Page 138 of Seven Deadly Sins

“Looks that way, doesn’t it?” Liam peered in the window of a Mercedes. “I don’t know many people who would be comfortable leaving a luxury car in someone’s field.”

Neither did she. Her gut told her something wasn’t right. It also told her that the case had escalated to a whole new level.

~

Liam checked each vehicle. They were all empty of any personal belongings. Not even a cup in the console. He tried each door handle only to find them locked.

A man in denim coveralls, followed by a large mixed-breed dog, crossed the field and joined them. “Darndest thing I’ve ever seen. I’m Hank Bridges. I own this field.” He thrust out his hand.

“Special Agent McConnell and this is Detective Scranton.”

“Wow. I didn’t expect the feds to show up.”

“Did you see anything Mr. Bridges?”

“Yep. Bo here set up a barking like I’ve never heard before. I grabbed my rifle and stepped out on the porch.” He scratched his nose. “A van with dark windows sat in my field. Wasn’t but a couple of minutes later that these other automobiles showed up. Strange how meticulous they was at parking. Made me think they might be aliens until I reminded myself I didn’t believe in such nonsense.

“Anyway. Those driving the cars climbed into the van and drove away, leaving their vehicles. That was this morning about six a.m.”

Liam glanced at his watch. “Six hours ago?”

“Well, I didn’t know if they’d come back now, did I? When they didn’t, I called the police.”

“Did you see the driver? Get a glimpse of the license plate?”

“All the way from my porch?” He cocked his head.

“I’ll get the crime scene techs out here.” Harper retrieved a roll of crime scene tape from her jeep. “I can secure the area while we wait.”

Liam nodded, then turned back to Bridges. “Thank you for your help, sir. If you could return to your house now, we’d like to keep everyone away from this area.”

“How long? I’ve a farm to run.”

Liam glanced at the field of crops. “I’m sure we’ll be finished before you need to harvest.” The plants barely reached his knee.

“Sounds good.” He snapped his fingers for the dog to follow him. When he reached the house, he sat in a rocking chair on the porch and watched Liam and Harper.

“Not much to do out here, I guess.” Harper secured one end of the tape to a fence post.

By now, a few curious cows had moseyed up, their big heads over the barbed wire fence surrounding the pasture apposite the corn field. Too bad the animals couldn’t talk. They might have been able to describe the driver of the van or get the license plate.

“Do you think this has something to do with Robert?” Harper reached a hand out to a cow. The animal took a few steps back.

“I’m guessing he’s got some new followers. He’s most likely keeping his hiding place secret except for a handful of people, hence the leaving the vehicles behind.” He glanced to the south. “We need to expand our search from the sky.”

She put the leftover tape back in her jeep. “I really hate flying.”

He chuckled. “I know you do.”

The farmer returned with a brown paper sack. “Looks like y’all might be here a while. If you don’t mind bologna sandwiches, chocolate-chip cookies, and water, then I’ve got you lunch.”

“Thank you.” Liam’s stomach growled. “We’re much obliged.”

“Fried bologna?” Harper peered into the bag.

“With a fried egg and a slice of good ole American cheese.” Bridges grinned, then returned to his house.

The sandwich didn’t sound appetizing to Liam, but he was hungry enough to eat one of the cows. The sandwich was still warm and surprisingly tasty. The high point of the simple meal was the large cookie.