Page 50 of Every Which Way

Langford held out her hand like she was asking Maizie to shake it. When Maizie put her hand in the detective’s, she said, “I wish every victim was as resourceful as you in the moment. I’ve seen a situation like that go wrong a thousand different ways, but you’re here, and you only have minor injuries. You did good, kid.” Langford let go of Maizie’s hand, leaving the teen with a sheen of tears in her eyes.

Ramon shifted in his seat. “You’re good, Maze.”

He was about to go to war if she wasn’t, given the look on his face. Kenna put her arm around Maizie and put the laptop on her lap. When Maizie leaned her head toward Kenna, she kissed the teen on the top of her head. “She’s good.”

The detective said, “I’m Naomi.”

“Ramon.” He stood to shake her hand, possibly so she could see he was taller. As if he wanted her to take in his full measure and decide. Because he was certainly interested in her.

Naomi cleared her throat. “Nice to meet you.”

What did that expression mean? She didn’t have time to figure it out before Naomi turned to her.

“Kenna, we are due to speak with Chief Hadley.”

She stood. “Is he awake?”

“The doctor is meeting us down the hall.”

Kenna opened Maizie’s laptop for her. “You guys good?”

Ramon said, “We’re good.”

“Yep.” She dove in and didn’t even look up from the computer.

Ramon smiled, already on his phone. Kenna followed Langford down the hall. The detective said, “I know that your fiancé is an FBI agent in Phoenix.”

More than that, he ran the whole office, but Kenna didn’t need to add that tidbit. “That’s right.”

“So, who is the guy?”

“An old friend of mine. He hangs around to help with investigations.” Kenna shrugged, not wanting to get into the fine detail of why they weren’t prepared to let Maizie go anywhere without someone watching out for her. “I have a couple of other friends also helping out with the case.”

“Here?” Langford asked.

Kenna shook her head. “Another kidnapping, in a motel up by Fort Collins. They found a guy who saw the woman’s face.”

“That’s great. When Sally finishes her description, we can show it to the guy and get him to confirm.” Langford’s brows rose. “Another nail in her coffin, whoever she is.”

“Let’s find out.” Kenna slid open the door, through which she could see the doctor and a nurse with the patient in a bed between them. Hooked up to all kinds of wires, but it looked like he might have regained consciousness.

The doctor glanced between them and handed the tablet to the nurse. “Can I help you, detectives?”

Langford said, “She’s a PI. I’m the cop.”

“Doesn’t mean either of you can be privy to a patient’s medical condition. It’s a violation of privacy,” the doctor said.

“Were any of his organs removed?”

Langford spun around to look at Kenna, which meant she didn’t see the look on the doctor’s face.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Where did you get that idea?” Langford asked.

“The scar on Sally’s back. The scars on him, and the hack job sewing him back up. Thanks, doc. No need to violate HIPAA rules.” Kenna stepped into the room, where the patient, Fire Chief Carlton Hadley, watched her approach. She asked the nurse, “Is he lucid? Will he be able to talk?”

“He’s in pain, and he’s been through a lot. If you have questions, you should come back.”

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