Page 83 of In Cold Blood

Roberts smiled. “Yes, we are. Except we are held to a higher standard, Thorne. The public’s demand and tax dollars don’t cover – just good enough.” He tapped his pen and observed her. “People want answers. People know his family. Luke is at the center of this. It would be a conflict of interest.”

“I understand, sir, but I need additional support now that Parish is in hospital. The unfolding situation with Erikson has only increased the workload. I’m only one person. And you said yourself we have limited resources and only twelve patrol officers and they need to serve the rest of the community. It wouldbe advantageous for us to utilize Noah even if it’s in a restricted capacity.”

“I’m sorry. It could taint the whole case.”

“It’s been done before.”

“Maybe so but the State Attorney’s Office would need to be apprised and render a decision and...”

She cocked her head.

He sighed. “You know, Thorne…” He wagged his finger at her.

“I know, a thorn in your side.”

Roberts exhaled. “Leave it with me. No guarantees but I’ll see what I can do. It will only happen if BCI agrees, and the Attorney’s Office is on board. Even then I don’t think it’s a good idea or know if it will be green-lit. And even if we get the go-ahead, you will have to be the face of the investigation. Not him. I’m not overstepping boundaries here. I’m already doing that entertaining this absurd idea.” He blew out his cheeks. “Now go. I need to make some phone calls. I will let you know the decision later.”

Something was amiss.Sheriff Roberts had gotten back to Callie faster than she expected to say that even though the State Attorney’s Office was on board, BCI wasn’t and that she would be going it alone until BCI could arrange to send someone else. Two hours later, Roberts called her back to say that the original decision had been overturned, and even though it wasn’t the norm they were willing to allow Noah to oversee until they could make arrangements for a senior investigator to replace him.

Roberts sounded as confused as she was.

Still, Callie didn’t hesitate to contact Noah. The way she sawit, they were burning daylight on the investigation. She was curious to hear his thoughts on what they’d gathered so far. As soon as she got off the phone with Roberts, she called him. “Noah. Are you still interested in helping with the case?”

“Why?”

“It seems BCI has decided to let you assist in the interim until they can send someone else to replace Parish. It could be a week before they have someone here.”

“What made them change their mind?”

“I would like to say it was Roberts but initially they didn’t want to do it. Something or someone else changed their mind.”

“Huh.”

His thoughts flipped to his father. With their family’s long history of policing, they’d made connections with local PD, the Sheriff’s Office, and BCI. Hugh had certainly seemed adamant that Noah needed to work the case. Had he pulled a few strings?

“That is if you want to be involved. Of course, you would need to follow my lead. Roberts doesn’t want you at the helm if you get my drift.”

“Suits me fine.”

“Good. Well. If the offer of dinner is still available, we could discuss the material your brother had at the cabin and I can share the information Parish gained from interviews so far.”

“I’m currently out at the moment.”

“Where are you?”

She heard the hum of vehicles in the background. The wind was also howling.

“You think you can meet me out on State Route 73?”

“At the site?” she asked.

“Yeah.”

Just after 4 p.m.Callie got in a cruiser and made the short journey out. When she arrived, she found Noah crouching near the tree that had been chosen as a memorial site for Luke. He was wearing a black leather jacket, khaki pants, and a jean shirt.

She parked at the side of the remote winding road.

The sun was low in a hazy sky, dipping behind the tips of trees. It wouldn’t be long before it would be pitch dark and they wouldn’t see a damn thing out here unless they had flashlights.