Page 15 of Vanished in the Mist
“And I’m trusting you not to tell her otherwise.” Dawson’s face was grim. “You make a living as an investigator. As does Mr. Rafferty, to an extent. You should both understand how important it is not to muddy the investigative waters. We’re considering everything in Ms. Jericho’s disappearance. But we don’t want rumors to spread and hurt her family, or our investigation. Telling your sister, who is extremely close to the Jericho family, isn’t a good idea. Are we clear?”
She hesitated, then nodded. “Clear.”
“Then I’ll get Officer Ortiz to make those copies.”
Just as he spoke, the door opened and officers Ortiz, Collier and Fletcher stepped inside. Ortiz stopped, his gaze shifting back and forth suspiciously. “Why is everyone staring at me?”
“I’ve got an opportunity for you,” the chief said.
Ortiz groaned and Collier laughed.
“Thank you, Collier,” the chief said. “You just volunteered to transport the remains to the medical examiner. They’re stored in a body bag in the back of my police SUV.” He tossed his keys to a very unhappy looking Officer Collier. “Might as well take care of it right now.”
“Yes, sir,” he grumbled, as he turned and headed out the door.
The third officer, Liz Fletcher, didn’t say a word. Instead, she headed into the conference room to wait with O’Brien.
“Smart woman,” Dawson said. “Ortiz, you could learn from Fletcher’s example.”
Ortiz smiled good-naturedly. “I’m sure I could, sir.” He handed a set of keys to Kaden. “Your incredible yacht is parked at the Tate cabin, as you requested. If this lake wasn’t landlocked, I swear I’d have taken off to unknown destinations with her. She’s amazing.”
Kaden pocketed the keys. “She’s a working boat, not a yacht. But I can take your subtle hint. I’ll offer you a ride before I head back to South Carolina.”
“Was I subtle? I sure didn’t mean to be.” Ortiz laughed. “Go ahead, Chief. Hit me with my so-called opportunity.”
Kaden pressed his hand against the small of Shanna’s back and loudly whispered, “This isouropportunity, to make an escape before he realizes we’re the reason for his assignment.”
She smiled and hurried with him toward the conference room while Ortiz’s shoulders slumped at what the chief was telling him.
Chapter Eight
Kaden was surprised to see that the sun was already setting by the time that Shanna parked her car beside his truck at the cabin. But recovery work always seemed to take longer than expected. Diving was something he truly enjoyed, in spite of the grim reason for it today. And time seemed to fly whenever he was in the water. Add to that the interviews at the police station, and the day was essentially over.
“You coming?” Shanna paused in front of the car.
He hopped out, then looked down the hill toward the dock. He was relieved to see his boat solidly tied where Officer Ortiz had told him it would be. Ortiz had even hung the bumpers over the side to keep the boat from getting damaged from rubbing against the dock.
“Itisa beautiful boat,” Shanna said, following the direction of his gaze. “Even though I never want to get on it again.”
“Want to talk about it?”
“Your boat?”
“The reason you’re afraid of the water.”
“Nope.”
Disappointment shot through him. He respected her desire for privacy. But he also knew burdens were easier to bear when they were shared.
When he realized she was carrying the box of police file copies that Ortiz had given them, he took it from her.
“I can carry that,” she insisted.
“My mama taught be better.”
She smiled. “I’ll bet I’d like your mom.”
“I know you would. You’re a lot alike. Smart, funny and beautiful.”
