Page 41 of The Fragile Ones

“It was really funny,” agreed Lizzy.

“Well, I wasn’t expecting my friends and family to be hiding in my guest room.”

Chad hugged her tightly. “We don’t get to see enough of you.”

“The work schedule is rough.”

“And bumpy,” said Chad. “Look at your new scrapes and bruises.”

“My bad, I really stepped into this one…” Katie said, laughing in spite of herself.

“Yep,” said McGaven. “But right now it’s your birthday…for another hour and half.”

“Technically, it’s not my birthday, guys.”

“Hey, I have an idea,” said Denise. “Let’s go for a nightcap at the Star Chamber.”

“Great idea,” said Chad. “You up for it, babe?”

“Sure,” she said. “Lizzy?”

“Count me in.”

Chapter Seventeen

Wednesday 0835 hours

Despite her unexpected birthday celebrations, Katie had made her usual early start and had spent the last forty-five minutes updating her lists on the Mayfield double homicide. She wrote down everything they knew to date, and what they didn’t. The killer’s profile was beginning to take shape. It was a good start—better than most.

While she waited for McGaven to arrive, and for the results from forensics, she kept digging to try and locate Whit Mayfield, and find about more about the abandoned house in Rock Creek.

She turned back to her laptop as a thought occurred to her. Since she was getting nowhere with the house, why not get up to speed on the town and the police department? Something about that place really bothered her, like it was a backdrop in a play and nothing was real…the abandoned house, the police department that used to be a grocery store. Just as she was typing in the details, her cell phone rang. An unknown number.

“Scott,” she answered.

“It’s Chief Osborne here.”

“Yes, Chief. What can I do for you?” She hoped for some good news.

“When we talked yesterday, you asked about someone here that was friends with Whitey—I mean, Mr. Mayfield.”

“Yes.”

“I have a name and address for you. Darren Rodriguez. He lives at 261 Pine Street, apartment number 3.”

Katie quickly wrote it down. “Was he a good friend?”

“I don’t know about good. But those boys would hang out and sometimes cause a disturbance once or twice. They’ve been buddies for years.”

“Thank you, Chief,” she said.

“Oh, and sorry about my boys getting the jump on you and your partner.”

“Not a problem.”

“You know, we’re all on the same side.”

“Of course.”