Page 48 of Tough as Steele

Nate was thankful that Randy was accepting having Sierra on scene when many criminalists in his position would be resentful. Nate took a better look around. Fingerprint powder coated many of the surfaces, and Nate had to wonder if that was Sierra’s doing or Randy’s.

Londyn looked at Randy. “Did you have a chance to print the safe keypad in the office?”

Randy nodded. “I think we’ll find the prints belong to Mimi. They match the majority of prints lifted here, but I’ll let you know if I’m wrong on that.”

“We’ll be downstairs if you need us,” Nate said.

Sierra nodded, and her attention drifted back to the camera.

Nate headed for the door and waited for Londyn before starting down the steps. “I want to check in with the phone crew before we talk to Wendy.”

He jogged down the stairs and went into the family room, where empty coffee cups had piled up on the deputy’s table and the harsh smell of old coffee hung in the air. The men were talking about Winterhawks hockey, and Clarice was still zonked out. He approached the men, and Londyn hung back by the doorway.

“No calls, then?” Nate asked.

“Nothing,” the deputy said, sounding disappointed. “Not even friends or family calling to check in.”

Clarice stirred on the couch, and her eyes blinked open. She seemed confused and sat up, her eyes narrowing. “Nate. Did you find Mother?”

He went to sit next to her. “Not yet.”

“How long have I been out?” She looked at the clock above the fireplace. “Eight? I’ve been out all night. Did anyone call?”

“No.” He took her hand, and it was icy cold. “But they will.”

She gnawed on her lip and cut her gaze around the room. “What are they waiting for?”

“Likely trying to increase your worry so you’ll be more willing to pay.”

“Do you have any leads on who took her?” She ran her fingers through her hair, combing out the strands that curled just below her chin.

“Do you know a Silas Wigg or a Donald Gaskin?” he asked.

Her eyes flashed wide, the sleep gone. “Did they take my mother?”

“We don’t know yet.”

“I’ve never heard of them.” She lowered her hand to her lap. “You should ask Wendy about them. Or even Charles. Maybe they have something to do with the business.”

“I’ll do that,” he said, ending the discussion about the men. First, he didn’t want her to know someone connected to the investigation had been murdered. And anything he shared, she would tell Charles. That would lead to information spreading that Nate didn’t want to get out there, potentially compromising getting Mimi back. “Please don’t mention these names to Charles yet. I want to keep it quiet for now.”

She studied Nate’s face. “You don’t think Charles had anything to do with this, do you?”

“Not really,” he said. “Just know that we’re doing everything we can to find Mimi. Means I need to get back to work.”

She grabbed his arms. “You will find her in time, right?”

He forced a smile and took both of her hands in his, her skin soft from the pricey lotions she favored. “You know I will do my very best, and it was great that you insisted on having Londyn help out. Two heads are better than one.”

Clarice swiveled to look at Londyn. “Thank you for agreeing to help.”

“Of course.” Londyn gave a sharp nod.

Nate stood, but she held on to one of his hands. She didn’t want to be alone, but Nate had to get moving. “I smell bacon. I bet Cook is making breakfast for you. She’s sure to bring it in soon. Eat something. It’ll give you the energy your nerves will burn up.”

She squeezed his hand and let go.

“We’re stopping to talk to Wendy and then we’ll be in the office if you need us.” Nate crossed the room and gestured Londyn to go first down the hallway.

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