Page 34 of Solid as Steele
Mackenzie unlocked the car doors. “She was only being a good law enforcement officer and keeping an open mind.”
“Not sure how open it was.”
They got into her car, and Mackenzie made the drive to the same grocery store they’d previously stopped at. They gathered the items they would need for dinner, and Mackenzie also grabbed supplies for breakfast.
Back at the rental, Owen fell quiet again, but helped unload the groceries.
“You should go rest while I prep dinner,” she told him. “I slept all night and can do this on my own.”
“You’re sure?” he asked.
“Positive. It’s only sandwiches and sides.” She shooed him out of the house and put on an apron to start plating the meats and cheeses she’d bought for the build-your-own-sandwich night.
After everything was ready, Mackenzie got Owen, and they returned to the crime scene to pick up their guests and deliver the deputy’s dinner. She wanted to let him rest, but she feared she might get lost in the waning light as the sun sank toward the horizon and wanted to have him along.
It took thirty minutes round trip, and Sierra and Kelsey were soon seated at her table, where she served the platter of deli meats and cheeses and store bakery buns. She added a bowl of fresh fruit and another one with the last of the thick gooey chocolate chip cookies from her gran. She saved the cake for Ryan.
“It’s ready, Owen,” she called to him where he’d been staring out the window. He’d grown pensive on the drive, and the mood seemed to have settled in for the duration. She couldn’t even imagine his emotions right now.
Sierra grabbed a bun and slathered it with mayo. “Thank you for doing this for us.”
“It’s nothing special, but I hope it helps give you energy.” Mackenzie filled glasses with iced tea. “Besides, it’s the least I can do after you all came so quickly.”
Kelsey put her hand over her glass. “No caffeine for me. The water is great.”
Mackenzie sat next to Kelsey who had her feet up on another chair. “Still think you’ll be done in five hours or less?”
“Looks like it.” Kelsey piled smoked turkey slices on her bun and added Swiss cheese. “Sierra already finished all the scene photos so I can get started on the recovery, and our assistants should arrive by the time we’re done here. They always make things go faster.”
“Anything unusual yet?” Owen asked.
Kelsey raised her eyebrows. “I can’t give you the details, but yes there was an oddity that I didn’t expect to find.”
“Will it help find the killer?” Mackenzie asked.
“Not sure.” Kelsey looked at Sierra. “What do you think?”
“Could be. All depends.”
“You two are very good at evasion.” Mackenzie laughed.
“We have to be. Sorry.” Kelsey added lettuce to her sandwich.
“No problem.” She smiled to reassure Kelsey and Sierra.
“Would you pray with me so we can get started,” Mackenzie said as she knew all the partners at Veritas were Christians.
They took hands and bowed their heads. Owen sat at the end of the table. She didn’t connect physically with him, but she hoped her prayer connected emotionally.
“Can you at least tell us how long the body has been there?” Owen asked after she finished praying.
Kelsey took a long drink of her water. “Even if I could, I don’t yet know.”
Mackenzie looked at Kelsey. “Since we can’t talk about the investigation, tell us what’s new at Veritas.”
“Ainslie and Grady had their baby about a month ago. A girl named Emma.” She looked at Owen. “Grady is our weapons expert and Ainslie our crime scene photographer. Normally she would’ve come along today, but she’s on leave.”
He nodded. “Do you know if you’re having a boy or a girl?”
