Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 99132 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 496(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 330(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99132 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 496(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 330(@300wpm)
“Nothing. Not even on CCTV.”
Huck straightened. “So you think it was just waiting out there on that deserted highway for them?”
“Looks like it.” Norrs’s tone was clipped. “Can’t find it in town, not in Elk Hollow. We’re running scans of the CCTV in Genesis Valley, too. Still coming up empty. And your office building? Nothing from the security footage there either.”
Huck’s jaw tightened. Whoever was behind the attack had been thorough, clean. If there was one thing he hated, it was hunting a ghost. “Damn it.”
“I always think there’s some crazy out there causing trouble,” Norrs replied. “Or, what if there’s a slim chance that the attack on Laurel and the shooting of Abigail could be related?”
Huck leaned back in his chair even more. It creaked in protest. “How so?”
“Abigail killed Zeke, and it’s well-known Laurel didn’t like the guy. She wanted to put him away. I wonder if this is some sort of revenge on the whole family.”
“It’s possible,” Huck murmured, figuring that since Norrs had given up the goods, he might as well do the same, just in case the investigations were related. “I’m headed out to the church later to interview a few people Pastor John thinks could be involved in the shooting of Abigail. He doesn’t believe anyone there would do such a thing, and he claims he doesn’t know any snipers, but you never know. We’re also running deep dives here in the office on some of the congregation members. So far, we haven’t found anybody with a sniper’s background.”
“Doesn’t mean somebody didn’t hire him,” Norrs said.
The guy was quick. “That’s my thinking as well. I need more probable cause before I can get search warrants for any bank records, but I’d like to go see who catches my attention at the church. Keep in mind, the attack on Abigail might not be from a church member.” Huck rubbed his chin. “I also have state officers checking at the Tech Institute where Abigail works, in case she has any enemies there. Right now, we’re looking into backgrounds, just in case.”
“Sounds good. I appreciate you keeping me apprised.”
“Ditto,” Huck said. They might as well work together, at least as long as they could.
Norrs cleared his throat. “Abby’s coming in to speak with you again today. She wasn’t calm when you visited her in the hospital. She should be there any minute.”
Huck grunted. “Okay.”
“Be nice to her, would you?”
Huck snorted. “I’m always nice.”
“Getting shot really shook her balance. She desperately wants to have a relationship with your girlfriend,” Norrs said.
“Sure.” That wouldn’t happen. Laurel could take care of herself, and Abigail Caine had the survival instincts of a cornered rattlesnake.
“I’ll catch you later.” Norrs hung up, abrupt as usual.
Right on cue, Ena poked her head in the door. Her long black hair was braided today, tight and neat, and her Fish and Wildlife uniform was so freshly pressed it looked like she’d ironed it while wearing it. Huck noticed she seemed happier lately. No doubt because she was dating Walter Smudgeon. “Hi, Huck. Dr. Abigail Caine is here to see you.”
He shoved a stack of file folders aside, barely clearing enough space. “Send her in.”
Abigail strolled through the doorway, moving like she had all the time in the world. Today she wore a black leather skirt, black boots, and a deep red sweater that hugged her curves. Jewelry glittered at her ears and throat, diamonds and rubies, flashing under the overhead lights. A small white bandage showed along her clavicle that disappeared beneath the sweater.
Two uniformed Genesis Valley police officers hovered outside, their eyes darting inside before they took position on either side of the door. Abigail closed it behind her, shutting them out.
“Have a seat.” Huck nodded toward the one chair that wasn’t buried under gear or stacks of clutter.
“Thank you, Captain.” Her voice was a purr, the kind some people might mistake for civility. Her hair was down, curled just enough to look effortless. Laurel wore hers like that sometimes, but on Abigail, it appeared like armor. “Are you any closer to finding the person who shot at me?” She slid into the chair, all elegance. “I’m growing very tired of Lurch and Dumbass flanking my every move.”
Huck let one eyebrow lift. “I’m sure Genesis City would take the bodyguards off if you wanted. Though considering somebody’s trying to shoot you, I’d think twice.”
“Somebody could get at me from long distance and you know it.” Her voice was clipped, eyes sharp. “I feel like there’s a bull’s-eye on me at all times.”
“There very well might be.” Huck kept his gaze steady on her, watching her like he’d watch a bear trying to decide whether to charge or bolt. Abigail’s fingers drummed on the arm of the chair, too controlled to be nervous. The woman was pissed. She should be scared.