Page 32

Story: The Inquisitor

I answered his questions as truthfully as possible. The attack seemed odd to me. I had to be extra cautious now, especially with Kiera staying here.

The criminal could return. What did he want? I assumed it was a man because to knock Bruno in the head required height and strength.

Shifting my feet, I positioned myself so I could see Kiera still chatting with Olivia.

“Are these crimes normal for this campground?” I asked Detective Donnelly.

“Three years ago, a few girls went missing, but that’s about it. It’s quiet here. There’s not much to do but relax, go swimming, fishing, and hiking.” He tapped his pen on the notepad. “There are all types of crazies these days. We’ll have the officers do a walkthrough before they leave. Y’all hear anything, give me a buzz.” He offered me his card.

“Thanks.” I jerked my chin to the asshole officer. “How long has he been on the force?”

“Bruce’s been with us for five years. Why do you ask?”

“Well, that should be long enough to know that you don’t harass people with special needs. Life is already hard. It’s especially hard for those who have trouble fitting in.”

“Who?” Detective Donnelly’s busy eyebrows came together.

“Hank appeared traumatized by the assault, but your man taunted him.”

“I’ll speak to Bruce about it. Hank’s a twenty-three-year-old loner. He has issues, but they got worse after his sister went missing. His mom lives in Austin, but they own a cabin here. Hank stays at the cabin because there’s fewer people around. Mrs. Peterson visits her son once a week to take him to therapy.”

“Your men should always consider the citizens and their needs. A stressful situation like this doesn’t need provocation or mockery. Hank will probably need extra therapy during his next session.”

I wasn’t a psychiatrist, but I’d treated enough patients to know that certain patients require more attention. Being of service to the community required a special skill because you had to deal with a full spectrum of people and personalities.

I glanced over at Bruce, speaking to Bruno. “In my humble opinion, Bruce needsmore training.”

Detective Donnelly quirked his eyebrow, probably wondering why I dared tell him how to manage his team. No man liked another man interfering with his business.

“I’m a doctor,” I said, easing his curiosity. “People like Hank need extra care, and your officer lacks empathy. As a public servant, empathy is required to communicate with the people.”

I couldn’t tell if he appreciated my feedback or hated it.

“Excuse me, officer.” A woman wearing a straw hat, a pink top and jean shorts walked up with a young boy about ten years old. “I was told to look for you. My son, Jason, saw a figure dart through the woods by the creek.” She tapped his shoulder. “Go on, honey.”

Jason sported shaggy brown hair that made me think of my own. “I was down by the creek looking at frogs when I heard noises. The man was wearing a camo hoodie and camo pants. It stuck out ‘cause I thought it was too hot to wear that outfit. His top caught on a branch, but he broke it off the tree and took off.” He tucked his hand into his cargo short pockets.

“Show me the location.” Detective Connelly turned. “Bruce, come with me.”

When they left, I studied Bruno.He wasn’t a small guy, a couple of inches shorter than me, but he had muscles too.

“How in the hell did he manage to hit you with a rock?”

Looking embarrassed, he replied, “From behind. If I hadn’t heard the scream, I would’ve run after him to kick his fucking ass.”

“Who screamed?”

“A resident found her room in shambles.”

“Did he attack anyone else?”

“Not that I know of, but several rooms in the main lodge were broken into. Probably some stupid thief.”He scrubbed a hand down his face. “How did the photo shoot go?”

“It went well.”

Fantastic, actually.I got to see Kiera, kissed her, and confirmed she was still attracted to me. Now I just had to figure out what to do next. “Catch you later.”

“Thanks for subbing in. If you need any more modeling jobs, you know how to find me.”