Page 98 of His Forgotten Colton Fiancee
West explained how he had bagged the stub to throw out and included it in his evidence to submit to the FBI lab, along with the butterfly compact.
The chief’s expression hardened. “I don’t recall a woman’s compact logged as evidence from the first scene.”
He locked gazes with the other man. “Because I didn’t include it. I sent it separately to my field supervisor to runthe DNA. I’ll explain later. Right now you need to read this report.”
Finn studied the papers. “Aston Reston is related to Noel and Evan Larson. Second cousin. Damn, this was under our noses all this time?”
“More than under our noses. In our faces! He was a witness.Santo Nestoris an anagram forAston Reston. Nestor is the man I interviewed at the first crime scene. He changed his nameafter violating his parole. Changed his appearance, as well.”
Chief Colton went very still. “We’ve found our bomber.”
West clenched his fists. “Yes. And he’s still in town, after Quinn, the only witness who can identify him.”
“Well, I’ll send a team over to alert her. Keep an eye out for this Santo/Aston and put an APB on him.”
West headed for his truck, Rex trotting behind him.He opened the door, and the Lab jumped inside.
For a moment he sat, trying to collect his thoughts. Santo. Hispanic. Aluminum siding. Witness.
“Damn, Rex,” he said, his heart banging hard. “Her new client.”
West dialed Quinn’s phone. It went to voice mail. He left a message, then raced to his desk to collect his keys.
He started the engine, praying he could reach her on time.
Because the bomber who killed Tia had a six-thirty appointment with Quinn.
