Page 33 of Seeking Evil

“No need to bother him.” Patrick said and stepped back, much to Zeke’s surprise.

“Have a great day, Sheriff.” She waved, then picked up the phone. “Dr. Flannigan’s office.”

Zeke and Cooper exchanged a curious look before stepping outside.

“What’s going on, Sheriff? We need the doctor’s approval to search his house.”

“Unless we believe someone is in danger inside.”

Zeke widened his eyes. “Why didn’t you want the doctor to cooperate?” Had Patrick seen something they hadn’t?

Patrick scanned their surroundings. “I saw a photo in the office behind the receptionist’s desk. Doc is a mountain climber.”

The news took a second to filter through and register. His emotions were clouding his skills. He should have seen the photo. “The doctor would know the culture. Be able to blend into it. You said yourself he can put anyone at ease.”

“Exactly. Like our victims,” Cooper concluded. “We need to search his place now.”

“I’ll have Deb get us a warrant so that every base is covered. I don’t want anything getting thrown out by a defense attorney because we didn’t follow procedure.” The sheriff called it in while Zeke and Cooper waited.

“I can’t believe our killer is a seventy-year-old man.” Cooper clearly had doubts.

Zeke understood his hesitation. “It’s hard to get beyond the age thing, but he’s clearly in top physical shape. As a doctor, he’d know how to take care of himself.”

“And how to incapacitate his victims.”

The suggestion settled uneasily around Zeke as Patrick ended the call. “Let’s roll. Deb’s going to a judge we trust.” He unlocked the cruiser and got inside while Zeke and Cooper scrambled to pile in.

“You think getting a warrant won’t be easy?” Zeke watched Patrick ease from the parking spot and head out the opposite way they’d come.

“Doc’s well respected in town. Most people love him.” Patrick made a series of turns before leaving the town of Pinedale behind. “Deb will get it. I just worry if Doc’s going to know about it before we get there.”

“I’m calling our people out to assist.”

Patrick looked his way. “They’re already on the way, along with Deputy Drake. Unfortunately, he had to leave the climbing sight for now. But there are roadblocks set up as well as signs prohibiting climbing until further notice. Hopefully, it will be enough.”

Zeke stared out the windshield as the rugged, wide-open Wyoming countryside spread out before them.

It was a reach tying Robert Flannigan to the disappearances. The mountain-climbing aspect was compelling. Still, Zeke’s gut wouldn’t let him go all-in. They were missing something critical that tied the past with this moment.

“I’ve got Deb and Megan looking through CCTV footage from around town. Maybe she can pick up something that will confirm if we’re on the right track or not.”

“Both Doc and Irv have lived here for years. They’d know what areas to avoid,” Cooper reminded them.

“You think Irv is working with Flannigan?” Zeke thought about the suggestion. “Irv has a record. Flannigan might know that. If he used Irv to help then I think he would have to have a way to ensure Irv didn’t run to the police.”

“Maybe Irv did something that Doc witnessed and used it as blackmail.” Patrick pulled off the road.

“Why are you stopping?” Zeke asked.

Patrick pointed up ahead. “That’s Doc’s place. I’m waiting for confirmation on the warrant and our backup.”

Zeke focused on the large house that was set off the road and backdropped by mountains. “How long has he lived here?”

“Since he moved to Pinedale after graduating from medical school.” Patrick tossed him a look. “He and his wife attended church. Doc treated those who couldn’t afford to pay for free. He’s loved in town.” Patrick shook his head. “I don’t want to believe it’s him. I sure hope I’m wrong.” He glanced at the rearview mirror. “There they are.” No sooner had he spoken the words than his phone beeped in a message. “We have the warrant.”

The lead vehicle with Patrick’s deputy pulled up next to them. Drake rolled down his passenger window.

His people stopped behind the deputy.

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