Page 9 of Close Quarters

But he wasn’t and wouldn’t ever be. They were barely friends.

Alex pulled into the Paulsons’ drive and wove his way through the trees into the clearing around the house and outbuildings. Katie stared out the windshield at the myriad of law enforcement vehicles already on-site, including the sheriff, Sebastian Archer, and his chief deputy, Jace Travers. The two men stood in front of the sheriff’s SUV, looking at a map spread over the hood. Alex steered the van toward them and parked.

“Let’s do this,” Katie said, climbing out of the vehicle.

Seb and Jace waved at them as they came around the front of the van.

“You have a plan?” Alex asked with a nod at the map.

“Basic grid search,” Seb replied. “We’re going to start with the cadaver dog on one side and Katie with the radar unit on the other and meet in the middle. You and Dr. Pressley can just hang out while we comb the property until we find something.”

“Amanda’s here already?” Alex looked around.

Jace pointed to a set of two dark blue SUVs sporting the University of Colorado logo. “She’s over there with her team.”

Alex nudged her arm. “Come on. I’ll introduce you.”

She nodded.

“Five minutes and we’re going to get started,” Seb said. “The state boys just got here, too, with their dog, so we’re all set now.”

“We’ll let her know,” Alex said.

Katie followed him across the grass to the SUV. As they neared, a blonde woman in tight black jeans, hiking boots, and a windbreaker emblazoned with the university’s logo stepped around the side of the car. Katie’s step faltered. This was the bone doctor? She glanced at Alex.

“Mandy!” He grinned and raised a hand in greeting.

The woman looked over, a bright smile blossoming on her pretty face. “Hey, you. Glad you could finally join us.”

Alex rolled his eyes. “Like you beat me here by much.” He leaned in and gave her a hug.

Katie stood back, staring at the pair. When they continued to converse, ignoring her, she cleared her throat.

“Oh!” Alex glanced back. “Sorry. Mandy, this is Katie Mitchum, chief of forensics. Katie, this is Amanda Pressley.”

Katie held out a hand. “It’s nice to meet you, doctor.”

“Call me Amanda, please.” Her cornflower blue eyes sparkled. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”

Jesus, it’s Dr. Barbie. Katie fought not to roll her eyes.

“Are you guys ready?” Alex asked. “Seb’s ready to roll.”

Amanda nodded. “Yep.” She turned and let out a whistle. Two men and a woman looked up and started walking toward them. “This is my team. Chelsea, Owen, and Dave.”

Katie and Alex introduced themselves.

“Let’s go see where Seb wants us, shall we?” Alex said.

Eager to get away from the perky blonde and the goofy smile still on Alex’s face, she spun on her heel and marched back to the sheriff and his deputy.

After getting directions on where to start, Katie pushed Amanda and Alex from her mind and snagged her favorite tech, Devin, to help her with the radar. Everyone else was on hold until they located something.

Approaching the edge of the woods, she turned on the radar, taking some readings to calibrate the machine.

“Everything good, Katie?” Jace asked.

“Yep. Just checking the settings. Let’s go.” She pushed the machine forward, moving at a slow, but steady pace.

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