Page 49 of Hidden Hero

“Looks like you and the pretty doctor are getting cozier,” Pete said.

From anyone else, Jeremy would be tempted to joke the comment away to keep from revealing his feelings, but his partner was the closest friend he had. “Yeah. Before you ask, let’s just say we’re not defined, but things are changing between us. Getting closer. Finding out if there’s more than just friendship. And that’s what I plan on doing… exploring what we can be as long as Cora wants the same thing, too.”

Pete nodded, his lips curving. Then both men sighed, knowing the moment was over as the needs of the investigation loomed.

“Let’s get in and see what we have now that the body has been removed.” Jeremy’s stomach wanted to revolt, knowing the smells in the trailer would still loom from the refuse all around. He and Pete stepped back inside. With more lighting, it was clear that a stack of boxes was next to the filthy sofa. Ripping off the tape, they discovered wrapped bricks of white powder. Pulling out a knife, he slit one of the bricks and, using the Colorimetric Test Kit, discovered what he suspected—cocaine.

Turning to one of the deputies, he said, “Pictures and evidence bags. Work in pairs. No one is to be alone with this evidence.” Glancing at who was around, he called, “Colby, you work with Ford.” He trusted the deputies working with them, but assigning pairs made it easy to ensure that no one was tempted to or would be accused of tampering or stealing evidence. Either would ruin careers and lives.

“She wasn’t alone,” Pete said, leaving the bedroom.

Jeremy followed his partner back into the room. Pete had lifted a pile of blankets and a pillow in the corner, revealing an old duffel bag. Kneeling, he pulled out a pair of men’s jeans, boxers, and a small toiletry case. Twisting his head around, he lifted his brows. “DNA on the toiletries.”

Pete turned to take an evidence bag from the deputy behind him, then passed it to Jeremy. Once the toiletry case was bagged and labeled, Jeremy stood. “Let’s get the whole mess taken in for evidence.”

“I have the deputies canvassing the neighborhood. Now that the curiosity is over and questions are being asked, some will clam up.”

“We’ll get what we can and lean on the others,” Jeremy replied. His nose twitched. “Jesus, this menthol is getting to me, but the alternative sucks.”

The next few hours were spent collecting the evidence, including almost fifty pounds of cocaine. A purse was found in the living room with a driver’s license belonging to Cassandra Hamilton. The bedroom contained women’s clothing, as well as several men’s jeans and shirts that were in a different size than what was in the duffel. By the time the deputies canvassed the few trailers on the lane, they had gathered descriptions of some of the numerous visitors to the trailer. The man who lived the closest said he rarely saw the woman other than when she’d go out in her old car and return with groceries.

“He said that he figured she was a prostitute, but she was quiet and never had loud parties, so whatever she needed to do to survive didn’t bother him,” one of the deputies reported. “We can try to have him identify some of the men, but he said they mostly came at night. His eyesight isn’t the best.”

“If we’re lucky, we can get ID from the DNA,” Jeremy said.

Pete snorted. “This whole place is a fucking DNA petri dish.”

Jeremy thought about Cora and wondered if she was already in the morgue starting the autopsy. Just the thought of the state of the remains sent a shiver through him. He ripped off his gloves and pulled out his phone. With a few taps, he called her, knowing she probably couldn’t pick up. “Just letting you know, others either lived here, stayed here, or came by frequently. A neighbor said he thought she was a prostitute. There is also men’s clothing here in two different sizes. We’ll bring it to you, and then you can send off what you need.” He almost rang off but then lowered his voice. “Babe, I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this, but I’m so grateful for people who do what you do. Anyway, talk to you soon.”

As he hung up, he saw Brad and Mark climbing from their vehicles. Pete was already on his way to them, and Jeremy joined the group of detectives.

“There was a woman named Cassie Hamilton who used to work the old Motor Inn up near the county line. She’d turn tricks for the truckers who stayed there. She’d been arrested several times, and then she disappeared. I honestly figured she’d caught a ride with someone and taken her trade somewhere else,” Mark said, his shoulders lifting as he sighed heavily.

“We don’t know whose name was on the lease… if there even was a lease to this dump,” Pete said.

Brad rubbed his chin and narrowed his eyes in thought. “Seems like this place is on the Britton land.” He looked over and spied one of the deputies. “Hey, Steve? Isn’t this part of the Britton farm?”

The deputy walked over and nodded. “It used to be. Old man Anthony Britton had all this farmland but died over a year ago. I haven’t had any reason to see who owns it now.”

“Check with that man across the lane,” Jeremy requested. “Find out who he pays rent to.”

The deputy jogged across the road, and a few minutes later, he came back. “He said that once Mr. Britton died, no one ever came by for rent. The five people still living in these camper trailers figured they could stay until someone kicked them out. They’re grumbling now… they think that since the police are now here, their free ride is over.”

Jeremy sighed. One trailer had the older man, and two of the others held what looked like migrant farm workers who needed the low rent. “Honestly, I’m not getting into that other than how it pertains to the bust here.”

By the time the sun rose and the evidence had been collected, Jeremy headed to the morgue. He was sure Cora was home, but he wanted to deliver the clothes and toiletry kit in case she needed to take DNA samples.

He made his way down the hall, and once he was given entrance, he greeted the receptionist. “I have some evidence to leave for Dr. Wadsworth.”

“Oh, you can take it on back. She’s finishing the autopsy on the woman who came in last night.”

His eyes widened as his chin jerked back. “She’s still here?”

“She was here when I got in for my shift.”

“Damn. Okay, thanks.” Jeremy pushed through the doors, walked down the hall, and entered the morgue’s autopsy area.

Cora looked up, surprise on her face. She wore a mask, but he could tell she smiled because of the crinkles at the sides of her eyes.

---