Page 44 of Seeking Evil

“Do you mind me asking what this is about Patrick?”

“Not at all.” Patrick kept eye contact locked in. “Doc, are you aware of the women who have gone missing recently?”

Flannigan frowned. “I wasn’t aware that there was more than one.” He crossed his legs. Still at ease.

“A second woman has gone missing after spending time at the Wind Ridge climbing areas. We believe that whoever took them is knowledgeable in climbing.” Patrick waited a tick before asking Flannigan about his climbing experiences. “I understand you’ve been climbing for years. When was the last time you were at the site?”

Flannigan’s frown deepened. He scratched his chin. “Months. I’ve been busy. We had that outbreak of flu recently. Plus, I haven’t really had the desire since my wife passed.”

The sheriff brought up the photo of Sierra and showed it to Flannigan. “This is Special Agent Sierra Parker. She’s one of the missing women.”

Zeke’s pulse quickened as he waited for Flannigan to answer.

“I’ve never seen her before. I’m sorry to hear she’s missing, but I’m not sure what this has to do with me. She’s not one of my patients.”

“No, she’s not a patient, but we did find something interesting at your house. A strap.”

Flannigan uncrossed his legs and sat up straighter. “What are you getting at, Patrick? I have lots of things in my house. Why were you there?”

“We had a search warrant. That’s where we found the strap that matches one we found near where we believe Sierra Parker was kidnapped. There was a tow truck on your property as well. We believe it was used to kidnap the women.”

Flannigan’s eyes widened. “You think I had something to do with these women’s disappearances?” Flannigan rose. “I’m insulted, Patrick. I thought we were friends.” He headed for the door.

“Where are you going, Doc?”

Flannigan opened the door. “Back to work. Unless you have something to hold me on, I’m leaving.” He stormed from the room before Zeke could get a good read off the doctor.

“What do you think?” He turned to Megan, their primary profiler.

“He showed all the right reactions of someone who is innocent.” She shook her head. “He’s either very good at lying or he’s innocent.”

And if Flannigan was innocent, then where did that leave them?

Chapter Seventeen

“Go back to the cabin and get some rest,” Jack told him. “We’ll sleep in shifts. Megan and I will keep working on the case.”

Zeke started to protest when Jack held up a hand. “We’ll call if anything breaks. You’re running on fumes, Zeke. You’re no good to Sierra like this.” He looked at Cooper. “You and Hannah too.”

Cooper put his arm around his wife. “I’ll drive.” He eyed his partner as if daring him to argue.

Zeke knew when he was beaten. But sleep? He doubted that it would be possible again until they had Sierra safely home.

He grabbed his bag from where he’d left it and waited while Cooper and Hannah did the same.

Outside, darkness had descended on the town. His watch said the time was almost ten. Sierra had been missing more than a day. Zeke tried not to spiral at the thought.

He got in the back. Cooper backed out and drove through the deserted streets of Pinedale until they reached the Wind River Cabins.

Zeke realized they’d gone straight to the sheriff’s station. No one had keys to their rooms.

“Looks like the office is still open.” Zeke got out and went inside with Cooper and Hannah. “Hello? Anyone here?”

Inez, the owner of the establishment, appeared through a curtained space. She smiled as she drew near.

“Well, hello. I’ve been expecting you all.” Inez moved behind the counter. “I have your cabins ready. I was told there were two couples and one single.” She looked at Zeke. “That must be you.” She handed him a key on a wooden key holder without realizing her words sliced through his heart.

“Thanks.”

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