Page 24 of Lost Lake
“None yet.”
He swiped angrily at the tears. “Could be a good sign.”
“It could,” El said, making sure he knew she believed it. “The diver said if she drowned while wearing the shoe and it came off, she likely would’ve sunk straight down. He would’ve found her close to it, which he didn’t. But there are situations where that could vary.”
Gabe released a long breath. “But it’s possible she wasn’t wearing the shoe. Maybe it came off when she was taken out of her car seat and it fell into the water.”
“At some point, the small footprints we found on the beach indicate she could’ve walked there with both shoes, so that might not make sense.”
“Fine, then it came off another way and was tossed in the water.” His desperation was nearly palpable.
“You could be right. We won’t know anything until the divers finish.”
He looked away. “When do you plan to search her place?”
“After the divers are done.” She didn’t explain her reasoning, but he had to know she wanted to be on scene if Lucy’s body was discovered. “Plus, Mina arranged for Sierra Rice to handle forensics, and she’ll arrive around eight. I want to get her started on both scenes before I go to Kenna’s house. Then there’s the autopsy.”
“Whatever time you go to her place, I’m coming with you.”
“Just like I couldn’t let you search today, I can’t let you do this either.”
“But I know Kenna and could potentially see something important you’d overlook.” He locked eyes with her. “If we stay together every minute, you’ll see that I don’t plant evidence or take anything.”
“I don’t know… I…” She shrugged. She wanted him there but really shouldn’t allow it.
“Hayden called in a favor with a buddy at my phone company. They’re emailing my phone records, including any coordinates, to you ASAP. You should get those before you leave for Kenna’s apartment. If you cross-reference the calls with coordinates, it’ll prove my alibi, and then you’d be free to let me help.”
He was right. That could solve their problem. “That would work.”
His shoulders relaxed, fists unclenching, but his forehead remained furrowed.
She wanted to press her fingers against those ridges and help him relax more, but there was no point. She might ease his tension momentarily, but this man she’d come to care for so much wouldn’t be able to relax until they found Kenna’s killer and precious little Lucy.
With every passing moment, frustration mounted and Gabe couldn’t wait any longer. He had to do something to help. But what? El had instructed deputies to keep him outside the perimeter, and they carried out her orders to the letter.
She’d been involved with the searchers and was talking to one of them now.
The more he considered how she treated him, the more he thought he’d be foolish to trust whatever was building between them. If she cared for him, he would’ve expected her to make an exception for him. To let him help with the investigation. Man, he was wrong. Way wrong.
Even worse, he understood her reasoning, but only in his brain. Otherwise, her actions felt like a knife to the back. Especially from a woman he’d developed feelings for.
He’d probably been a fool to feel anything for any woman. Especially one like El, who represented the life he’d always tried to prove he was worthy of. He wasn’t. Not with his family. And he never would be.
So let it go.
One of the divers surfaced and tossed his fins into the boat. His gaze zoned in on the beach, and he strode through the lake toward El, each step sending ripples over the water. His hands were empty. Good. Very good. Unless he was bringing bad news. Maybe they’d found a body. Found Lucy, and he’d surfaced to make recovery preparations.
He marched up to El. Talking. Hands waving.
What was he saying? Gabe had to know. He focused on El, waiting for her reaction. For her body to stiffen or shoulders to collapse. A firm nod was her only response.
The diver stepped away, heading for the dock.
She reached into her pocket, drew out her phone, and tapped the screen. Gabe watched. Time dragged. She suddenly stopped. Turned. Stared at him. Tension sizzled in the air. She gave a slight shake of her head and crossed the beach to the stairway.
She had news for him.
Dear God, what is she going to say?
