Page 108 of Solid as Steele
She shrugged and took a picture of the wall. “If he hasn’t, when I show him this picture, he’ll be making a trip out here.”
“It seems like a great place to camp when you’re not hunting down a potential killer.”
“Can I help you?” The man behind the counter with a silvery head of hair smiled at Owen.
Owen displayed his badge. “And you are?”
“Bob Grainger. Store owner.”
Owen stowed his credentials. “We’re looking for Ned Leach. We think he might have rented a kayak or boat from you this morning.”
“Ned, yeah. He was in. Rented a kayak. His favorite one. Says yellow brings him good luck and the hull of this composite one is yellow.”
“I’d like to rent a boat or kayak for two,” Owen said.
Grainger’s forehead creased. “If you’re hoping to catch up to Ned, that’s not possible before dark by paddling a boat.”
“You have any motorized boats?” Owen asked.
“I have a few, but we don’t rent them.”
“Leach is a suspect in a murder investigation. I—”
“Murder?” Grainger slapped his hands onto the worn wooden counter. “Leach? No way.”
Owen pinned his gaze to Grainger’s skeptical face. “Leach is indeed a suspect. I need you to provide me with a motorized boat so I can reach him today.”
“Well.” Grainger ran a hand over his head, leaving silvery tufts of hair sticking out. “You’ll need an Oregon permit. Won’t let you go without it no matter who you are. You can go online to ODFW’s site to apply and pay.”
“I can use my phone to do that.”
“While you do, I’ll get the boat ready.” Grainger frowned. “You been around boats much?”
“Enough.”
“The river has several rapids that you should know about. The most difficult is only a class III. I can include a map so you can be prepared before they surprise you.”
“That will be most helpful. Go get that boat ready ASAP.” Owen leaned against the counter and got out his phone.
Grainger took off through the back door, leaving them alone in his store. Not a good move on his part. Sure, Owen was a police officer, but that didn’t mean he was a good one. Still, Owen was thankful for the owner’s cooperation.
Owen got the ODFW website open on his phone. He located the correct application and started filling it in.
Mackenzie faced him. “Have you really been in a boat often enough to safely handle this one?”
“I know the basics. Besides, I’m sure the guy will provide us with life jackets, and you’re familiar with boats, right?”
“Yes,” she said. “Maybe I should take control.”
“I’ll let you know if I need your help.” He sounded a bit testy as Mackenzie turned away. He would have to apologize once they got on the river. He completed the form, used a credit card he’d retrieved from his safe at home, and received a receipt with his license information to display for Grainger. “We’re all set. I’ll just grab the rifle and some ammo from my truck.”
He bolted out the door to retrieve the gun he’d also brought along from his place and a few boxes of ammo that he shoved into his cargo pockets. Back inside, he found Mackenzie setting water bottles on the counter.
“We need to stock up on basic supplies,” she said. “Just in case we don’t find Leach right away and have to spend the night on the river.”
“Sounds like a good idea.” Owen started down the nearest aisle, and she took the adjoining one.
He retrieved protein drinks, two heavy blankets, and a couple of headlamps. He added the items to the water on the counter. “What about waders or a rainsuit? It’s not supposed to rain, but we would be warmer if we had them.”
