Page 51 of The Killing Plains

“They had no proof, and there wasn’t enough damage for an insurance claim.”

“Did they retaliate?”

“I asked, but they got evasive. There’s definitely more to the story than they let on.” Avery paused. “Well? This is huge, right? If Denny trashed their place, they’ve got motive.”

“Did you record this interview?” Colly demanded.

“I didn’t think of it till after.”

Colly glanced at Russ, who cleared his throat. “Did you ask Sam and Alan why they didn’t see fit to tell the Rangers all of this in September?”

“I tried. But like I said, they clammed up. I figure we can ask later.” Avery hesitated, perplexed. “You’ll want to follow up with them, right?”

Colly threw up her hands. “You should’ve checked with me before doing this, dammit.”

Avery turned indignantly to Russ. “What’s her problem?”

Russ sighed heavily. “It was a good idea, Parker. But you’ve got to clear things with Colly first. She’s the lead on this case.”

“Are you kidding? I bring you a potential breakthrough, and you’re lecturing me on how ‘there’s noIinteam’?”

“Procedure’s important. Protocol lapses can ruin a case.”

“I moved the case forward—that’s what matters.Jesus.”

Russ started to reply, but Colly cut him off. “No. What matters is building a case that’ll stick. You can’t prove the Sandlefords said any of this. If they did kill Denny, you’ve just put them on notice to—”

“What’s done is done.” Russ held up his hand. “Won’t happen again. Right, Parker?” He turned to Avery.

She stood up. “At least I was out doing something, while you’re in here enjoying your frappuccinos.” She stalked to the doorway. “FYI, Sam Sandleford wears size-ten shoes. Alan wears nines—I checked.” She slammed the door behind her.

Colly and Russ sat in silence as Avery’s footsteps faded down the hall. Finally, Colly stirred. “This isn’t working out, Russ.”

“She’s immature, and she screwed up.” Russ hunched his shoulders. “But don’t you think you’re being a little hard on her? She did bring back some important intel.”

“Which we can’t verify. Now, if the Sandlefords lawyer up—”

“You’re retired, Col. You need an active-duty officer with you. Avery’s the pick of the litter, believe me.”

“Bottom line, I can’t trust her.” Colly pushed her hair out of her eyes. “She lied to me yesterday, you know. Said she doesn’t remember anything from the night her brother disappeared except her dad carrying her out of the burning house.”

“Maybe that’s true.”

“I know when I’m being lied to. She’s hiding something.”

“She was eight. What could she possibly be hiding?”

“I don’t get it, Russ. We might have a serial killer here. Do youwantthe case to fail?”

“I just think you’re overreacting a little.” Russ rested his elbows on the desk. “Why are you letting Avery get under your skin? This isn’t like you. Even good cops make mistakes—you know that.”

Colly winced and looked away. “Yeah. And I know how severe the consequences can be.”

“Avery needs to learn a little discipline, that’s all. I’ll talk to her. She’ll come around.”

Chapter 15

Outside, the air had grown muggy and still. The flags drooped on the pole in front of the station. A flat gray haze hung low overhead, hinting of rain later on. Colly, fidgety with anger, paced the parking lot. When her clothes began to cling to her skin, she leaned against the police cruiser and looked around. Nothing moved on Market Street except for a mail truck trundling down the block. The only living thing in sight was a female grackle busily plucking insects from the grille of an SUV a few yards away. As Colly watched, a male bird landed on the gravel beneath and began to strut, puffing his iridescent blue-black feathers and fluttering his wings in a courtship dance until the annoyed female retreated to the branches of a nearby oak.

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