Page 147 of Hidden Nature

“Good work’s always valued. You did some of your own. I’ve heard from the leads on the Anderson and the Rigsby cases. They’re not completely convinced of the connection, your motive theory—you got O’Hara on board with Tarrington—but it’s a new angle, and one they’ll pursue. They’ll share their files with each other, and with us.”

At the last, Sloan let out her held breath. “It’s not a coincidence, Cap.”

“I agree with you, but then I know you, they don’t. My impression is Detective O’Hara gave this a firm push on your behalf.”

“Then I’m grateful for it. Cap, they’re already at four weeks since Tarrington. The pattern’s been four or six weeks between.”

“Understood. And understood by the leads as well. And you understand the difficulties.”

She’d gone over it all herself countless times.

“Different jurisdictions, only one—potential—witness. And medical intervention’s used routinely and often to shock someone back. I should know. I’m one of them.”

He leaned forward, his face stony. “You’ve convincingly laid out a theory where you fit the description of a target. If I believe your theory, and I do, that person or persons unknown are abducting people who’ve received that medical intervention, and who live in the radius you outlined, you fit.”

“I was treated outside that radius,” she pointed out.

“You’re my sergeant, Sloan. You’re also my family. On both levels, I want you to stay alert and aware.”

“That I can promise.”

“You’ll get the files by tomorrow. Go home. I need to call Dean and tell him he’s on the next step to being a grandpa.”

“You would.”

Grinning, Travis leaned back in his chair. “Oh, I can’t wait. Payback for him buying me a cardigan with patches on the elbows when Marlie got pregnant. I’ve got my eye on slippers when it’s his turn.”

Amused, she headed out. She felt pumped at the idea she’d be able to work all three cases—on her own time, in her own office, but she’d have more details.

Whether the devil was in them or not, answers often were.

And she had plenty of questions.

She’d go home, change out of her uniform. She’d toss something together for dinner and eat in her office, where she’d try to find some answers with the details she had.

But first, she decided, she had to make one stop.

She drove past her house and turned into Nash’s drive.

Just his truck out front, which she’d expected, since she’d talked to her mother earlier and Elsie had bubbled over about planning a wedding.

She imagined Drea and Theo enjoyed one of her mom’s home-cooked meals while celebrating and planning.

When she knocked and didn’t hear Tic’s happy bark of greeting, she imagined he enjoyed his dinner with Mop.

Nash opened the door; she felt a quick sting of regret.

He looked like a man who’d put in a hard day of work, and that appealed to her. Some might say he needed a trim and a shave, but she wouldn’t, because the just-a-little-scruffy look appealed, too.

“I wanted to talk to you if you’re not too busy.”

“If you’re here to discuss wedding plans because I’m best man and you’re best woman, I’m closing this door and I’m locking it.”

“That’s not what I want to talk about.” Or only indirectly, she thought as she stepped in.

“Fine. I’m about to make a grilled cheese sandwich. I guess you want one now.”

“No, really—”

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