Page 48 of Justice for Samara

She was smiling when she handed it to Michael. “Holy shit. We were right. It’s a woman,” he whispered in response. “And she was dead before the fire. Having a chunk of bullet-shaped bone missing from your scapula is kind of telling, especially since it could’ve gone through your heart or lungs first.”

Carter nodded. “I also told him we really needed the testing fast, and I made him aware that there was a chance she was pregnant. He said he didn’t know how much luck he’d have finding any evidence of that, considering the condition of the remains, but he’ll try. Some kind of tests of the bone marrow.”

Samara nodded. “Testing for HCG levels. That’s about all we can hope for. They’ve got to run the DNA anyway. Might as well test it for that along with basic toxicology, although that probably won’t turn up much.”

“He said he’s going to try it anyway. But until we have an I.D., there’s little we can do. In other news, I think your idea is sound, Samara. Go ahead and work with the assault cases we already have, then move out to other Post1 counties. Michael, I think you should interview Stadler.”

“You know that’s never going to happen.”

Carter’s eyes were steely. “Oh, yeah it is. Iwillcall his commander over that if he refuses to talk to us. Since neither of you have ever done this, let me tell you how it works. He can plead the fifth if answering what he’s being asked can cause him to be arrested and charged. However, he cannot plead the fifth if answering the questions would result in the loss of his job, like in an internal affairs investigation.”

Michael wasn’t sure how that was going to work. “Okay, so if he doesn’t have to tell us anything that could incriminate him and might cause him to be arrested and charged, how do we proceed?”

“I’d say make this about his job. I’ll call his commander and ask him if he really wants a trooper at his post who won’t assist another law enforcement agency with a simple question and answer to see if he has any idea who victimized him. His house is gone and a body was in it. Does he think he’s being framed? Who could it be? I mean, if hedoesn’tthink that’s her, has he tried to find her? If not, why not? If he’s found her, can we talk to her? There’s an expectation of honor within their hierarchy. His commander can put his feet to the fire better than either of you can. And Samara, I want you to stay clear of this guy.”

“I will as best I can, but I have a job to do.”

“I get that. I just don’t want him retaliating against either of you. That’s my greatest fear. So check in often and let me or Michael know if you’re going to be out of pocket. That’s the best we can do.”

“Will do,” Samara assured him.

“Okay. Hit it. A lot of ground to cover and not much time. Edwards, reach out to Stadler and ask him to come in for a sit-down. If he refuses, let me know and I’ll call his commander.”

Michael nodded. “Got it. Thanks, sheriff.”

“You’re both very welcome. Get on it.” With that, he walked out and left Michael and Samara sitting there, deep in thought.

“Can I make a suggestion?” Michael asked quietly.

“Sure.”

“I’d suggest that you check with the other counties before going to talk to the victims in Trigg first. If you find some, that might be additional impetus for them to talk.”

“Good idea. I can start that right now. And thanks.”

“For what?”

“For not insisting on babysitting me.”

He shook his head. “I can’t do that to you. As much as I want to keep you safe, you have a job to do, and some of that is out of my control. But as long as you’rewithme, you’ll be safe. I’ll see to it. I’m gonna go make this call and see how mad I can make AlexStadler.”

“If he’s coming here, please tell me when so I won’t be here.”

“You can be sure I will. I don’t want you anywhere near him.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek gently, then whispered in her ear, “Never again.”

After he’d gotten a soft drink from the break room refrigerator, Michael sat down at his desk, drank it, and closed his eyes, trying to clear his mind. He wanted to be focused and calm when he talked to Stadler so the guy didn’t think he was being looked at. The last thing Michael needed was to be rattled.

When he thought he was ready, he picked up the receiver on the phone, dialed the number, and waited. A male voice answered, “Hello?”

“AlexStadler?”

“Who wants to know?”

“This is Chief DeputyEdwards at the TriggCounty Sheriff’s Department. We’d really like to have you come in and talk to us, see if we can find out who burned your house down. Regardless how any of us feel about each other, you’re a victim of a crime and you need some answers. It’s our job to give them to you.”

There was silence for a bit before Stadler finally said, “Can’t you come here?”

“I would, but we’re shorthanded and I need to stick around here as much as I can. It’ll only take a few minutes.”

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