Page 47 of Night Hawk
“Should be able to.” Erik started typing. “FYI, I ran the financials for Fritz Rader. Nothing odd other than he didn’t have much money. Was living off social security.”
Toni wished she had a team at her disposal who jumped at the drop of a hat like these guys did. Sure, the Bureau provided incredible resources, but she often had to wait her turn to access them. “We need to go see Sheriff Ziegler about Lisa’s investigation, and we can also ask him about the disappearance of Rader’s wife.”
“Blake should be able to arrange an appointment with the guy.” Clay added it on the board and dug out his phone from one of the deep cargo pockets on his leg. “Let’s call him right now to get the ball rolling.”
The call connected after two rings.
“Blake Jenkins.” Blake’s confident tone came over the speaker.
“It’s Clay,” he said. “I’ve got you on speaker. All the guys and Toni Long are here.”
“I hear you’re still in my old stomping grounds,” Blake said.
“That’s why I’m calling.” Clay succinctly brought Blake up to speed on the investigation and told him about Toni’s connection to Lisa.
“Wow, Toni! I had no idea you linked to that investigation. I mean, I knew your last name was Long, but I never made the connection.”
He sounded nearly as shocked as Toni had been. “I had no idea either until just now.”
“Sheriff Ziegler talks about the investigation from time to time. It was his first case as a detective, and it doesn’t sit well with him that he didn’t solve it.”
“He have a theory?” Clay asked.
“He really didn’t have any solid leads. No forensics at all, and the investigation went cold almost immediately. They’d found one of Lisa’s shoes near the ocean. With no sign of forced entry, they eventually concluded that she’d gone out there at night and was swept away in an undercurrent.”
“And did you buy his theory?” Drake asked.
“I never had enough info to weigh in. I know Ziegler would’ve run a solid investigation. Still, he was new to the detective job, and there could be something there that can be reworked.”
“I was hoping to pick Ziegler’s brain about it,” Clay said. “Could you arrange a visit for us like you did with Trent?”
“Ziegler’s turned into kind of a hermit and doesn’t see just anyone,” Blake said. “Best if I come with you.”
Clay frowned. “Do you have the time?”
“I’ll make the time.”
“If you can leave now, Kelsey’s soon heading this way on Gage’s chopper.”
“I’ll check in with Emory and let you know.”
“You can stay with us if you want,” Clay offered. “Kelsey will be staying here.”
“Appreciate it. I’ll let you know right away.”
“I’ll also want to talk about when Fritz Rader’s wife took off when you get here. We found him dead today.” Clay shared their story.
“I remember her leaving. Was the first year I was on the force. It was never reported as a missing persons case, but Ziegler might know more.”
“Okay, if you can’t make it, we can discuss it on the phone.” Clay ended the call and stowed his phone.
“Got the address for Jason’s beach house rental.” Erik shared the location, and a map appeared on the TV. “Not more than fifteen miles away.”
Clay dug out his phone and dialed Trent’s office. “Hi, Lorraine. It’s Clay Byrd.”
He listened. “Oh, man, I was hoping Trent would be in and could tell me if he released the beach house where Jason was arrested or if it was still sealed.”
A satisfied smile lit Clay’s face. “Oh, good. Good. Thanks. I won’t have to bother Trent then. Have a good day.” He lowered his phone. “Scene was just released. We need Sierra here so she can process the place.”
