Page 46 of Every Which Way

“How did you find the couple? How’d you hook up with them?”

She didn’t move, just kept staring.

Kenna waited because this broken young woman, who was most likely facing more prison time, needed to decide whether Kenna could be trusted. And whether the information could be used to buy herself currency with the district attorney.

But was that the reason for her hesitation?

Maybe it was something else. Sure enough, the question was answered when Sally stood up.

Langford shifted but didn’t leave the corner.

Sally turned around and lifted the sweater, tugging down the hip of her skirt to reveal a tattoo on one side at the small of her back. Close to a long jagged scar that ran vertically down several inches.

Langford muttered a curse word and came over to stand at the corner of the table. “Is that what I think it is?”

“A QR code.” Kenna stared at it, thoughts racing through her mind.

Langford pulled out her phone, opening her camera with her thumb.

“Hang on.” Kenna put her hand in the way, behind the viewfinder on Langford’s phone.

The door opened. “Find out where it goes.” Davis strode in, determination on his face.

Kenna shook her head. “Get a picture of it, but don’t click the link. We have no idea who these people are or what they’re into. If you use a department phone to get the information, you could be opening your network up to a hack. You need a secure connection that doesn’t touch your server.”

They needed Maizie.

But considering what this was likely to be, she didn’t want a former victim anywhere near the website. Probably a dark web forum or membership portal.

Langford snapped her camera. “I got a good picture of it. Thank you, Sally.”

The younger woman turned.

“Davis is going to take you to the forensic artist so we can get an image of this woman. I’ll have my lieutenant call the DA’s office and explain how helpful you’re being,” Langford said. “And will continue to be, hopefully.”

Sally shrugged. “Whatever.”

Davis led the woman out.

Kenna turned to Langford. “You aren’t going to ask her about it, where it goes? What she knows about its meaning, or who put it on her?”

“We have a meeting.” Langford shook her phone. “The fire department commissioner is expecting us.”

They’d had to make the approach using official channels. “And the missing chief?”

“Let’s go find out from his colleagues why no one has reported him missing.” Langford stepped into the hall, and Kenna walked with her to the main entrance.

“I’ll follow you.”

“Actually, I’ll ride with you. I can find my way back here later.”

Kenna said, “That pickup truck.”

“New car? Your other is totaled, right?”

“You tell me.”

“I guess I’ll pass the officer your number so he can give you the tow company info. See where they dumped it.”

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