Page 310 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

“Not since my Herbert died thirty years ago.”

“Have you had any contractors out to do work on them?”

“No.” She frowned. “Why do you ask?”

“One of your buildings appears to be in perfect condition. Thirty years of neglect should’ve left it in disrepair. I can’t disclose any information, but we’re investigating one of your neighbors, and I’d appreciate it if you’d give me permission to search your land and buildings.”

“I saw the news, sonny. It’s the mechanic next door you’re after.”

He smiled but didn’t respond.

“Let me guess. You cannot confirm or deny?”

“That’s right, ma’am.”

“You have my permission. Check anywhere you’d like. If that Parson’s fellow is doing something illegal on my land, I want to know about it.”

“Sure thing. We’ll certainly let you know if we find anything on your property.”

“What are you waiting for? Go check it out.”

He chuckled. “Thank you, Mrs. McHenry.”

After gainingpermission from Mrs. McHenry, Wade took a walk around her property, glancing into greenhouses and storage sheds. When he reached a long building with modern solar panels on the roof. He slowed his steps and listened. There was a buzzing sound. He removed his weapon from the holster, crept forward, and peered into the building through a space between two slats. A man sat at a desk in the corner staring at a computer screen. This had to be where Parsons was keeping Jamie. The space was definitely in use.

He returned to his car and requested backup. Then he hurried back to the house to let the property owner know her land would soon be overrun with law-enforcement personnel.

Backup arrived and Trooper John Cunningham was among them. “Good to see you, Cunningham.” Wade shook hands with the state trooper. Then they took a few minutes to plan their entry. They didn’t know if anyone other than the man at the desk was in the building, so they had to be prepared for anything. They worked out the details, and it was decided that after they breached the door two troopers would enter before him. Two others would remain outside to catch Parsons if he fled. Oneof the officers tried the door, and it opened easily. The slight squeak caught the attention of the man at the desk, and he turned, pointing his Glock directly at Wade’s chest. Before the man could take another breath, he’d been dispatched. John’s hands trembled. Wade glanced down at the man on the floor. Bile rose in the back of his throat. If it wasn’t for Cunningham, it would be him on the ground.

He studied the dead man’s face. It wasn’t Parsons. He moved to John’s side and placed a hand on his arm. “You saved my life.”

“You’re wearing your vest.”

“Do you need to sit the rest of this out?” Wade asked.

“I’m good.” He tucked his service weapon back into his holster and wiped his hands on his uniform pants.

Wade looked at the screen the man had been watching. It showed a room with four banquet tables. Women were huddled in the far corner of the room. The gunshot had no doubt frightened them.

John Cunningham spoke from over his shoulder. “By my count, there’s twenty-four ladies down there.”

“Looks like they’re packaging cocaine.”

“You think they’re willing participants?”

“Doubt it.” Wade sighed. “Let’s move.”

They tried the door leading downstairs, but it had a fancy biometric lock on it. “See if you can open it using his fingerprint,” John said.

“We have an officer-involved shooting. We should document the scene before we can move him.” Wade groaned. This was going to take precious time they didn’t have. “Let’s see if we can find another way in.” They couldn’t locate another way in or out.

He might be reprimanded later, but he made an executive decision. “I’m moving the body. If any of you want to leave, you can go now.” His gaze swept the room. Nobody left, so he hooked his arms through the man’s armpits and dragged him over tothe door. Taking his right hand, he placed his forefinger on the biometric lock. It opened.

John led the way down the narrow staircase. Seeing their service weapons, the ladies raised their hands over their heads. When they reached them, several spoke at the same time in a language unfamiliar to Wade. One of the younger women pushed to the front of the group, keeping her hands above her head.

“Do any of you speak English?”

The girl in front nodded.

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