by D. K. Hood
Kane pushed a strand of hair behind Jenna’s ear and cupped her cheek. “You can stay as long as you like, or I’ll move into the ranch house—whatever makes you feel safe. When this is over and this killer is behind bars, we’ll go on a shopping trip to Helena or wherever you like and pick out some things together. I think we need to make nice memories to cover the disturbing ones.”
“So, you think my house needs a man’s touch, huh?” Jenna grinned at him. “You’ll be wanting a man cave in the basement beside the gym next.”
Kane chuckled and got out the truck to lift Duke into the back seat. “That sounds like a plan.” He got behind the wheel. “Practice range first?”
“Yeah.” Jenna sipped her coffee. “Then we hunt down a few suspects.” She gave him a long look and then raised one eyebrow. “We should make Aunt Betty’s by one. Can you survive that long?”
Kane started the engine, backed out of the parking space, and headed for the practice range. “Sure.”
“Good. I’ll call the office and get an update.” Jenna made the call.
The drive through town was interesting. After the storm, the high wind had scattered many of the Halloween decorations into mounds of weirdness. He slowed to negotiate a pile of plastic pumpkins entangled with skeletons and a ghost piled up against the curb. A small group of townsfolk were trying unsuccessfully to drag the pile onto the sidewalk. He pulled over, jumped out, and with some effort pulled the decorations from the blacktop before returning to the truck. “That must have been some storm.”
“It was noisy and windy but not a drop of rain.” Jenna turned in her seat. “Even with the wind howling and lightning flashing, the intruder still managed to hit his target on my front porch. He barely missed my head a couple of times. We’re looking for someone highly skilled.”
Kane looked up at the sky. “From the speed those clouds are moving, I figure we’re in for more bad weather. He turned to her. “We’ll find him. Like you say, a man with that skill doesn’t go unnoticed.”
They headed out to the range. The grasslands resembled an angry sea moving restless under the swirling wind. Dust devils rose up high in the air, mimicking mini tornadoes, and crossed the highway, leaving a coating of seeds and other particles clinging to the windshield and dulling the glossy black paint job on the Beast. In the distance the sky had darkened to a threatening line of dark gray clouds. Kane took the sideroad with the signpost directing them to the practice range. The gates sat wide open and on each side notices had been posted to direct people to the office and warn against roaming onto the ranges. If an enthusiast shot bolts or arrows, this range catered to them.
Kane pulled up outside the office, which appeared to contain a store that sold everything a person could need to join the sport. He turned to Jenna, who’d finished her call. “Any updates?”
“They haven’t found June Harris, but they had a phone call from the new assistant manager at Aunt Betty’s. Her name is Wendy. She recalls seeing June and Payton Harris talking to a man but can’t recall the exact day. It’s lucky Susie Hartwig is the manager there. She’s offered to look at the CCTV tapes with her to pinpoint the time and to identify the other person.” Her lips twitched into a reluctant smile. “So, darn it, Dave, we have to drop by Aunt Betty’s to check it out.”
Kane frowned. “So Atohi found no trace of her either?”
“Nope, and there have been hunters in the area of Bear Peak all weekend.” Jenna pushed two hands through her hair and secured it with a band from around her wrist. “A woman running for her life would scream the place down. How come nobody heard her or came across her?”
“The forest is vast and the vegetation around Bear Peak is dense. Sound echoes and cats can sound like screams.” Kane shrugged. “Most of the hunters out for the weekend might not have seen the news yet. Then again, some people don’t like to get involved if they believe it’s a domestic.” He pushed open his door. “Maybe someone here can give us a lead.”
“I hope so.” Jenna followed him into the office.
Behind the counter a man swirled around on a leather padded chair in front of a computer to face them. His eyes opened wide and he stood.
“What can I do for you, Sheriff and— ah, Deputy Kane, isn’t it?”
Kane looked at the name bar on the man’s chest. “Morning, Eric. We’re wondering if you keep a record of the highest-scoring crossbow shooters on the range?”
“Do you have competitions at all?” Jenna turned to examine a bow. “I’m sure there’s a hierarchy in this sport?”
