Page 80 of The Fragile Ones

Katie put the phone on speaker. “He’s here and we’re on speaker.”

“Good. I want you both to hear this. I received an interesting call from Chief Osborne earlier. He has asked that both of you go up to Rock Creek to work the Mayfield cases.”

“Why?” said Katie.

“McGaven had requested copies of the cold case of…a Darla Denton?”

“Yes, sir, that’s right. She had the same type of branding as Tessa Mayfield.”

“Apparently there’s some history there and he worked the case, eight years ago, I believe.”

“You want us to go there and look at his files?” said Katie.

“No, I’m saying that I want you and McGaven to go there and workallthe cases.”

“For how long?” she asked, feeling her stomach drop.

“For as long as it takes. The chief agrees with me. You’re always saying that the different agencies never work together. Now’s your chance.”

There was silence from both Katie and McGaven. It was clear neither wanted to go to Rock Creek, much less stay there.

“Can I count on you?” asked the sheriff.

“Can I take some surveillance cameras with me?” she said, thinking on her feet. “And if I need help from John in forensics, do I have permission to bring him to Rock Creek?”

“Do whatever you need to do to close these cases. I’ve been getting letters about people wanting justice for the Mayfield sisters. I don’t want this turning into a national media event. Do you both understand?”

“Of course,” she said.

“Good. I look forward to your reports.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Oh, and Katie,” he said, reverting back to his uncle voice, “be careful. Keep alert. Take Cisco with you. That’s an order.”

Chapter Thirty-One

Monday 0945 hours

Katie gave Chad a quick hug beside her packed Jeep and ushered Cisco into the back seat. She couldn’t believe that she had been ordered to do her job in another town over an hour away, but that was what needed to be done. The sooner she got to Rock Creek, the sooner she and McGaven could solve the case and come home.

“I can’t believe I’m on shift for the next four days when you’re going out of town,” Chad said, stroking her hair. “After everything that has happened, I have to tell you that I’m a little bit—”

“What?” she interrupted.

“I worry, okay?”

“I’ll be fine. I have Cisco and McGaven. Don’t worry, okay?” She kissed him.

He gave her one more kiss and then smiled. “My soon-to-be bride.”

Katie gave him a long look before she got into her Jeep. She didn’t want Chad to see how difficult this case was becoming and the toll it was taking on her. She backed the SUV down her driveway, gave one last wave with a smile, and drove away.

“Well, it’s you and me, Cisco,” she said.

Cisco pushed his head between the seats.

“Yeah, buddy, we’ll be seeing Gav soon.” McGaven was going to meet her in Rock Creek, at the Oak Grove Motel & Cabins. They had two cabins booked. She had no idea what the conditions would be, but was promised there was a small kitchen, comfortable feather bed, clean towels and sheets, Internet access and a free breakfast every morning. Good thing she wasn’t allergic to goose down. And of course, they were fine with an ex-military dog staying there too.