Page 60 of The Whispering Girls

“No.” She laughed. “I know you’re trying to make light of this, but…”

“Is this to stay between us?”

“Yes.”

“Shoot.”

“I can’t seem to get my head around Jack. He’s been amazingly accommodating, but there’s something amiss.”

“Why do you think that?” McGaven eyed her curiously.

“How many vets do you know who can run a crime scene? And he’s pretty efficient at it when he does, which is unexpected when there hasn’t been a murder here for fifteen years.”

“Have you asked him where he learned how to be soefficient?”

“He told me he trained at the police academy a long time ago before he switched to veterinary science, but that wouldn’t account for it. I’ve asked about his past in a friendly manner, but he always finds a way to divert the question.”

“You mean he’s cagey?” he said.

“A little bit.” Katie found a parking space along the street and pulled in. “Maybe it’s his private business, but…”

“But what?”

“He seems too involved in these cases while claiming to know nothing about them.”

“And?”

“Can you do a background on him?” When Katie said it aloud it did sound a bit crazy, but they had no idea who theywere really dealing with in Echo Forest. He wasn’t law enforcement, but the town vet. Still…

McGaven turned his gaze out the window watching a few people walk by wearing heavy coats. “Katie, you know I respect you and I would have your back in any situation. But are you sure?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

“Okay, but I don’t want to see it blow up in our faces.”

“It’s on the down-low, just between us. No bringing the chief or the officers into this,” she said.

“Of course. I haven’t been around him very much, but what I’ve seen is a very skilled crime scene technician and nice guy. But if something bothers you…then I’ll get to the bottom of it.” McGaven pet Cisco and the dog’s tail thumped against the back seat. “Don’t worry, we’ll get you a treat, or maybe a pup cup?”

Cisco gave a low bark.

The detectives exited the vehicle and walked to One Cup. The coffee aroma was strong; the small business must be roasting its beans. The front façade was festive with a creative design revolving around drinking coffee. There were several outdoor tables, but it was too cold to stay outside.

McGaven opened the door and a hanging set of bells jingled to alert the baristas someone had arrived. Katie felt the warm air hit her body, along with the smell of coffee and pastries. She felt the calmest she had since she arrived.

A young woman sat in the corner already enjoying a hot coffee drink with whipped cream swirled on top. Her short bob haircut and dark hair made her stand out, and there was a resemblance to Officer Clark. She was wearing jeans and fur-lined boots and was still dressed in her bright red coat. She busily slid her index finger over her cell phone and didn’t immediately see the detectives enter.

Katie approached the table. “Tami Clark?”

The young woman looked up. “Yes?”

“We’re Detectives Scott and McGaven,” she said. “We wanted to speak with you.”

“Oh, yes. Bobby told me to meet you,” she said as her eyes lit up.

Katie pulled out a chair and sat down.

“I’ll be back,” said McGaven as he headed to order some coffee. The detectives commonly split up when interviewing someone. It made people feel more at ease, so it was McGaven’s turn to head off.