Page 20 of The Lost Bones

Her brain worked at full speed. “So it could be a novice killer. Maybe a first-timer?”

“Or someone who knew her well,” Nick added darkly. “She was held captive for over a year, and there is no sign of sexual assault. It’s very strange. But consistent with the logic of her killer being someone who maybe even cared about her.”

Mackenzie connected the dots. “Is that what you and Austin were arguing about yesterday?”

He nodded. “I had to interview him again, and I… well, I asked some tough questions and he got pissed.”

“Nick, Austin didn’t do this. Why would he go to such lengths to search for her?”

“I know. I was just covering my bases. Following protocol and treating this like a brand-new case, just like Rivera ordered. And you know how it goes.” He sat back down, crossing his legs. “The partner is always the first suspect.”

“Did Becky say anything about Courtney? I tuned everything out.”

“The body was stiff; rigor mortis had set in.”

Mackenzie did a quick calculation. “She was killed on the night she disappeared.”

“Forty-eight hours ago,” he confirmed. “There was bruising around her neck. Seems like the cause of death.”

“Just like Sophie. We have muskrat hair, senseless messages for me, and the same cause of death.” Her head was already spinning. “I think it’s safe to say that Courtney’s husband had nothing to do with this.”

Nick nodded. “Crime lab is doing a sweep of that barn. Hopefully they’ll pick up on something new.”

She bit her nails. Anxiety bubbled inside her. “Okay, we should exchange case files. I’ll read up on it tonight.”

“You need to get some sleep. Not that I care, but you should look in the mirror.”

He was attempting to tease her, but it fell flat. Still, she turned to look at her reflection in the window, then staggered back, startled. Her red hair had sprung into curls. Her face looked washed out. Her eyes were baggy. Her steely, stand-offish armor designed to hide deep-rooted vulnerability had melted away. Instead of rushing to the restroom to fix herself, though, she continued staring out the window. All she could think about was: who had been watching her? What did they see in her?

THIRTEEN

APRIL 14

“Come on, Mack. Just one more mouthful.”The face of a gentle man hovered over hers. It was a face that could be trusted. Mackenzie made a fussy sound. “Even I don’t like porridge, but we have to eat it. Do you want Dada to eat it too?”

“Yes.”

He took a spoonful and made satisfied sounds. But he couldn’t hide his frown.

Mackenzie giggled. “Robbie lies!”

“Robbie loves you.”

Someone tapped Mackenzie on the shoulder. She stirred awake, the dream dissipating behind her eyes. She blinked groggily to find a young boy staring at her. He had dark curly hair and the longest eyelashes.

She frowned. “Who are you?”

“Robbie!” A man came running into the office. “Where have you been?”

Mackenzie straightened. She had dozed off at her desk, having barely slept overnight. “Robbie?”

The man was tall and lanky, with sandy hair, a square chin and beady eyes. “Yes, this is my son, Robbie. Sorry he bothered you. Robbie, apologize.”

“I’m sorry,” Robbie said shyly.

“Oh, don’t worry about it.” Mackenzie smiled at him. “I had to wake up anyway. Can I help you two with anything?” Visitors weren’t usually allowed in the office.

“Dr. Turner!” Rivera came in and removed her glasses, offering her hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”