Solitude Creek (Kathryn Dance 4)

Dance sighed.

"Good theory, though, boss. You've got two more fatalities at Solitude Creek. Maybe they were the intended victims."

O'Neil said, "We thought of that and I looked at them, TJ. One was a college student, one was a woman in her twenties--there with a bachelorette party. No motive that we could find."

"Back to Square A. You need me in the office, boss?"

"No. Just track down that company in Nevada, the one doing the surveying work at Solitude Creek. Give me an update in the morning."

"Will do, boss." He disconnected.

O'Neil seemed preoccupied.

Dance looked at the time. She said, "Oh, wanted to ask. You do any more thinking about Maggie's talent show? Tonight at seven?"

We might have plans. I'll let you know. Bring a friend?

"Oh, I should've mentioned. Can't make it. Tell her I'm sorry."

"Sure. No worries."

Together they walked out of the office and made their way to the exit. Dance noticed the Guzman Connection task force conference room was dark, Foster, Steve Two, Allerton and Gomez gone for the night.

In the parking lot O'Neil and Dance walked to their cars, parked beside each other.

"What a case, hmm?"

"Yep," he replied. They stood together for a moment. Then he said, "'Night."

That was all. She nodded. They got into the cruiser and the Pathfinder, respectively, and without another look they drove to the highway and turned in different directions.

A half hour later she was home.

"Mom!" Maggie was waiting on the front porch.

Dance had called and told her daughter she was on the way. But the girl looked agitated. Had she been concerned that Dance was going to be late? Or was she troubled that her mother had shown up on time and there was no excuse to miss the show? Even though Maggie'd changed her mind about singing at the show Dance knew she wasn't looking forward to it.

"Give me a few minutes and then we'll be on our way. Go get dressed."

Her daughter had a special costume for the event.

Together they walked inside and the girl disappeared into her room. Dance kissed Boling.

He whispered, "How're you feeling?" Touching her face gently.

"Fine. You?"

"My bandage's bigger than your bandage."

She laughed and kissed him again. "We'll compare bruises later." She saw Wes and Donnie on the back porch. They weren't playing their game but intently looking over a Japanese comic. "Hi, boys!"

"Hi, Mrs. Dance."

"Hey, Mom."

"We leave in fifteen. Donnie, you want to come to Maggie's class's show? At the grade school. It's at seven. We can have you home by nine."

"No, that's okay. I've gotta get home."