Page 48 of Shrouded Past

“Coffee’s ready.” Piper’s voice reflected the unsettling of her heart. “Does anyone want any?”

Several nodded. She went over with Bryce to fill the requests.

“Don’t give up,” he said once it was just the two of them. “We’ve only just scratched the surface.”

She believed him.

“I wonder if there are any photos from inside the house?” She realized the only memory she had of her visit to the family was the kitchen.

“Let’s find out.” He placed coffee on a tray and carried it over along with cream and sugar. Bryce asked about the house.

“Probably unlikely there’d be any. I’m sure Chaykovsky guards his privacy, but we can try.” Eli took the task and ran with it.

In the living room, the weather report captured Piper’s attention. She went to listen, along with Bryce and JT.

“Hurricane Henre is gathering strength, friends,” the weatherman said with a serious expression on his face. “It’s scheduled to miss New York and remain out in the ocean until it reaches Maine. Those of you on the outlying islands are advised to evacuate immediately. Here’s what you need to know to prep your home in light of the approaching storm. . . .”

“That’s not good.” JT lowered the sound. “I was hoping it would punch itself out before it reached the island.” He faced Piper and Bryce. “I’ve been through a storm like this before. It’s unpredictable. The brunt of the storm probably won’t strike the bay area, but the outer bands of high winds and rain will. We could have flooding and wind damage.”

“You think we should evacuate?” Piper wasn’t sure what the most frightening part of their options were. Facing the storm or putting themselves out there for a killer.

???

“We have a match.”Will’s excitement came through the line.

Thank You, God.Bryce thought to himself.They needed something to fall their way.

Bryce and the rest of the team gathered around JT.

“Edmon is definitely family. I had a rush put on the DNA, and we know he is a relative on your mother’s side. Which means, I’m about 99 percent sure Marina is your mother.”

But they didn’t have the name of the father. Bryce had a thought. “Is there any way we can try and match Piper’s DNA with someone in the Chaykovsky family?” He was pretty sure one of them had been arrested in the past.

“I’ll see what I can find out.” The wind noises in the background confirmed the storm was closing in. “I also contacted a DNA institute that uses genealogy DNA to track relatives of perps. That may take a while. If we can find a relative of Chaykovsky who’s been in prison, that would definitely streamline the process.” A gust of wind wiped away the rest of what Will said.

“Repeat that, Will?” JT said. “You cut out.”

“Sorry. It’s really getting ugly out here. The timeframe for Henre to make landfall has been moved up, according to emergency services. The road leading off the island is now packed. I think it’s safer to wait out the storm than to try and get off the island now.”

An uneasy feeling settled over Bryce. The decision had been taken from them. They were now at the storm’s mercy. Was the kidnapper still on the island? Bryce’s cop instincts told him the guy wasn’t going anywhere until he finished the job.

“Stay safe, Will. We’d better get the house ready for what may come.” JT ended the call. “Looks like we’re stuck here. I’m going to check on Rachel and Janine.” He called his wife. “Hey, honey. Where are you?”

“We should secure the windows.” Declan glanced out the kitchen window. “I’m sure the owner has some supplies for such an occasion.

“I’ll go with you to check.” Eli opened the back door.

Bryce volunteered to assist. He turned to Piper. “I’ll be right back.”

“Rachel and Janine are close. They managed to stop for supplies. Rachel said the traffic is bumper to bumper going through town.” JT told them.

“We’re just on our way to check for something to board the windows,” Eli told him.

“Good thinking. Katrina, can you stay with Piper?” He did his best not to frighten Piper further. “I’m sure he’s nowhere around, but I don’t think you need to be out in the open unnecessarily.”

She smiled at his concern. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

Bryce held her gaze for a long moment before he stepped out with the men.

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