation.”
“You need me, I’m here.” Unquestionable support. That was the hallmark of all of the team members.
Reid was blessed beyond words to have such fine men working for him, and he would never forget Colin’s sacrifice. “Thanks, man. Keep me updated, and if this goes on for long, I’ll get Ryan to spell you.”
“Nah, don’t call him in. He’s got the new baby and all. I’ll be fine.”
“I’m sure Ryan will appreciate a few hours away from diaper duty.” Reid laughed as he remembered the first exhausting weeks of Jessie’s life.
“Yeah, okay. Maybe for a few hours. I’ll let you know if I need it.”
Reid thanked him again and ended the call to share the conversation with Russ. “Our first official proof Fowler’s in town.”
“Not really official,” Russ said. “Just hearsay of a desk clerk Colin charmed, which isn’t going to change anything. We need to see the official records. Need a warrant for that, and I doubt the chief will request one based on what we have so far.”
“Not that it will do any good either,” Reid said. “So Fowler’s in town. We still don’t have concrete proof that he’s stalking Megan, and the locals won’t act on it until we do.”