“Umm.” Eric looked from one to the other as if trying to decide what question to answer first. He looked at Jenna. Seniority was obviously of importance to him, and he smiled. “Indeed, we do. It’s a very competitive sport but not everyone gets involved. The hunters, well, some of them can bring down a buck with one bolt at fifty yards and that’s no mean feat.”
Kane removed his Stetson and smoothed his hair. The recent haircut had left his neck prickly and he didn’t like the distraction. He slid the hat back on and stared at the man. The shooting range was classed as private property. He had joined the shooters’ club and used the rifle range and the inside gun range as well. But Eric wasn’t the owner—Bill Straus worked at the rifle range. Kane wondered if Eric would be forthcoming with names of members. “Do you keep a list or can you give us the names of anyone who used the range recently and is a crack shot? We’re looking for assistance in a case we’re investigating.”
“Well, let me see.” Eric stroked his thick beard and stared into space. “There’s been a few new members over the last few weeks. I recall they came in with their targets shredded—they had all shots to the head. It takes some skill to put five bolts into the same target. I recall them because they reminded me of a dart player I’d seen on TV in one of those British competitions. He placed three darts in the same place. Incredible.”
“Did they come in together?” Jenna moved to the counter and gave Kane a meaningful stare.
“Nope, all three came in alone.” Eric shook his head. “I told them about our competition but none were interested. They all gave the same reply that they used their skills for hunting.”
“And they never crossed paths?” Jenna leaned forward onto the counter. “Are you sure?”
“They’ve been here at the same time but they didn’t socialize.” Eric shrugged. “I’m not here all the time. Buzz works here as well, so I guess they could have become friends. Two of them came by last week, on Wednesday, and I don’t recall them speaking to each other. In fact, I’m pretty darn sure they didn’t cross paths. I was watching them on the CCTV. They gave quite a show but they did their practice run and left.” He turned to a book on his desk and flicked through it. “I keep a record of their scores beside their names. Members like progress scores and it gives me an idea of which range to send them to. You know, I like to keep the novices well away from everyone else.”
Three men who practiced headshots seemed too good to be true. Kane cleared his throat. “Those members sound like the experts we’ve been looking for. Can we have their names?” He indicated with his chin toward Jenna. “We’re both members of the Black Rock Falls Shooters Association but we use the rifle range.”
“Sure, sure.” Eric pored over the book. “Ah, here we are. The most recent best of the best would be Riley Adams out of Snowberry Falls, Tyson Long out of Summit Heights, and John Foster, he lives out on Pine. Adams and Long were here on the same day last week, as I mentioned, and I do still have the CCTV footage of all the ranges from last week.”
“Well, if you could make us a copy I’d appreciate it.” Jenna pulled a flash drive from her pocket. “We could drop by tomorrow and collect it?”
“Not a problem, Sheriff.” Eric smiled at Jenna, showing a flash of a gold front tooth.
Kane offered Eric his notebook. “Could you write down the details of those men for me?”
“Sure thing.” Eric dutifully copied the details from his computer a
nd handed the notebook back to Kane.
Kane glanced at Jenna and she gave him an almost imperceptible nod. He slapped the counter and smiled at Eric. “Thanks, we’ll see you tomorrow.” He followed Jenna back to the Beast. “I figure that’s the first time we’ve found a decent lead into a case from the get-go. Three possible suspects in one day. Maybe we should buy a lottery ticket.”
Twenty-Two
Allowing the information to percolate into her mind, Jenna entered the names into the computer in the Beast. The MDT, or mobile digital terminal, gave her fast access to drivers’ licenses and any outstanding warrants. She could access criminal records as well, but what she needed was photographs to show Wendy at Aunt Betty’s Café. She allowed the machine to do its thing and then sent the results to her iPad. She looked at Kane. “No outstanding warrants, but all three have been in the system at one time or another but I can’t find anything on them for the last six months.”
“It might just mean they haven’t been caught yet or they’ve all decided to go straight.” Kane turned onto Main and drove slowly toward Aunt Betty’s Café.
