Page 78 of Save Her Life

“Still, he took a risk coming here to dump the body,” Brice put in. “Early risers could have spotted him.”

Sandra turned to her colleague. “I was thinking the same. We could hit the press and make a public petition asking for anyone who might have seen something suspicious here this morning to come forward. Not that I have a doubt who is behind this, but it can help build the case against him. Someone might have seen Olivia.”

“We can’t go to the media. It’s too risky. It could push Jennings into doing something rash,” Brice countered.

Eric was nodding when she turned to him. Guess her suggestion was vetoed, but Brice had made a good point. She said to Eric, “Obviously, you weren’t on this case from the start?” She trusted that he’d have called her long ago if he had been.

“No. I called the moment I found out who it was. I became aware of it when I heard some uniformed cops talking about a DB found in the park related to a BOLO issued by the feds. I had a feeling and followed it up.”

“Yet, Metro PD still worked the crime scene without calling the FBI?” she asked.

“I can’t account for other people, Sandra. I called once I verified things.”

“And I appreciate that.” And she did. She was grateful to have him in her corner. “Time and cause of death?”

“TOD was pegged between four and seven AM. COD seems straightforward. Gunshot between the eyes.”

“Execution style. And the time tells me that Lonnie must have killed him around the point of first contact.” The thought of him being so unstable and having her daughter in his hands was too much to contemplate.Squeeze it out… Focus on cold detachment. Paint the picture of a random kidnapping…“Jennings has proven again that he can be unpredictable, whiletaking deliberate action. That of the murder itself, but also the dump location, were given thought. He chose here, close to my home as a power move. But to get Eaton’s body here, he likely would have left Olivia alone wherever he’s holding her. He must be confident that she can’t escape.” As she rattled this off, she realized just how frightened she should be that Jennings’s emotions were driving him. Greed, anger, impatience… The latter might be the worst of them all. “And by leaving Eaton, his childhood friend there”—she flicked a finger toward the center of the labyrinth—“he’s making it clear he’s finished waiting. He will kill anyone who stands between him and that gold.” Her mind flashed back to that photo of the three teens sporting smiles and fishing gear. If Jennings was willing to kill Eaton, the outlook wasn’t good for Olivia. “But if he thinks he’s in control, he has another thing com—” Sandra’s phone rang, cutting off her brave statement. Just the sound of the trill sent ice through her veins. “It’s him,” she said at seeingBlocked Numberon the screen. She turned away, and Eric stepped up next to her, standing so close their arms were touching. She appreciated his strong presence.

“I assume you found my friend by now.”

She looked around her as goosebumps traipsed over her shoulders and down her arms.Is he here now, watching from the shadows?“Why did you do it?”

Jennings laughed. “Why do you think? The guy was as dumb as a stump, and I’m done playing Mr. Nice Guy.”

“What do you want, Lonnie? I’m working on what you asked me for.” Though she imagined the reason for his call was to gloat about Eaton’s murder and to ensure she got the message. If Jennings was trying to communicate that he was a killer, she received it loud and clear.

“Glad to hear it. Then no one else needs to die.”

She gripped her phone tighter, as tears of hatred pooled in her eyes. She nudged out her chin, a blister of defiance buoying her. “I plan to talk with Darrell and get you what you want, but how can I trust that you’ll keep your word? That you will return my daughter safely to me? After all, you killed someone who was a friend.”

“We talked about that. It boils down to the fact I don’t have patience for people who piss me off or are no longer useful. Just make good on your end, Special Agent Vos, and you and your daughter will have nothing to worry about. And remember,tick tock.” He hung up.

She lowered her phone. A few tears fell as she stared into the distance, not focused on anything. Eric took her hand, his fingertips dancing over hers, despite their audience.

“Sandra,” Eric prompted. “Talk to me. Tell me what’s going on.”

“I’ll tell you what,” she said with heat, removing her hand from Eric’s. “Everything is taking too freaking long. Where’s my approval to see Patton?” She paced in a circle. “I can’t wait anymore. Not while my Olivia is…” She gripped her forehead, and she noticed Brice shrink away to let her have privacy with Eric. She was hyperventilating inside, and clearly losing it on the outside, but she needed to cut herself some slack. How could she expect to hold herself together every second with Olivia out there? Her phone rang again, and Eric tried to ease it from her hand. She started to release it but caught the name of her caller. “No, it’s okay. It’s Elwood.” She picked up. “Tell me I’ve got the green light to talk to Patton.”

“It’s arranged. Patton’s all yours tonight. No lawyers, no recordings, nothing. What time do you think you could get there?”

“Give me three and a half hours.” That was the time it would take to drive there if she left immediately. She could try to do this by video, but some things were better handled in person.

“So around eight o’clock then. Are you sure this is something you need to handle face to face? Wouldn’t a video conference do the job? You haven’t slept for hours. Should you really be driving?”

She probably shouldn’t be, but she was also hopped up on adrenaline. “I’ll be fine. As for the deal on the table…?”

“The one that lets him walk from armed robbery? Only as the last resort.”

“Understood. And thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. Godspeed.”

She pocketed her phone and looked at Eric and Brice. “I need to get to the prison to meet with Patton.”

“I’ll drive you,” Brice said.

She shook her head. “I’ll take myself.”

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