Page 41 of Race to Save Her

“I will let you know if that’s the case and it won’t be immediate if it is.”

Katie looked down. That wasn’t the answer she wanted to hear.

“I understand that Deputy Chris Anderson has been assisting.”

“Yes. He’s doing well,” she said. “Good instincts.”

“I know these cases are difficult and now with the connection to Rockview…”

Katie nodded, not able to meet her uncle’s gaze.

“If you need him, you can take him off patrol temporarily.”

Katie looked at her uncle. “That would be great. There’s a lot of files and research to go through. I was thinking he could get more information from Detective Stern. Maybe other cases that referred to Brandon? Other unusual homicides?”

“Whatever you need.”

Katie was relieved. “Thanks.” She knew she and Gav couldn’t cover every base.

“Now what movie do you want to watch?” he said.

After Katie’s uncle left, she felt much better. Maybe she was overreacting some? Tomorrow was another day to fill in the blanks and move forward in the investigation.

She went to bed early, but was awakened an hour later with John’s strong arms around her. It felt like a dream that she didn’t want to wake up from.

“Hey,” she whispered.

“Shh, you’re dreaming,” he said.

Katie smiled.

“I thought you could use some tenderness after being shot at today.”

“Just another day…” she said as she faded off back to sleep.

TWENTY-SIX

Wednesday 0915 hours

Katie had a great night’s sleep and was ready to begin another day—after three cups of coffee. She wasn’t going to let her troubles and momentary insecurities dampen her investigation.

She and McGaven drove to Shelby’s place of employment: All Fitness Yoga Studio. It was located on Pine Avenue. It took Katie a few extra minutes to find a parking place. There were many stores, from clothing, kitchen wares, insurance, to a very popular coffee shop.

“It’s kinda busy for a Wednesday,” said McGaven. He looked at his notes. “So the yoga studio has been in business for almost ten years and owned by the same person, Cindy Ware.”

“Has she been in any kind of trouble?”

“Only a couple of parking tickets,” he said.

“Personal details?” she asked.

“Let’s see, she’s single, forty-two years old, and seems to be in good financial standing.”

“Okay,” she said, opening her door. “You ready to stretch?” She giggled.

“Oh, that’s funny…”

The detectives jogged across the street, away from the coffee shop, where there were many people enjoying their midmorning caffeine fixes. The workout studio had a large glass front that looked into an even larger area divided into three sections. One area was for working out with machines and free weights, the second section was for yoga classes, and the last area seemed to be offices and a restroom.