Page 107 of Pretty Broken Dolls

“Want to clue me in?” asked McGaven, who was eating a large club sandwich.

“The blood in Darla’s apartment is hers and all other fingerprints have been cleaned. Nothing yet.”

“And?”

“I’ve told you everything that Sadie told me at the hospital.”

“No, I mean, what’s bothering you?” He held her gaze.

“I’m just digesting all of this—and no, I’m not talking about my food. Everything that we’ve seen and investigated. It’s like a dizzying maze.”

“And?”

“Doesn’t it bother you that Campbell brings us in to investigate and then he goes to his suite, following everything we’ve done?”

McGaven stuffed another bite in his mouth. “I’m worried more about your safety at this point. He’s got some kind of agenda. There are too many coincidences and strange occurrences.

Katie didn’t say anything. She let her thoughts run.

“Because two of the cases are ours—in our jurisdiction—and they all connect to cold cases.” He finished off his iced tea. “Let’s do our job and forget about him—for now. And pray that the killer doesn’t decide to kill again tomorrow.” He tried to keep everything upbeat, but Katie could tell he was really worried.

Katie had downed most of her smoothie, giving her an ice headache. “You know, Gav, I never have to worry why you ended up with me. It was meant to be—and no force was going to stop it. Thanks for being my rock.”

“Anytime.” He high-fived her.

Katie pulled out her small notebook and flipped through the pages, searching for a phone number.

“What’s up?”

“I’m looking for a number in Sacramento…here it is.” She dialed. Waited. “Yes, I would like to speak with Special Agent Campbell, please. Oh? Yes, Campbell.” Pause. “Could you put me through to his manager, please? Hello? Yes, I was looking for Special Agent Dane Campbell. Could you repeat that? And you’re sure. Thank you.” She ended the call.

“What did they say?” McGaven asked.

“I knew something was off. Now I know why.” She stared at McGaven. “The California High Crimes Task Force in Sacramento said that Special Agent Dane Campbell is on an extended leave and is not in charge of the serial cases anymore.”

Chapter Forty-Two

Friday 1345 hours

Katie found herself standing in front of Special Agent Campbell’s suite at the local inn—once again. The sun was out, warming her back, and there were very few clouds in the sky. She stood for several seconds enjoying the warmth and formulating her thoughts, determined to prioritize her reason and not her emotions. She wanted to talk to the agent before she reported the situation to her uncle, but she wanted to get some answers first.

McGaven stood next to her, not quite knowing what to expect, but he was her partner through good and bad situations—this was no different.

Katie knocked on the door loudly three times.

The door opened and Agent Campbell stood there. “Detectives. To what do I owe this honor?” he said and smiled.

Katie pushed her way inside. “We need to talk.”

“Okay,” he said, looking confused.

McGaven followed Katie inside.

Rookie Agent Haley was sitting at one of the computers. “Hello, Detective Scott,” she said cheerfully. “Nice to see you and McGaven.” She took a moment to make eye contact with him.

“Would you mind giving us a few minutes?” Katie asked the younger agent.

“Uh, of course. I have an errand to run anyway.” Turning to her superior, she said, “It might take a bit longer.”