Page 10 of The Whispering Girls

“Wow, he’s a beauty, and has an obvious even temperament. Is he a police or military dog?” Jack approached Katie and handed her a steaming mug.

Cisco glanced in his direction, but didn’t seem interested in the vet, though he kept close to Katie.

Katie took a sip of the tea. “This is delicious.” She paused, not initially keen to share her personal life, but then said, “Cisco and I were an explosives K9 team in the Army.”

“Well, I’ve seen a lot of dogs and their companions, and I can tell you two have a very special bond.” He seemed to study Katie. It was clear he wanted to ask more questions about her Army tours, but he kept quiet.

Katie nodded, continuing to drink her tea. Her hands warmed and she didn’t have those annoying anxious feelings anymore and began to relax, which was something for her.

Jack leaned against the counter. “I don’t think you came here for tea. What’s on your mind?”

Katie remained quiet, gathering her thoughts. She knew she had to tread lightly because she didn’t know Jack or how the town conducted its crime scene business.

“You’re concerned about the homicide investigation?” he said.

“Yes. I want to do whatever I can to assist.”

Jack stood up and took a step toward her. “Why do I think there’s more to it than that?”

“What can I say? I’m a cold-case detective—mostly homicides.”

“And you’re on a vacation and there was a body dumped right next door.”

Katie nodded.

“I can see your point.” Jack opened one of the gates, as Cisco seemed eager to find out what was on the other side. He watched her with curiosity. “C’mon. I’m sure you want to look at the body and ask some questions.”

Katie tried to figure out the vet. She was quite sure there was more to his story. “I don’t want to intrude on your work schedule.”

“I don’t have any appointments until 4 p.m.”

Katie followed him. “Thank you.”

Cisco happily shadowed them.

Katie was impressed by the layout of the building. It was clearly thought out. There were several private exam rooms, storage supply closets, a sitting area for animal parents, and two or three private offices. The floor remained a rustic wood that looked to be original.

“How long have you been here?” she said.

“The building belonged to my aunt and uncle. They had a hardware and feed store, and there were six apartments upstairs.” He took their mugs and set them down in a sink. “I used to help out here on vacations when I was a kid.”

“So you’re not from here?”

“No. I grew up in Sacramento. But I spent a lot of time here.”

“What made you want to set up practice in Echo Forest?”

“Why not?” He smiled. “I love it here. I spend most of my professional time as a mobile vet. There are a lot of farms and ranches.”

“And you’re also a crime scene technician,” she said. “How do you know how to do that?”

“My secret is out.”

Katie chuckled. “What do you mean?”

“I actually went through the police academy, but decided to go another avenue instead.”

Katie nodded. “I see.” She thought that was interesting, going from being a cop to a veterinarian. “Being true to yourself.”