Page 29 of Lost Truth
“Sounds like a plan.” Mina glanced over her shoulder as the third ambulance departed. “That’s my signal to go. Let’s say around six o’clock at your place.”
“I’ll walk you to the perimeter,” Nolan said.
Mina gave a sharp nod and pivoted. He came alongside her, barely a hair’s width between them as they strolled toward the crime scene.
The relentless jealousy hammered at Hayden, teasing him with something just out of reach. Focus on the work—thathe could control. Shoving aside the unwelcome emotions, he turned to face the others. “I’d like to talk to Dorothy and Jake again. See if they’ve ever seen Kai with a woman. I’d also like to interview Becca and Daisy before we watch the video.”
“Makes sense to talk to Dorothy and Jake first since they’re just up the hill,” Cady said.
“Then let’s go.” Abby didn’t wait for agreement but started for the many steps leading up to Kai’s neighborhood. At the top, she looked at them. “Which house first?”
Hayden gave it some thought. “Let’s try Jake. He might be a less emotional and a more reliable witness.”
Abby headed straight for Jake’s house, marching up to the door. She stabbed her finger into the doorbell before Cady and Hayden could even put a foot on Jake’s walkway.
“She’s a real spitfire.” Cady’s words carried quiet admiration. “She’d make a good reporter for sure.”
“As much as I respect what you do, I don’t think that’s a job Abby would ever want. She’s faced too many antagonistic reporters during her time as a sheriff.”
“I get that. My profession often gets a bad rap when reporters come off as aggressive in the pursuit of a story they can’t crack.” She glanced at Hayden and then back at the sidewalk.
He had no clue what her look meant, and he didn’t want to get sidetracked by asking—not when they needed to stay focused on the investigation—so he fixed his attention on the walkway as well.
By the time they reached the door, Jake was jerking it open and rubbing his chin. “I hoped I’d see you after the commotion at Kai’s shop. Is he all right?”
“Kai wasn’t present.” Abby’s response was blunt and to the point.
“Phew.” Jake let out a breath and ran a hand over his already messy hair. “I’m glad he wasn’t in one of those ambulances. So what’s happening down there?”
“We’re unable to share any details,” Hayden said. “But we do have some questions for you.”
Jake frowned. “Can’t say I’m happy about that, but go ahead. Ask away.”
“Does Kai have a woman in his life?” Abby’s tone was open, as was her expression.
“Woman? Nah.” Jake rolled his shoulders. “He’s been a hermit since his wife died. The only woman I’ve seen him with is Dorothy, and I’m certain they’re not dating.” He chuckled, but grew fidgety.
Such a nervous reaction could mean he knew something about the women, and he was keeping it from them.
Hayden needed to probe for more details. “What about anything unusual going on at his shop after it was closed for the night?”
“At night? No. I mean, I don’t think so. It’s not like I’ve looked. Only one spot on the corner of my deck gives me a view of his place. Even then, I have to lean out for a clear view, and I don’t have reason to do it. Well, except for today when I heard all the sirens.” He grimaced. “You sure you can’t tell me what’s going on?”
“Sorry, no.” Abby gave him a look meant to pacify. “But there’s nothing for you or the general public to worry about.”
Jake snorted and eyed her. “Sounds like some nonanswer law enforcement might give in a news conference.”
“I can see how it could come across that way,” Abby said, not at all sounding upset by his comment. “But I simply wanted to assure you there isn’t a threat to your safety.”
“Okay,” he responded, but his skeptical look said he didn’t buy her answer. “I’ll just have to trust you on that. Anything else you want to know?”
“Just the same question we asked earlier,” Hayden said. “Have you seen anything unusual or suspicious?”
“I’ve been thinking about it since you left.” He wrapped his arms around his body. “But nothing, and I mean nothing at all has been out of the ordinary. Just the same old same old until Kai went on vacation.”
“Then thank you for your time,” Hayden said before Jake could continue to nag them for information they wouldn’t provide. “You have our card. Call if you think of anything.”
Jake’s lips twisted in a dissatisfied grimace. “I guess I’ll have to watch the news to find out what’s going on down there.”
