Page 42 of Deeper Than the Dead

“Now that’s the strange part, when you consider the matching rings. The first victim was put there months, maybe a year before the second one, Conover estimates.” He lifted one shoulder in a vague shrug. “It’s difficult to be certain at this point, but that’s the best estimate he can give me. We’ll see what the lab says.”

Holy shit. Her head was still reeling. Who the hell could have put them there? And why? Okay, Vee, think like an analyst, not a perpetrator.

“What’s your conclusion then?” God, she hated that her voice sounded a little pitchy.

“I believe it’s possible the same perp left all three victims in the cave. I don’t know why the older remains were hidden more carefully than Sheree’s. Maybe the killer didn’t have as much time to hide the body of his last kill. Or maybe some physical limitation prevented him from doing the same as he had the two times before.”

Vera cleared her throat. His assessment was a reasonable one. “What about cause of death? Any similarities there?”

“Again, I can’t say for sure, but there’s indication of head trauma on all three victims.”

Jesus Christ. She understood now. He was leaning toward the idea that this was the work of a serial killer. She managed a shaky breath. Of course he was. Three murders with numerous similarities. Bodies dumped in the same place. Made sense.

Her gut clenched at the little voice whispering things she did not want to hear. She hushed it. Would not go there. No way.

“I’ve asked for support from the TBI. One of their agents, as well as a member of their forensic group, is coming tomorrow to have a look.”

Vera reminded herself to breathe. “Good move.” Not that he needed her to tell him that calling in the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was smart, but it was better than saying nothing. “As I’ve said before, I would be happy to help if you need me.”

Her lips felt numb, her tongue awkward. She struggled to slow her pounding heart. She had to keep her wits about her. Had to maintain analyst mode. So far nothing to worry about. Nothing she and Eve couldn’t deal with. It was all okay ... so far.

“I appreciate the offer.” He smiled, then turned to the coffee maker and proceeded to fill two mugs with the freshly brewed coffee.

She ordered her fingers to unlock so that she could accept the mug he passed to her. “Thanks.”

He settled back into his chair and placed his mug on the table. “I’ll bring you in as soon as I can. For now, I have to keep the scene pristine. You understand.”

“I do, yes.” She did. Really. She wasn’t part of official law enforcement around here, and as someone with access to the crime scene prior to the discovery, she was a person of interest. The additional remains had taken this thing to the next level for those investigating. Bent’s people, however well trained and experienced, simply didn’t have all that was needed for a case like this one. There was a level of expertise and experience required that typically wasn’t found in small-town police departments.

“When Sheree’s remains were discovered,” he began, “my primary persons of interest were your father, obviously, and Garth Rimmey. Both had motive and opportunity.”

Obviously. Her father was the husband. Of course he was a suspect. “But we know my father wouldn’t have hurt Sheree or anyone else.”

This was true, even if it would have been far easier to let him take the fall. He wouldn’t know or understand what was happening, and Eve would be in the clear.

Didn’t matter now. This was bigger than just Sheree.

How the hell had two other bodies gotten into that cave?

The glimmer of a scenario she did not want to expand upon nudged her again. Couldn’t be. Couldn’t be. There had to be another explanation. Her father wouldn’t kill anyone ... the idea that he’d killed multiple victims was ludicrous.

Wasn’t it?

All the times he’d gotten angry after their mother died ... all the drinking ... but the timeline didn’t fit.

Not going there ... not yet.

“As for Rimmey,” Bent went on, “the other two victims don’t really fit a scenario that involves him. What would be his motive for disposing of his victims on your property prior to Sheree’s marriage to your father? I can’t see a connection there.”

Vera managed a sip of her coffee. “Agreed. So ... how long before you plan to make this new information public?”

Not something she was looking forward to. The nightmare would expand exponentially for the Boyett family, and the story would gain momentum in the media. Mass shooters and serial killers were viewer magnets. The coverage would be nonstop from now until the case was solved.

“I’ll see what the agent from the TBI has to say about releasing information and go from there. For now, considering there are no recent victims, we have no reason to believe the killer is an imminent threat. For all we know, he could be dead or in prison.”

“True.” Her right knee began to bounce. She cradled her coffee mug in hopes that he wouldn’t see the way her hands had started to shake as well.

She had to get out of here. He wasn’t going to allow her into the scene today. Which was just as well. She needed to think, and then she needed to talk to Eve again. Alone. Some place where there was zero chance of being overheard or distracted.

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