Page 26 of Lana

“Are you going to tell me what this is about now?” Graham asked, folding his hands on the table.

“A woman arrived at the converted church house on Castle Road earlier this evening. She had multiple stab wounds,” Mitch said, as Graham’s eyes widened.

Mitch took a breath. “We knew she couldn’t have run far in that injured state, so we started canvassing the area. Your property—the old shed on the boundary—was searched by officers,” Mitch said slowly, watching him carefully.

Graham didn’t react. His body language didn’t change; he didn’t visibly swallow.

“And?” Graham asked.

“And blood was found on a table in the center of the shed, as well as other items of interest,” Mitch said.

Graham’s jaw dropped open. “The old shed on the corner? I haven’t opened that in years,” he said, his voice thick. “Human blood?” he asked, then stilled. “You think I stabbed the woman?”

“That’s not what I’m saying,” Mitch said quickly. “But that shed is on your property.”

“But I haven’t been in there for years... I’m surprised it’s still standing. It houses an old tractor I doubt even works.”

Mitch knew there was no tractor in that shed—the other side of the drywall had been searched and it was empty. However, dirt on the floor showed a vehicle had been parked in there recently.

“When did you put up the drywall?” Mitch asked.

Graham looked at him like he’d grown two horns. “What are you talking about?”

“A wall divides the interior of the shed,” Mitch said.

Graham blinked. “I didn’t put up a wall. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Mitch had a terrible feeling about this. If Graham really hadn’t been to that shed in years, someone else had—but the shed was on Graham’s property.

“Is there anything you want to tell me?” Mitch asked, accurately predicting Graham’s response.

Fire lit up his eyes. “Like what?” he almost yelled.

Mitch straightened again. “Like the murder of eight women in Redwater.”

Graham’s eyes doubled in size yet again.

Mitch continued. “Officers and a forensics team are searching the property. I have to hold you until further notice,” he said. What he really meant was he had to hold him until he confirmed if the blood samples were human blood and if they matched any of the victims in the woods or Camilla. If they did, then Graham would be arrested.

“This is my job,” Mitch reminded him. “This is a criminal investigation and your property is at the center of it. I’m not saying I believe you did it, but it doesn’t look good,” he said, as gently but firmly as possible. He wanted Graham to hire a lawyer, because he might have the fight of his life coming up.

Graham’s jaw jutted out. “Finish searching my shed, then find whoever did this, because it wasn’t me. And when you find him, bring him to me. I’d like to have a chat with him.”

Mitch disregarded the last sentence. If Graham was indeed innocent, he couldn’t blame him for being angry. Mitch would be livid if he were in Graham’s situation.

The best thing Mitch could do to help Graham was to find the person responsible for so much death and pain. So far, Zoe was the only family member he’d spoken to, but many more families would soon receive the devastating news—news that would change their family forever. Camilla’s family would unfortunately join this club: a club no one would ever want to be a part of.

“I need you to stay here at the station until I can let you go,” Mitch said.

Graham slumped back in his chair, resigned to his temporary fate. He looked to Mitch, his anger visibly fading.

“Let me know what I can do to help,” he said with a bristle of agitation, but it was a far cry from the anger he’d shown a few minutes ago.

“Stay here for a moment,” Mitch said as he stood, indicating for the officer to join him.

They closed the door behind them, locking it. Mitch walked toward his office, the officer joining him.

“Thoughts?” Mitch asked, wanting an opinion other than the one in his potentially biased mind.

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