Page 42 of Among the Innocent

Dalton moved to the front of the room. “I know it’s been a long couple of days and we’re all tired. For those of you who don’t know, there was a sighting of the killer at the St. Ignatius Mission.” Dalton told them all about the incident. “Unfortunately, there were no fingerprints or DNA left behind. The feed from the surveillance cameras was a bust. He knew where they were and how to avoid them.”

Dalton pointed to Ethan. “Were you able to speak to the car’s owner?”

Ethan confirmed. “I did. The guy said the car was parked at his farm in the barn. He said he rarely used it and didn’t even realize it was missing for a while. The local PD backed up his story.”

Another in a series of dead ends.

“Listen, I know we’re all working overtime as it is, but we can’t afford to let up. I appreciate what you’re doing. Get some food. And we’ve set up extra cots in one of the conferencerooms, so grab sleep when you can. Ethan, I’d like for you to relieve Sam. Watch your backs, everyone. This guy is dangerous, and we don’t know where he might strike.” His eyes surveyed the men and women. Would they be ready for what the killer would throw at them next? His head ached. The world around him swam in his exhaustion.

“You need rest.”

He turned to find Leah watching him.

“Come on. It’s about time you got settled into my house. Maybe we can grab something to eat, and I’ll get Kitty and take her to Marge’s.”

Dalton’s stomach rumbled in answer to her words. “Food does sound good, but I think it’s best if I stick with you at Marge’s. We’ll stop by after we eat and get the cat.”

She slowly smiled. “There’s a greasy spoon around the corner. They make a mean burger, unless you’re a vegetarian.”

He laughed. “I’m not, and that sounds pretty awesome.”

She held out her hand. “Give me the keys. I’ll drive.”

Dalton was just tired enough to let her. He slid into the passenger seat. As afternoon faded to evening, Leah pulled out onto the street and drove a short distance before turning the corner. The name of the restaurant was the Rusty Penny, and it looked like it’d seen better days.

He eyed the sign doubtfully.

Beside him, Leah laughed and got out. “Trust me. You’ll like it.”

He hesitated briefly before exiting the vehicle.

The restaurant appeared to have been a saloon in another life. A long bar ran across one wall with stools. The floors were scuffed wood. The ceilings were high and covered with tin. The walls were adorned with photos from around the area.

A woman who had to be in her eighties waved at Leah from behind the bar. “Take your usual seat. I’ll be right over.”

“Thanks, Gladys.” Leah headed past the handful of patrons to the back of the building and to one of the booths lining the wall.

“You must be a regular.” Dalton slid in across from her and admired the view of the mountains from the windows.

“I am. I’m embarrassed to say I’m a terrible cook, and I enjoy food too much to suffer through my own cooking.”

He chuckled at her description.

Gladys approached with menus. “Who’s your friend?” She pointed to Dalton.

Leah wore an amused look on her face. “This is the new police chief, Dalton Cooper. Dalton, meet Gladys.”

“Nice to meet you, Gladys.”

The woman grunted. Dalton held out his hand only to have it ignored.

“We’ll have two Cokes and two burgers.”

Gladys ambled away without a word.

“She’s a cheerful one. Does she have a last name?”

Leah laughed. “Probably, but I’ve been coming here for years and all I’ve ever heard was Gladys.”

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