Page 51 of Max's Mission

“Nothing.”

Dye threw up his hands. “Come on, man. Why are you being difficult? We worked together all afternoon without a problem.”

It was Max’s turn to look away. “Sorry. I don’t much like being questioned as though I murdered someone.” He tipped his head toward the deputies milling about the property. “They separated us as soon as they got here, then grilled us about who we were, who that is”—he nodded toward the remains—“and why we were here. Over and over again.”

“That’s standard protocol.”

“Doesn’t mean I like it. But to answer your question, I don’t know who the victim is. It’s possible it’s the property owner, Dale Conroy, though.”

Something akin to admiration crossed Dye’s face. “You know who owns this place already?”

“It was a simple records search. It’s owned by Dale and Marie Conroy. Marie’s dead. Has been for five years. Her husband has an active driver’s license that comes back to this address. He’snot here, and it looks like no one has been for a while. That could be him.”

“There’s more than a few months of neglect here, though.” Dye circled a finger in the air. “Forensics said whoever that is has been dead less than a year. Just in their preliminary examination, they found small amounts of tissue on the bones.”

Max shrugged. “Like I said, it’s just a theory. But maybe inside the house there will be something that tells us more.”

“Maybe. What else do you know?”

“That’s it.”

“Nothing that connects the Conroys to Dr. Gaultier? Not her.” He nodded toward Margot. “Her ex.”

“No. Not so far.”

Dye rolled his lips in, pressing them together. “All right. Hang out here for a bit. I want to talk to the sergeant again. See where we are on a warrant to search the place.”

“They have a son. In St. Louis. Maybe see if Mr. Conroy’s there and get permission to search the house? It’d be quicker than a warrant.”

Amusement lit Dye’s face. “You got a name and number for the son?”

“I can get it.”

“How about you do that while I go talk to the sergeant?”

“Can I stand with Margot now?”

The agent’s gaze turned to her. She was still huddled at the back of the cruiser, watching the forensic team comb the grass for evidence.

“Sure. Just stay visible.”

“Not a problem.” Max dropped his arms and started toward Margot.

In moments, he reached her. “Hey.”

She jumped, letting out a soft yelp. “Hey. Sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.”

He touched her arm. “I can tell. You all right?”

Inhaling a deep breath through her nose, she nodded. “Yeah. What are you doing over here? The police wanted us to stay separate.”

“Dye’s here.” He nodded toward the agent.

Margot turned.

“We had a little chat. I need to call Asher again.” He pulled his phone out. Taking a quick glance around to make sure no one was eavesdropping, he dialed and put the call on speaker so Margot could hear.

“Hey. All done?” Asher asked.

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