Jenna admired the Halloween displays popping up all over town. Some of the storefronts had gone all out this year. She chuckled at a table with skeletons dressed as old Wild West cowboys smoking cigars and playing cards. “Some of the decorations this year are amazing.” She pointed to a circle of ghostly figures that resembled long-gone famous film stars, long hair flowing as they waved at passersby with ethereal fingers. “The girls are going to love trick-or-treating this year. Are you going with them as the Grim Reaper again?”
“Maybe.” Kane flashed her a white smile. “I was thinking Frankenstein, but I’m not into masks. With the Grim Reaper costume, I just have to scowl at people. What about you?”
Jenna thought for a minute. “Not a devil this time, maybe a witch. Emily has a ton of costumes in their attic. I’ll find something when we next go and see Shane.” She sighed. “If we get to go with the kids this year. I hope so. It means a lot to the girls and Shane when we join in.”
“I enjoy all the family stuff with Wolfe and his kids, too. I’m hoping Rio and his brother and sister will come too.” Kane pulled up outside Aunt Betty’s and his stomach growled so loud Duke barked. He turned to look at him. “Okay, I know, you’re starving too. I’ll see what leftovers Susie has put by for you.”
Jenna climbed from the truck. Susie Hartwig, the manager of Aunt Betty’s Café, had a soft spot for Duke and usually kept him some of the leftover meat from the previous day. She led the way into the diner and went to the counter. “Hi, Susie, is Wendy around?”
“Yes, she’s in the back. I’ll go get her for you.” Susie gave her a bright smile and looked over the counter at Duke. “Hello, Duke. I’ve been waiting for you to come by.” She glanced up at Kane. “We have a pot of chili on the stove and cherry pie is the special today.”
“You read my mind, but we’ll need to speak to Wendy before we eat.” Kane had removed his hat and was moving his fingers around the rim.
Jenna shook her head. “No, Dave. You go and eat before the folks in here think there’s another storm coming.” She looked pointedly at his growling stomach.
“Sure thing. I’ll be right back with the order.” Susie hurried into the back.
Scratching her head, Jenna turned to Kane. “She didn’t ask me if I wanted something to eat. I guess she must be preoccupied.” She shrugged. “I’ll go talk to Wendy and when Susie comes back, can you order a turkey on rye for me and I’ll take the cherry pie as well?”
“Sure.” Kane smiled at her. “Coffee or soda?”
Jenna blinked and turned up her face to examine him. “Soda? Since when do I drink soda at lunchtime? Are you Dave Kane or have you been taken over by an alien body snatcher?”
“I guess you’ll have to wait and see.” Kane ruffled her hair and laughed.
Jenna smoothed down her hair and frowned at him. “Now I’m sure it’s not you.”
“Woo-woo.” Kane wiggled his eyebrows. “It’s Halloween, go with the flow.”
It seemed to Jenna that Kane always tried to break the trauma of visiting a murder scene or an autopsy with his brand of often black humor. It was his way of de-stressing, and she’d grown to appreciate it. After a horrific day, Kane had turned it around to some type of normal. Whatever normal was in Black Rock Falls.
Jenna waited for Wendy to come to the counter and introduced herself to the bubbly blonde-haired woman. “I’m following up on the call you made to the hotline. Did you find any CCTV footage of the man?”
“I sure did, and it’s set up and ready for you in the office.” Wendy smiled. “This way.” She headed into the back.
“Great!” Jenna followed her into a neat office and peered at the screen showing people enjoying their meals inside the dining area.
“I’ll get it up for you.” Wendy quickly accessed a file. “I copied it onto a separate file so I could find it quickly. Here you go.”
Seated at the desk, Jenna viewed the footage of the couple speaking to a man the previous Thursday. She stared at the man in the footage and a freezing cold trickle slid down her spine. The height, black Stetson, and long black slicker made her hand shake. He was a match for the man she’d seen in her yard. Drawing on her professional mask to hide her anxiety from Wendy, she zoomed in on the man’s face, but as if he knew someone was filming him, he kept his back to the camera or pulled his hat down over his eyes. One side shot was all she had to go on. She pulled out her phone, accessed the image files, displayed a few random headshots of other men, and mixed in the three suspects. She handed the phone to Wendy. “Do you recognize the man from any of these images?”
