Page 115 of Solid as Steele
She nodded, and didn’t know which she looked forward to most. Dry clothes or interrogating the man who likely killed Owen’s sister.
Owen pulled into Canyon City about thirty minutes later than he planned due to his pitstop at the store in Minam. He hadn’t wanted to take the time to pick up his truck, but getting dry clothes for Mackenzie and telling Grainger where he could find his boat and kayak was important too. Owen hoped he hadn’t damaged the boat. He would pay for any needed repairs or for a new one. How could he not when Grainger’s generosity saved them and allowed them to take Leach into custody?
Owen parked in front of the jail and glanced in the rearview at Russ and Leach. Owen had wanted one of the brothers to watch Leach while Owen drove and Mackenzie warmed up under the heater. Of all the brothers, Owen chose Russ. As a sworn officer, he wouldn’t allow Leach to call his arrest and handling into question.
Wheeler stepped out the front door to meet them. Owen had called him and asked him to be present for the questioning, and the sheriff had readily agreed.
Russ jumped down then hauled Leach out by the cuffs. Mackenzie and Owen both climbed out.
“And you are?” Wheeler asked Russ.
“Sheriff Russ Maddox. Emerson County.”
Wheeler narrowed his eyes. “Long way from home, aren’t you?”
Owen joined them. “We called him and his brothers in as trackers and guides, but then I put him on official duty as Leach’s escort.” Owen didn’t add, he’d done that rather than let Russ drive, as Owen wanted to keep an eye on Mackenzie to make sure she was recovered from her river drenching.
Wheeler gave a sharp nod.
“He’s all yours.” Russ shoved Leach in Wheeler’s direction.
“Watch it,” Leach snapped. “I’m not a piece of meat.”
“Just a man who’d kill a defenseless woman.” Wheeler took hold of Leach’s arm and started him toward the door.
Ryan pulled into the lot and parked next to Owen’s truck. He and Reid made their way over to the others.
“Always a good feeling when you get your man,” Ryan said.
Owen nodded. “Be a better feeling after we get him to confess.”
“Good luck with that,” Russ said. “The guy seems pretty determined to deny his involvement in the murder.”
Owen shoved his hands into his pockets. “We’ll see how long he lasts.”
“We’ll go ahead and take off unless you need anything else from us,” Ryan said.
“Thanks. You’ve been a big help.” Owen shook hands with Ryan and then his brothers.
Mackenzie gave each of them a hug, and Owen wished he was on the end of one of those hugs. But right now, he wished more than anything to face Leach and get him to admit to killing Cassie.
He looked at Mackenzie. “I’m sure Wheeler will let you watch the interview again.”
“Sounds like a plan.” She waved to the brothers as they departed, then walked alongside Owen to the entrance.
He looked her over. “You sure you’re okay after the drenching?”
She tucked her arm into his and pulled him close. “Stop worrying. I’m fine.”
They walked arm-in-arm to the front steps where she separated from him and her professional demeanor locked into place.
After clearing security, Mackenzie settled in the other room to watch. Owen approached the interview room door, and his body fairly vibrated with the need to punch the guy who smugly looked at him with his lips clamped closed. Leach’s expression said he had no intention of admitting to Cassie’s murder.
Meant Owen had to do a better job than ever in questioning a suspect.
Mackenzie didn’t like the outcome of the interview with Leach. Owen had come up empty and anger glazed his eyes as they got into his truck. She didn’t know what to say to him for fear of discouraging him even more. He deserved to experience his anger. His sister had been murdered, and even with forensic evidence that linked Leach to her death, they really needed more to convict the man.
She could help with that. “How about I call Sierra to see if they’ve located any additional evidence on Leach or Tovar?”
