Page 26 of Breaking Rules

“Why don’t you make a double batch of whatever you’re planning to cook for Garvin? I’m sure Kevin would appreciate a home-cooked meal. He’s a single guy and probably doesn’t get that very often.”

Bridget’s face lit up, a smile spreading across her features. “That’s a great idea! I could make a big batch of that casserole and drop some off at the station.”

Jo nodded, pleased to see her sister’s enthusiasm. “He’d love that. And it would be a nice way to show your appreciation without making a big fuss.”

Jo felt a presence behind her, and her shoulders tensed.

“Evening, ladies,” Sam said, sliding onto the stool next to her. “Mick’s on his way. Said he had to make a quick stop first.”

Mick was Sam’s childhood friend, now a private detective, whom they used sometimes to dig into things that were best done through unofficial channels.

Jo relaxed, taking a sip of her beer. “Don’t sneak up on me like that. I was ready to go for my gun.”

Sam simply raised a brow and ordered his favorite Moosenose beer.

“Anything new?” Jo asked.

“I stopped by Henley’s office and asked him to expedite the warrant for those surveillance tapes,” Sam said, accepting the beer the bartender placed in front of him.

Jo raised an eyebrow. “How’d that go?”

“He said he’d do it, but he seemed a bit hesitant. Not sure what that’s about.”

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t my favorite crime-fighting duo.” Mick appeared behind them, clapping Sam on the shoulder.

Sam chuckled, gesturing for Mick to take a seat. “Glad you could make it.”

Jo leaned in, her voice low. “Wyatt and Kevin were still hard at work when I left, but they’ve probably gone home by now. Reese contacted her friend, so we should have more information tomorrow.”

Sam nodded, his expression growing serious. “Listen, Mick, we need your help with something.”

Mick leaned forward, his eyes glinting with interest. “I’m all ears.”

In hushed tones, Sam and Jo filled Mick in on the details of the case, explaining the potential connection to the decades-old bank robbery. Mick listened intently, his brow furrowing as he processed the information.

“We need you to dig into Eric Feldman’s background,” Jo said, her voice barely above a whisper. “See if you can find anything that might tie him to the robbery or to Alex Sheridan’s death.”

Mick nodded, his expression determined. “I’m on it. I’ll see what I can uncover.”

Sam glanced around. The bar was getting a bit crowded, and he didn’t want anyone to overhear them discussing police cases. “What do you say we get a table? That one in the corner looks good.”

As the group settled into a corner table, Holden Joyce joined them, his expression grim. He slid into the booth next to Mick, his eyes darting around the room to ensure no one was within earshot.

“I’ve got some news from my FBI contacts,” Holden said, his voice low. “They’ve been excavating the Webster property, and they’ve found more bodies.”

Jo’s heart sank, her stomach twisting with dread. “And Tammy?”

Holden shook his head. “They haven’t found a match for the DNA samples you and Bridget provided.”

Bridget’s hand found Jo’s under the table, squeezing it tightly. Jo returned the gesture, drawing strength from her sister’s presence.

“But there’s something else,” Holden continued, his brow furrowing. “Not all the bodies are children. Some are adults.”

A heavy silence settled over the table as they processed this information. Sam was the first to speak, his voice rough with emotion. “What does that mean? Was Hazel Webster killing people of all ages?”

“Or was there another killer?” Mick added, his eyes narrowing.

Holden sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s too early to say. The FBI is still processing the scene, trying to identify the victims and determine the cause of death. They think there are more bodies.”

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