Page 129 of Hidden Nature

“I can’t disagree.” Travis slowly swiveled back and forth in his big chair. “I’m saying that the investigators on Tarrington have very likely wrung all they can get out of the coworker or any other potential witness. But it never hurts to run it all through again.”

“That’s what I’m going to do.”

He nodded. “If there’s a drop left to wring out, I figure you’ll catch the drip.”

She didn’t mind the drive, not through the icy and winter-white hills, along the curving roads. She’d enjoyed her weekend off—such as it was, as she’d spent her Saturday night reading the file on Tarrington, working on her case board, making notes, rolling around theories.

She remembered when she’d squeezed in a date and some comfortable sex on the weekends. Even on weeknights here and there.

While she missed the comfortable sex after a three-month hiatus, she had to accept that activity appeared to be off the table.

One of the officers in her unit showed interest. Attractive, good police, quick wits. But she had three reasons why that added up to one big no. Dating someone in the same squad? Bad idea. She outranked him—bigger, badder idea.

And last, not inconsequential, she just didn’t share the interest.

The only real buzz she’d felt in months came from the guy next door.

She had solid reasons why that equaled no.

He lived next door, or essentially next door; he subcontracted for the family business. And his brother and her sister were sleeping together. Not just sleeping together, starry-eyed for each other.

But she comforted herself that at least she’d felt a buzz for someone. Her injuries and long recovery hadn’t killed that very human urge.

Since her radar worked just fine, she felt that buzz was mutual.

He’d so obviously felt out of his element, and wary with it at dinner. Initially. She’d watched him relax, sort of step-by-step during the actual meal.

It hadn’t been the food, she concluded.

From what she’d read of his background, she imagined Sunday dinners hadn’t been a laugh fest during his upbringing.

Theo had adjusted quickly, but then he had Drea. And he seemed the more optimistic type than his brother.

Anyway, too many reasons against getting involved with the interesting and attractive guy next door. Including the fact she had other priorities.

No harm admitting to herself, she thought it a damn shame.

She pulled into the lot and looked over where the file had showed the abandoned car. Staff parked there, farther from the hotel entrance, giving guests the closer slots if they didn’t use the valet.

Security lights, she noted, but again, the distance compromised that.

She parked, then went into the hotel and straight to the bell station. She spotted Rusk—she had his photo—standing in his uniform beside a trolley loaded with luggage.

“Mr. Rusk. I’m Sergeant Cooper.”

He gave her one nervous look, then glanced toward the reception desk.

“Oh yeah, right. Ah, listen, I’ve got to load some luggage. The guests are at checkout. I’ve got a break coming in about ten minutes.”

“I can wait, no problem.”

“Honest, I don’t know what else I can tell you I didn’t already tell the detectives.”

“I appreciate you giving me a few minutes. I’ll wait over there until you’re free.”

His expression went from nervous to bright and friendly as the checkouts walked their way. “All set? That’s good timing. They’re just pulling your car up.”

She took a chair while he wheeled the trolley out, watched him competently load the luggage, pocket the tip—discreetly.

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