Page 51 of Rekindle My Heart

Two and a half hours later, Ryan rubbed his aching eyes. He had talked to over half of Kealy’s coworkers, and it was the same story—nice guy, quiet. About an hour ago, he’d switched to cross-referencing the Tahoe owners list with the Outreach contributors. So far, nothing.

He leaned back, taking a minute to rest. Lists of vehicle owners ran behind his closed eyes. Even with the computer analyzing the data, Ryan had manually checked the names. The last thing he wanted was to miss something.

“Come on,” he mumbled as he checked the progress. Sixty-nine percent. Ryan dropped his pen on the desk and stretched. “This is taking forever.”

CJ popped his head over the wall. “Talking to yourself? Getting any answers?”

“Not yet.” He ran a hand over his hair, combing down the evidence of his frustration. “One of these guys has to be a buyer if not the organizer of the corruption. Rich, powerful, and connected, it was the trifecta for the perfect customer.”

CJ stroked his chin and gave a slow nod. “It takes time, but we’ll find them. So, how’s the twofer going?”

Ryan’s brows rose. “Twofer? Oh, the two victims.”

“Do you know the DBs?” He crossed his arms and leaned on the cubicle wall.

“The dealer had a rap sheet a mile long. I’m still looking for the Tahoe owner. It’s possible they are connected to this whole thing.”

“Or…?”

“Or it’s Ruiz’s customer.”

“It could be the murderer,” CJ added.

Ryan nodded. He’d thought of that too. “I won’t know until I find them. As for Officer Kealy, I’m still waiting for his files from Bloomington PD. He was undercover. I have a call in to Green over in Narcotics.”

CJ tapped a finger on the partition. “Have you talked to Detective Malone? He started at BPD. Maybe he remembers him or heard something about the undercover work?”

The older detective had more experience and wisdom. Ryan valued his input. He made a mental note. “I will. Thanks.”

CJ rapped his knuckles on the edge and stepped back. A grin crept to his lips. “Well, I have to get going. Oh, one more thing.” His lip hitched up. “How was the swim yesterday?”

Ryan wadded up a piece of paper and chucked it at CJ.

The other detective ducked. His laughter boomed through the station as he walked away.

With rapid fingers, Ryan sent a direct message to Tanner Malone. Thirty seconds later his response popped up.

Tanner: I’m at a B and E over on Second Street. Not sure when I’ll be finished here. What’s up?

Ryan: Did you work with Officer Bryan Kealy when you worked in Bloomington?

The ellipses in the work messenger app showed Malone was typing.

Ryan checked the time. His stomach was rumbling. It was close to lunch. Maybe they could meet and talk.

Malone’s reply popped up.

Tanner: He’s the one who was in the fire? I didn’t work at BPD long, but I remember him. What did you want to know?

Ryan: Can we sit down when you have a few minutes? Maybe grab lunch?

Tanner: I’m heading over to Mabel’s for a bite when I finish here. I can text you when I’m on my way?

Ryan: Sounds good.

A message box popped up on his screen. The list of gala attendees who owned a dark Chevy Tahoe filled the screen. Twenty-two. Still bigger than he liked but manageable.

He started by crossing the list with any connection to Stevens, Doctor Hoffman, or Rollins, the CEO of Lindgames.