Page 102 of Concrete Evidence
Marc showed her the signed document. She read through it and pointed to a signature. “I recognize the judge’s name. Says this is for Jake’s room and garage, specifically for a motorcycle, which he doesn’t have. I’ll show you his room.” She gestured them inside. “I’d better call my husband.”
“Yes, ma’am. The search warrant gives us legal permission to conduct our work without the presence of Mr. Drendle or Attorney Morrow. Shouldn’t take long.”
“Go on ahead. If you’re breaking the law, you’ll go to jail. Our attorney will see to it.” She held a hardened glint in her eyes.
Inside a room that took cleanliness to a power level, Marc and Roden snapped on nitrile gloves. They opened drawers in which every sock, T-shirt, and boxer lay perfectly folded and color coordinated.
Mrs. Drendle pulled a cell phone away from her ear. “Jake gets real upset if anything’s out of place.”
“We’ll be careful,” Roden said.
Nothing came to their attention in the chest of clothes. Roden moved to the closet, as pristine as the drawers—shirts arranged according to button-down, short-sleeved, long-sleeved, color, and three inches apart. Pants and jeans hung in the same orderly distinction. Shoes were stacked in plastic boxes with blue lids and labeled alphabetically according to type and color. A form of OCD rolled into Marc’s mind. Mia had noted Jake was odd, peculiar. No wonder he considered Craig disorganized.
Roden pointed to a shoebox—Nikes. Blue. Gold. With red gel soles.
57
CONTRARY TO AVERY’S PRAYERSfor Hurricane Braxton to blow itself out in the Gulf, the storm had made landfall on Galveston Island right on time. The dirty side headed straight for their area and the dam. Avery refused to show her concern in front of Tessa. Instead, during their time together, she’d look for every opportunity to reassure the girl that Marc and Roden had the skills to protect her and the others.
Tessa jogged into the stables and to Zoom’s stall, where Avery brushed down her stallion. The teen wore a helmet and boots from Avery’s stash.
“Where’s Marc?” Tessa’s eyes opened wide and... innocent.
“He dropped me off so you and I could spend time together.”
“Did the man in the hospital confess? Is the trouble over?”
“The shooter will be released to the custody of the sheriff’s department. He’ll be held in jail without bond. Marc believes the man’s responsible for some of the crimes. Maybe all of them.”
“That’s good news, right?”
Avery laid the brush aside and studied Tessa. “It’s the best news we’ve learned in days. Your brother and Roden are experts.”
“I’m not stupid. Someone hired the guy. What about a plea bargain?”
Tessa and her FBI documentaries. Add in her desire to be more a part of Marc’s world. His work intrigued Avery and his ability to work through logic without letting emotions interfere. What would it be like for him to kiss her again... feel his arms around her—?
“Avery, I asked you a question.”
Tessa’s voice broke through her thoughts.
“I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“You must have been thinking about my brother because your face is red.” She giggled. “I’m right. Anyway, I wanted to know about a plea bargain.”
Avery regained her composure. “Oh yes. It’s a possibility. We’re hoping the man thinks about the charges against him and reconsiders his original statements of innocence.”
Tessa chewed on her lip and nodded.
“Ready to get started?”
“Yes. I’ve wanted to learn how to ride all my life. What’s the first thing I should do?”
“We begin with the basics. Don’t walk behind the horse or the animal could get spooked. When that happens, the horse might kick out or twist. While the behavior is not the norm for most horses, it’s a possibility. I’m putting you with a gelding by the name of Cozy. Like his name, he’s incredibly gentle.” Avery walked to his stall, and Tessa followed.
“What’s a gelding?” Tessa said.
“He’s been castrated, and the procedure removes the wildness of a stallion. Geldings are calmer, even-tempered.” Avery picked up a bridle in her left hand and opened the stall door. She demonstratedhow to place the halter over Cozy’s nose and ears. “Slip the bit over his nose and into his mouth. Cozy doesn’t mind the bit, but some horses need a little coaxing. The bit doesn’t hurt them.” Avery pointed out the noseband, browband, crownpiece, and throatlatch. “I think we’re ready to make friends.” She led Cozy from the stall.
