Page 64 of The Killing Plains

“Right now?”

“I want to talk to Lowell.”

“He’s not at the plant—he’s supervising an installation.”

“Where?”

There was another silence. “You should get checked for a concussion first.”

“Where’s the goddamn installation, Russ?”

She heard him sigh. “You’ve had a head injury. I’ll take you.”

“What happened to you staying out of things?”

“I said I’d try. Don’t bring Avery. Lowell will be more candid if it’s just you and me.”

“I’ll be at the station in ten.” Colly hung up.

“No way,” Avery spluttered after hearing the plan. “I’m coming, too.”

Colly shook her head. “I want you at the turbine plant. Find Jimmy Meggs, take him along for backup. With Lowell gone, it’s the perfect time to interview the workers.”

Avery’s eyes widened. “What do I ask?”

“Get them talking, see what turns up. Jace didn’t tell us the whole truth about why he got fired. I want the real scoop.”

Chapter 18

The electronic sign at the Ranchland Community Bank across the street read “12:04 p.m., 84 °” when Colly pulled into the police station parking lot.

She found Russ staring out of his office window and speaking quietly into his phone. When she cleared her throat, he shoved the phone abruptly into his pocket and said with brisk cheerfulness, “Hungry? I thought we could—” His eyes widened. “Damn.”

“What is it?”

He nodded towards a small mirror behind the door. Colly glanced at her reflection. Since she’d checked it at the trailer park, the swelling on her forehead had doubled in size and turned a mottled purple-blue.

She touched it gingerly. It felt puffy and loose, like an under-filled water balloon. She pressed harder, and a bolt of pain blazed along her brow ridge. “Ow!”

“You need a doctor.”

“I’m fine. I took ibuprofen.”

“Randy always said you were the stubbornest woman on earth, besides Momma.” Russ grabbed his hat. “Let’s get some ice on it, at least.”

On the way out, they cut through the breakroom, where Russ rummaged in the freezer for a cold pack.

“Whew, it’s as hot as yesterday—and even more humid,” he said as they climbed into the SUV.

Colly fastened her seatbelt. “Where are we going?”

“The bluffs. They’re installing turbines east of the ravine.”

“Good spot. Wind’s always howling up there.”

Russ pulled out onto Market Street. “That’s where Randy proposed, isn’t it?”

Ignoring the question, Colly rummaged for her sunglasses. “You’re hiding something. Is it about Lowell?”

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