Michael nodded in answer. “We’ll see.”
The men watched as the women left the room.
Blake gave Michael a considering look. “What was that all about?”
“Whoever the killer is, we didn’t want him going after Rena, so we’ve kept this part of the investigation quiet. Rena has been having visions. She knew of the murder before it ever happened.”
“Wow! I don’t blame you for keeping that quiet. It would definitely make her a target. So, what has she seen?”
Michael brought him up-to-date and told him of her current wish, to touch something belonging to Walt or the murderer.
“It’s not a good idea to take her to the station. Word gets around too fast,” said Blake.
“And the evidence isn’t allowed to leave the building. So where does that leave us with regard to Rena’s abilities?”
“At a standstill. It’s too dangerous for her to go public with a killer on the loose,” said Cam.
“My thoughts exactly, and I’m sorry, Cam. I’ve worked this case steady, but the DNA came as a surprise twist I wasn’t expecting.”
“I know you’ve done your best, Michael, and I’m glad you’ve been able to keep Rena out of the reports. Now tell me, how can this guy falsify DNA results?”
“That’s a tricky question. I haven’t had time to research it much, but according to what I’ve learned so far, scientists have found that a desired genetic profile can be constructed using standard biology techniques without using actual tissue from that person,” said Blake.
Cam sat back in his seat. “How is that possible?”
“My knowledge of biology isn’t that great, but I’ll be checking into it more if these new tests render the same results. I have contacts in Calgary that will help clarify if needed.”
“So the killer must have some kind of degree in biology to make this work. Right?” Cam asked.
“Exactly. And that narrows the search down considerably, once we have something to go on.”
“I still think Rena is our best bet. Her visions have proved correct so far,” said Michael.
“Is there any harm that will come to her in trying to force these visions?” Cam asked.
“I don’t have an answer to that, Cam. Sorry.”
“Walt’s personal belongings are still at the station. I’ll sign them out and filch something to bring here. Then I’ll put it back as soon as I can.”
“Blake, you can get into a load of trouble for doing that,” warned Michael.
Blake just smiled. “What are they going to do? Fire me? I don’t think so. Besides, I’ll be careful. No one else ever needs to know.”
“All right. Let’s get to those questions you had. You want me to make a list of every woman I’ve dated over the years?”
“Nope, just the ones you’ve bedded,” said Blake with a grin.
“Then we’re looking at my early years. I was pretty randy and wasn’t always responsible about using protection back then.”
“I’m ready. I need names, approximate dates, and anything else you remember.”
Cam sat and thought for a moment, wondering where to start. Recent years had all been focused on finding Lacey, and everyone who’d come before meant virtually nothing to him.
One name came to him then another, and he began relaying the information to Blake. A full hour later, he was finished. “That’s it. That’s all of them. Now what?”
“Now we investigate these women and hope we find something before the retested DNA evidence comes in.” Blake shoved back from the table. “I’ll be in touch.”
Michael did the same and Cam followed them both to the door.
“I just remembered. Winnie came up with a different spin on things this morning. Blake, could it be that someone at the station wanted your old position and is trying to hurt Michael by forcing him to arrest a member of his family?”
Blake thought for a minute, and a huge grin broke out. “Leave it to your mother to come up with an idea like that. It does have merit though. I’ll check it out.”
“And, Cam, now that Blake is in charge of the investigation, I’ve been appointed as unofficial bodyguard during the overnight hours. I’ll be back to help guard your family when my shift ends. In the meantime, keep the doors and windows locked.”
“Thanks, Michael. We’ll be here.” Cam grimaced, thinking he had no choice in the matter as he locked up and rejoined his family. “Sorry to say, it doesn’t look good for me, my lovelies.”
“Oh, Cam. What do we do?”
“All we can do is wait and hope the test results were wrong.”
“Of course they’re wrong. You don’t even smoke,” Lacey said, her words huffy, on the defensive.
“I’m just sorry this had to happen to spoil your stay. I’ll understand if you ladies decide to return to Ireland.”
“Not a chance, Cameron Manning. You might have given us open-ended tickets, but I’m not leaving when you need me the most.” Lacey glanced at each of her girls in turn. “Girls, you staying or cutting out?”
“I’m staying,” said Lynne.
“I’m not leaving either,” Abby said.
“I can’t leave,” said Rena. “Daddy and Michael need my help to catch this guy.”
“Then it’s settled. We’re staying. And when this is over, you’d better make an honest woman of me, Mister Manning, because I don’t intend to leave your side.”
Cam’s lips curved upward in a wicked grin. “Are you proposing?”
“Yep! You got a problem with that?”
Lacey’s face was wreathed in smiles, her eyes alight with secret wishes. “Not a one, Miss Kerrigan. I’d be pleased to have you as my bride. I might even adopt these girls of ours if they’re willing to carry my name after it’s been dragged through the mud.”
Cam found himself swarmed with hugs and kisses as his family came together—really together—for the first time.
The End
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Cameron's Quest Page 16