Page 14 of Deadly Revenge

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A few minutes later they gathered in Alex’s office. Jenna sat by the window, as far as she could get from him. This wasn’t going quite how he’d envisioned.

“Okay,” Alex said. “Why don’t you tell me about Paul Nelson? He’s on my list of people to contact about Joe Slater.”

“I don’t know much more than I said in the meeting. It seems there are several men who drink coffee at Pete’s every morning, and Derrick Holliday said Paul didn’t show up, and he thought it was strange, particularly after Joe Slater was killed. I thought you ought to know.”

“I appreciate it.” She turned to Jenna. “I want to apologize for springing it on you that you’re the lead investigator in the Slater case, but I didn’t get a chance to tell you before the meeting.”

“Don’t apologize. I’m just happy you think I’m qualified.”

“I figure you’re more than qualified,” Alex said dryly.

Jenna pulled two evidence bags from her pocket. “You want me to give these to Dylan? He can examine them and see if there are any wrench marks on the castle nut.”

Alex shook her head. “We better use a lab.”

“Why don’t you let me take them to our lab in Nashville?” Max offered.

Jenna crossed her arms. “I heard they were way behind.”

“They are, but I know someone who’ll put the castle nut under the microscope ASAP and tell you if it was tampered with.”

“Think we’ll know something by tomorrow?” Alex asked.

“No later than Wednesday.”

The chief deputy nodded to Jenna. “Give him the evidence.” She stood and shifted her attention to Max. “Nathan and I are going to drive out to Nelson’s place and talk to him ... would you like to ride along?”

“Normally I would, but I think I’ll stay here and write up my report and make copies of the maps. I’ll write up a request for the lab on the castle nut while I’m at it.”

“You can use my office if you’d like.” She turned to Jenna. “Max needs to give you background information on Harrison Carter. This is a good time to do that.”

Even though Jenna didn’t make a sound, Max could imagine the groan she suppressed. Instead she nodded.

When Alex walked out the door, dead silence followed.

Jenna spoke first. She placed the evidence from the scene on the desk. “I suppose you need these.”

She was using her calm-under-fire voice. He stood and walked across the room and placed the bags in his briefcase.

“The forensic tech I’m taking these to should be able to tell if there are any scratches on it. I don’t think she can do anything with the cotter pin, though.”

“Thank you for doing this.” At least her voice was a tiny bit warmer.

“It’s not a problem. Oh, and we need to exchange phone numbers—in case one of us has a need.” He rattled his number off. Seconds later his phone rang.

“Now you have mine,” Jenna said.

Silence fell between them again, but it wasn’t as cold. This was his one shot to apologize—after today, it would be even moreawkward to bring the problem up. If only he could get the words out of his mouth ... it felt like someone had stuffed it with cotton. “Any bottles of water around here?”

“In the break room.” Her mouth twitched. “I’ll get you one.”

Way to go, Anderson.He’d just given her an opportunity to walk out of the room and keep walking. But she returned and handed him a bottle. He uncapped it and tipped it to his lips.Just do it.

“You’re looking good,” he said. “Being a Russell County deputy must agree with you.”

A blush rose in her cheeks. “I guess.”

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