Reid texted Devan to let him know of their impending visit, stowed his phone, and turned to Megan. Her pinched lips revealed frustration, maybe ongoing fear, and he was glad to finally have some good news to share.
He joined her, careful to be quiet and not wake Ella. “Devan found the PJ’s location where Fowler met his friend. I’ll head over there now with Russ while Micha stands watch outside your door. I’ll come back after we talk to the bartender.”
Megan gave a sharp nod but didn’t seem happy with the news.
Reid had no idea why but left it alone. “Russ also got the Veritas team to agree to handle your car and bomb forensics. They are one of the best forensics teams in the country and have experts in all areas. And they’re on the cutting edge with procedures that law enforcement labs have yet to employ.”
“That’s great.” She offered a weak smile. “I’ll have to thank Russ when I see him next.”
He wanted more than the halfhearted smile so he shared about recovering DNA from the air.
“You weren’t kidding that this is good news.” She smiled in earnest.
He nodded and now prayed that this DNA in the air wasn’t some nonsense and that the Veritas team wouldn’t let him down but retrieve the evidence to prove Fowler was behind the bombing.
10
Reid observed PJ’s parking lot as Russ pulled in. The long building had twinkling, colorful Christmas lights strung around a large picture window. The lights brightened the parking lot but competed with the big sports sign comprised of sports balls and equipment surrounding the bar’s name.
“Lot’s nearly full for a weeknight.” Russ scanned for a parking space.
“Could be people off for the holiday or the Trailblazers have a game tonight.”
Win or lose the Portland basketball team always drew a big crowd.
Russ found a space, and they headed for the building in the crisp night air. Russ had driven his pickup and wore tactical pants and a jacket since he wasn’t on official business. Who knows, he might’ve dressed this way anyway as there was no such thing as entering a bar incognito while dressed in uniform. Reid spotted Devan’s pickup near the door, but he wasn’t inside the vehicle.
Reid pushed open the door. The smell of stale beer and long ago cigarette smoke still living in the walls hit him. He quickly spotted several surveillance cameras, and his hope for obtaining footage of Fowler’s meeting with his friend rose.
They headed for the long wood bar crowded with patrons watching the Blazers game on big televisions behind the bar. They located a few seats open, likely because they didn’t have a good view of the TVs. He caught sight of Devan at the other end and nodded at him.
He joined them at the open stools and gave an almost imperceptible nod at the female behind the bar. “That’s the bartender who recognized Fowler’s picture. Her name’s Oakley.”
The tall, lanky young woman with black hair in a ponytail took long strides their way. She wore a green and gold Oregon Ducks college basketball jersey over a green long-sleeved T-shirt. The bright team colors stood out in the dark atmosphere. Reid pegged her for an athlete. Maybe she played basketball for the Ducks.
She smiled at them, but she shifted to take Devan in, and her eyes narrowed. “What can I get you guys?”
“Information.” Russ held out his credentials, staring at her, his expression serious. “Sheriff Russ Maddox.”
“A sheriff. For real?” She blinked.
“For real.” He smiled this time. “Devan here says you were working around eight tonight.”
Her smile wavered, and she stared at Devan until he backed up, signaling his intent to remain out of the conversation.
“Yeah, I was here,” she said to Russ.
“And you remembered seeing this guy? He was meeting a friend.” Russ displayed a picture of Fowler on his phone. She might have ID’d Fowler for Devan, but it was something Russ would do in a formal interview.
She studied the picture. “Yeah. Like I told your guy. He was here.”
“Lots of men in here tonight,” Reid said. “What about the guy made you remember him?”
“He had that ick creep factor going on, you know? And then of course, he had to hit on me. “ She faked a deep shudder. “Why is it always the creeps who think they’re all that who hit on you?”
Reid didn’t want them to go down a rabbit hole. Especially not one like that. “Did you happen to hear him mention his friend’s name or overhear any of their conversation?”
She shook her head, her ponytail swishing like a pendulum. “They were here less than an hour, and every time I came close, they clammed up like they didn’t want me to hear what they were talking about.”
