Page 42 of Solid as Steele
“You got that right.”
“And I don’t want to have to go behind your back or investigate on my own. Figure if we pool resources, we can work this faster and more efficiently.”
Wheeler dropped his hands to the arm of the chair and tilted his head. “I’ll consider it.”
Owen frowned. “What do you want in return?”
“What makes you think I want something?”
Um, gee. Because you’re kind of difficult to get along with.
“I just do,” Owen answered, his tone diplomatic.
Mackenzie was impressed with how calm and rational Owen was while the sheriff was pushing Owen’s buttons.
“If I let you in on this investigation, you’ll owe me a favor, and I’ll call it in someday. You can be sure of that.”
Owen blinked a few times. “Fine. I owe you.”
The sheriff snapped his chair forward. “What do you want to know?”
“First, I want to be read in on the forensics. I won’t push for getting the information before you, but I’d like to be read in after you’ve received the details. And I’d prefer to hear them straight from the Veritas staff.”
Wheeler pursed his lips. “Think I’ll keep things from you?”
“Not at all. I’m not as experienced as you. This is probably all old hat to you, but I like to get details and ask questions of forensic experts. That’s the way I learn.”
Wheeler nodded as if buying Owen’s answer and liking the compliment. “Makes sense.”
Owen’s eye twitched. An indicator that he was playing Wheeler? Could be.
Wheeler grabbed his cell phone, tapped the screen and set the phone on the desk. It rang over the speaker.
“Dr. Dunbar,” Kelsey answered.
“Sheriff Wheeler here. What do I have to do to have another agency detective read in on the forensics after you notify me?”
“Easy,” Kelsey said. “We’ll simply modify your contract. Give me the name and agency, and I’ll have a new contract to you in an hour or so.”
“Detective Owen Greer. Clark County Sheriff’s Office.”
“Owen Greer?” Kelsey asked. “The Owen I met at the crime scene?”
“Yeah,” Wheeler said. “Turns out he’s Cassie Collins’s brother.”
Kelsey remained silent for a long moment. “And he’s approved to investigate her death?”
“He has my approval to be read in on the forensics, and that’s all that should matter to you.”
“You’re right. It is.” Kelsey let out a breath.
“Now, I’m a busy guy,” Wheeler said. “So if you don’t need anything else…”
“I’ll get the revised contract to you.” Kelsey’s words were clipped. She was doing the work out of the goodness of her heart and didn’t deserve Wheeler’s attitude.
“I’ll watch for it.” Wheeler tapped his phone and looked at Owen. “What’s your number two request?”
Owen sat forward, and rested his hands on the desk. “Tell Deputy Dahl I have access to the crime scene.”