“Yeah, I spoke to him. He’s a Montanan by his accent and I don’t recall seeing him in here before, but that’s him for sure.” Wendy pointed to Riley Adams out of Snowberry Falls.
Jenna held her breath. This had to be too good to be true. She had a match for one of the men singled out at the practice range. She fumbled inside her jacket for one of the empty flash drives she carried in her pocket and handed it to Wendy. “Could you make me a copy, please? I’ll clear it with Susie.” She stood. “I’ll go and grab a statement book from Deputy Kane. I’ll be back in a minute.”
Breathless with exuberance at her discovery, she hurried through the busy lunchtime diners to the table at the back beside the window. Susie always kept a reserved sign on the table for the use of the sheriff’s department. When Kane looked up from his bowl of chili, she grinned at him and lowered her voice to just above a whisper. “We have a suspect.” She reached for the folder on the table. “I’ll get a statement.”
“Find what you needed?” Susie came up behind her carrying a pot of coffee.
Jenna straightened. “Yeah, I’ve found some useful information. I’ll just need a statement from Wendy and if you could give us permission to copy some of your CCTV footage, I’d appreciate it.”
“Anything I can do to help, you only have to ask.” Susie placed the coffee pot on the table and looked at Kane. “I’ll fill out the paperwork now if you have it with you.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Kane pulled a notepad out of the folder and handed it to her. He glanced up at Jenna. “I’ll hunt down the suspect’s whereabouts while you eat.”
It didn’t take Jenna too long to get the statement. She thanked Wendy and headed back to Kane. She handed him the statement and dropped into a chair. “We have a positive ID for Riley Adams out of Snowberry Falls. Wendy picked him out of the three guys from the practice range and another three random images I showed her.” She filled a cup from the pot on the table and added the fixings. “From the CCTV footage, he was sitting close by, then stood and spoke to them. It looks like Payton Harris asked him to join them. They talked for some time and the couple appeared animated after he left, as if he’d given them some good news.”
“They’re out of Buffalo Ridge, so about two hours’ drive from town.” Kane pushed away his empty bowl and sip
ped his coffee. “Close enough not to stay in a motel, if they planned on camping in the forest.” He smiled as Susie came back, bringing Jenna’s sandwich and two wedges of cherry pie. “Oh my, that pie looks incredible.” He lifted the plate to his nose and sniffed. A look of bliss came over his face and he looked at Susie. “I’d like one pie to go as well, please.”
“I have individual pies as well, fresh out the oven.” Susie grinned down at him. “Cherry and peach.”
“Six of each. I’ll store them in my freezer.” He looked at Jenna. “You can never have too many pies.”
Jenna rolled her eyes and laughed. “Obviously.” She waited for Susie to walk away. “We need to find Riley Adams today. I might call Bobby Kalo and see if he can dig up any dirt on him. He can get into files we don’t have access to. It might save time.”
“As he’s already involved, we might as well save the grunt work.” Kane bent to pat Duke on the head; as a police dog, he was allowed in the café.
Jenna made the call. “Yeah, we have an address from his driver’s license but at this time of the day, he’s likely working somewhere. Can you hunt him down for me, please?”
“Sure, it’s as quiet as a grave in here today.” Kalo tapped away at his keyboard.
“Thanks.” Jenna put the phone on speaker and ate her sandwich. About five minutes later, Kalo came back on the line. She took the phone off speaker and listened with interest.
“I found him. Oh, you’re gonna love this. He was arrested in Blackwater five years ago. Apparently, he shot and killed a guy named Jonathan Lamb. He was released four months ago from the Black Rock Falls County Jail after an appeal reduced his manslaughter conviction to a misdemeanor. He is a nurse at an old folks’ home in Black Rock Falls by the name of Sunset Valley. Hmm, interesting. He wasn’t on duty Thursday through Monday.”
“That’s just what we need.” Jenna took down the details Kalo supplied and disconnected. She looked up at Kane and brought him up to speed. “I have the address of where he’s working. Kalo even accessed the old folks’ home computer and found the staff schedule. Guess what? Riley Adams wasn’t on duty Thursday through Monday.” She pushed the notebook toward Kane. “This all seems too good to be true.”