Page 41 of Crossing Lines

“Hope you don’t mind if I eat.” Vicky held up the triangular half sandwich she’d been working on. Ham and cheese on white bread. “I only take a half hour.”

“Not at all,” Sam said.

Lucy gazed longingly at the sandwich.

“Hi, there. I’ve seen you around town.” Vicky leaned over and put her hand out. Lucy sniffed it then glanced up at the sandwich in her other hand.

“That’s not for you, Lucy.” Jo called the dog back to her side.

Sam got right down to business. “Thanks for taking the time to talk to us. We’re trying to piece together what Kirsten Stillwell did the night she was killed. Did you see her that night?”

Vicky’s face turned sad, and she nodded. “Yeah, I talked to her for a bit, but I’m afraid I don’t know much about what else she did. She was at the party, I saw her around the fire, but I can’t really tell you anything specific. I wasn’t paying much attention.”

“Understandable. Do you remember seeing her with Ricky Webster?”

Vicky made a face. “I actually never met him, so I’m not sure what he looks like.”

“Was she with someone you didn’t know?” Jo asked.

Vicky took the last nibble of her sandwich and thought as she chewed. “I don’t think so. I know pretty much everyone and don’t remember anyone unfamiliar, but it’s also hard to tell when it’s dark with only the fire for light. Some people stand on the fringes, and you can’t see who they are.”

Jo pulled out her phone and scrolled to a picture of Ricky Webster she’d gotten from the internet. She showed it to Vicky. “Did you see this person at the party or with Kirsten?”

Vicky frowned at the picture. “He looks vaguely familiar, but I don’t think so.” Then her eyes grew wide, and she took in a breath. “Is that the guy who… who…”

“We’re not sure who abducted Miss Stillwater,” Jo said.

“But you think whoever did this was at the party, don’t you?” Vicky put down the chip she was about to eat, her attention riveted on Sam and Jo for the answer.

“The party is the last place she was seen, and we can’t find anyone who saw her leave. We don’t know if the killer was there.” Sam pulled out his WRPD card with his number on it. “If you think of anything that might help, will you let us know?”

Vicky put the card down in front of her and picked up her phone. “Of course. I’ll put you in my contacts.”

“We might want you to look at some pictures later,” Sam said.

“Yes, any time.” Vicky held up the phone. “Okay. I have you in here, so if you call, I’ll be sure to pick up. I want to do anything I can to help.”

Lucy trotted over to Vicky at the distressed sound in her voice and nuzzled her hand. Vicky patted her, relaxing slightly, then looked up at Sam and Jo. “If Kirsten’s killer is running around out here, I wonder if it’s safe?”

“He might not still be here, or the killer might have targeted her for some specific reason. Someone with a grudge maybe.” Jo tried to reassure her. “Still, I’d be extra careful until the case is solved. No going to parties in the woods alone. Or maybe even at all.”

Vicky nodded, her gaze drifting over Jo’s shoulder, searching the area as if expecting the killer to suddenly appear. “Maybe I should do all my hanging out with friends earlier in the day before dark.”

“That might be a smart idea,” Sam said. “We’ll let you finish the rest of your lunch.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

The day didn’t get any better for Sam and Jo. Mayor Henley Jamison was waiting for them in the lobby of the station when they returned. He was feeding Major cat treats.

“Are you teaching him a trick?” Jo’s expression was incredulous as she watched the cat sitting calmly in front of Henley as he tossed treats down.

“Nah. Cats don’t do tricks.” Jamison threw the last treat, and Major shot a look at Sam and Jo as if to say, “See, that’s how it’s done,” then hissed at Lucy before trotting off to the squad room.

“Did you come here to feed the cat?” Sam asked.

“No. Something much worse. Bascomb is making a lot of noise about getting Thorne out of jail.”

“He can’t actually get him out, can he?” Sam asked. “I mean, the drug charges are still going to stand even if the murder charges don’t hold up.”

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