Page 7 of Pretty Broken Dolls

Katie’s cell phone rang. “Scott.”

“You here? McGaven, too?” the sheriff said in his gruff business voice.

“Just got here. And yes, Gav is here too.”

“Good.”

“What’s up?” she asked, sensing he had something important to tell them.

“Can you come to my office?”

“Okay. We’ll be there in five.”

The connection ended abruptly.

“Well…” She slowly put her phone down.

“What’s up?” asked McGaven.

“The sheriff has asked for us to meet with him—now. Well, actually, he ordered.”

McGaven stood up, his height making him tower over Katie. “Let’s go.” He put his suit jacket on.

“Let’s see what’s so important.”

* * *

Katie and McGaven reached the sheriff’s office. Katie hesitated at the door, taking a breath to steady her nerves before knocking twice. There was always that terrifying thought that the cold case unit could be cut due to budget costs.

“Come in,” came her uncle’s voice.

Katie glanced at McGaven, whose expression was stoic and difficult to read. She opened the door and they stepped inside.

The sheriff wasn’t alone.

“You!” said Katie, referring to the man sitting across from the sheriff. “Who are you?” She was shocked.

McGaven quietly closed the door, confused and not understanding Katie’s reaction.

“I saw you at the Stanton residence. Who are you?” she insisted.

He was the man that had been watching the Stanton crime scene.

“Just take it easy,” said the sheriff. “It will all be explained.”

Katie stared at him and knew better than to say anything that she might regret.

McGaven took a chair but Katie remained standing.

“This is Special Agent Dane Campbell with the California High Crimes Task Force,” the sheriff began.

Katie was surprised but still didn’t trust the man, based on the way he’d so quickly left the crime scene as she approached him.

“He works high profile and serial murder cases, based out of Sacramento. Special Agent Campbell, this is Detective Katie Scott and Deputy Sean McGaven.”

Campbell nodded. “Nice to meet you both.” He smiled broadly at Katie.

McGaven gave his solemn nod in greeting.