Page 77 of Shadow of Fear
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Dev rested his hand on the doorknob and continued to look at Kinsley, whose expression was opposite of her words. “Are you sure you’re okay with me going over to Reid’s place? I could do a video call if you prefer.”
“Go.” She waved her hand.
“I’ll try to make it quick. If I walk, I can take a shortcut by the lake and get there and back much faster.” He checked for his sidearm, then opened the door. He peered at her to make sure her tension had seemed to disappear. She’d relaxed back in her chair and didn’t look concerned, so he stepped out into the night.
He stopped on the porch next to Hayden. “Everything okay out here?”
“Nothing moving nearby but the bugs buzzing by the lights.” Hayden looked bored out of his mind by the lack of excitement.
“I know you were hoping for some action, but I still need you to be alert.”
“Oh, I am. Even if I don’t look it.”
Dev had to hope he wasn’t just telling him what he wanted to hear. “I’m heading over to Reid’s lodge. You have my number. Call me if anything out of the ordinary comes up. And I mean anything.”
Hayden’s gaze sharpened, and he gave a crisp nod, now looking like he had the situation under control. “You can count on me.”
Dev liked seeing the change in the man’s appearance. Feeling more confident in going, he charged down the steps, and took the path toward the lake. He didn’t like leaving Kinsley in anyone else’s care, but he had to take the emotions out of it, exactly as she said. Their suspects were under surveillance, and two trained protectors like Colin and Hayden were in charge of her close protection. She didn’t need Dev to be present.
He kicked up speed into a jog, using his flashlight to cut through the increased smoke and to keep from tripping over any protruding tree roots. Normally the light glinted off the lake making a beautiful picture. He could easily imagine taking a moonlight boat ride with Kinsley once this was all over.
Don’t get ahead of yourself. You have to find and bring in the shooter, and then talk things out with your sister. So pay attention and safely get to the lodge for Russ’s update.
He made a sharp right and climbed a small hill up to the large lodge with light gleaming through the windows. Another picturesque scene that he tuned out to circle around to the front and the wide steps. He took them two at a time and pounded on the door.
Reid opened it within moments and stood back. “Russ is chomping at the bit to give us his news and get home. His baby is due soon, and he’s afraid Sydney’s going to go into labor.”
“You could’ve called,” Dev said as he passed by.
“I thought you’d want to hear this in person,” Russ said, standing in front of the large stone fireplace, “so you could figure out the best way to tell Kinsley.”
Dev didn’t like the sound of that. Not at all. He joined Russ near the dancing fire that was crackling and spewing out heat. Reid followed and perched on the arm of the sofa.
“So go ahead,” Dev said. “I’m here now. What do you have to tell us?”
Russ planted a hand on the rustic wooden fireplace mantle. “I just got word on Porter Mooney. They found his partner buried in a Persian rug on his hunting property.”
A murderer!Dev’s heart fell to his stomach. “Seriously? So heisa murderer for sure.”
Russ nodded. “You know Sierra recovered fibers at Mooney’s home, and she’s comparing the fibers recovered in the water to the rug to confirm it’s a match.”
“We can pretty much assume they’ll match,” Dev said. “But why didn’t they check the property where they found the body before?”
Russ shook his head. “Mooney registered it through a shell corporation that detectives never attached to his name.”
“So how did they find it then?” Reid asked.
“They got an anonymous tip. They still haven’t been able to work out the caller’s identity, but ground-penetrating radar located the body.” He tightened his grip on the mantle. “You can thank your Veritas team friends for this one. They have GPR and their forensic anthropologist agreed to search at no cost, so PPB didn’t have to wait for an assist from the state police.”
“Have they acted on it?” Reid asked.
“An arrest warrant has been issued.”
“Issued? Not good enough.” Dev was surprised at the vehemence in his own tone. “When are they going to serve it?”
“As soon as they finish assembling their arrest team. You’ll want to give whoever we have watching him a heads up.” Russ’s eyes narrowed. “But before you make that call, you should know, they also found a second body on the same property. A woman.”
