Page 27 of The Killing Plains

“We can’t have you traipsing through the evidence. It’s just for a few minutes—we’ll leave the windows down. You can do your homework.”

Grumbling, Satchel stripped off his hat and sun-sleeves.

As Colly and Avery climbed out of the car, Russ emerged from behind the plywood stand, fanning himself with his Stetson.

“We’ve got a problem,” he said without prelude. “Walk that way.” He sketched a wide arc with his hat. “Don’t disturb the scene.”

Perplexed and trying not to think about rattlesnakes, Colly followed Avery through the tall grass. The ground behind the stand was more trampled than they’d left it. A small patch of freshly disturbed earth marked the spot where the cap had been.

“What the hell?” Avery blurted.

Colly’s mind was racing. “What time did you get here, Russ?”

“Ten to three.”

“Did you notice footprints?”

“Sure, but I assumed they were yours.” His voice was grim.

Colly squinted at the ground. “I’m not great at tracking.”

“Evidence team’s on the way.” Russ turned to Avery. “Get the camera—I want to see the pictures.” When she was out of earshot, he stepped closer to Colly. “Why the hell did you leave this unattended? I expected expertise from you, not amateur hour.”

The patch of skin between his eyebrows had flushed bright red, just as Randy’s used to when he was angry. But Colly was not feeling nostalgic. “Was I supposed to ditch Satchel at school?”

“You could’ve left Avery here.”

“Gee, Russ, if only I had your big man-brain, I might’ve thought of that. Your purple-headed gal pal wouldn’t let me take the damn car.”

Russ sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. “Yeah, okay. I’m just frustrated.”

“Whereas I’m having the time of my life.” Colly heard the car door slam, and she lowered her voice. “I’m here as a favor to the family, but Satchel comes first. He deserves that much. If you’re not happy with my work, I’ll gladly go home.”

“Okay, okay. I said I’m sorry.” Russ put on the Stetson.

“You said you’re frustrated. It’s not the same.”

Avery ran up, oblivious to the tension in the air, and handed Russ the camera.

“Does it look like Denny’s cap?” Colly hoped she sounded calm and professional.

Russ shaded the viewfinder with his hand as he scrolled through the photos. “Hard to tell. All the security footage from that day isblack and white, but Brenda and the clinic receptionist both said the cap was red. I don’t see any logo on this one. That’s consistent.”

“Maybe his mother’ll know if it’s his,” Avery said.

“Worth checking.” Russ handed her the camera and wiped his forehead. “It’s too hot for March.” He sighed and looked around. “Who could’ve taken the damn thing?”

Just then, they were interrupted by a shrill scream. “Grandma!”

With a quick stab of anxiety, Colly ran to the cruiser. Satchel lay on his back on the car’s rear seat, an open textbook on his stomach.

“What’s wrong?” Colly demanded.

He sat up. “I’mbored, Grandma.”

Colly swallowed her irritation. “Did you finish your homework?”

“The math’s different here. I don’t know how to do it.”

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