“I’m dying for one.” Jenna could see the kitchen down a passageway toward the back of the house. “Mmm, I can smell it brewing from here.”
“You might as well sit down and rest awhile. Pete’s car will need water and time to cool down before you leave. I’ll get Dirk to take a look at it while we’re chatting.”
She moved along the passageway, noticing the lived-in yet clean look of the sitting room. Dirk Daniels was at the table sharpening his hunting knife; both men smelled as if they had just stepped out of the shower. “Hey.”
“Mornin’. What brings you to our humble abode?”
The kitchen had dirty plates on the table and she pushed them to one side and took a seat. She examined his wickedly handsome face. This man could charm the legs off a donkey. “I came to speak to you about Sarah Woodward’s murder.”
“Nasty business.” Dirk ran the blade down the whetstone and examined the edge. “I guess you’ve come here to tell us we’ll get the job of cleaning up the mess?”
Uncomfortable by his nonchalant attitude following a brutal murder, she leaned back in her chair. “I’m sure there are cleaners of crime scenes available. I’ll make enquiries if you like?”
“Sure, enquire away, but not many locals will go near the place.” Dirk sheathed the blade at his waist then pushed to his feet. “Did I hear Dean mention you came here in Pete’s cruiser?”
“Yes, I’m driving it for a couple of days.” She grimaced. “I’m waiting for a replacement but you know insurance companies, it could be a month or so. I wish the mayor would supply the funds for a couple of new vehicles. SUVs would be more suitable. The old car outside barely goes over fifty.”
“If you pushed the old girl, she’ll need tending.” Dirk pulled on a pair of black leather gloves then held out his hand. “Give me the keys. I’ll refill the radiator before you leave.” His gaze moved from her face to rest on her breasts. “I wouldn’t want you stranded out there in the snow.” He raised his attention back to her face and rolled his wide shoulders. “We’re a long way off the main highway and no cellphone coverage. You’d be a popsicle before morning.”
“I’ve already had one close call. I don’t fancy another one, especially as I dropped by without informing my deputies.” Jenna pulled the front of her jacket closed then reached in her pocket for the keys. She dropped them into Dirk’s hand and offered him a smile. “Thank you.” The memory of finding John Helms’s battered body flashed into her mind and she wondered how much Pete Daniels had told his brothers about the case. “Did Pete mention the other murder? John Helms? Apparently he was looking for work in the area.”
“Pete chatters like a monkey every time he visits. I tend to turn off most times.” Dirk shrugged. “People don’t drop in here looking for work. I told you that the last time you
came by. We are a little too isolated for casual callers.”
Jenna remembered the visit and Dean’s problem with a horse. The poor thing was making an awful noise. “How is the horse now? The one giving birth and having a hard time?”
“Dean put it out of its misery.” Dirk flicked a glance at his brother then back to her. “I told him you’d be asking after that horse. Damn shame, it was fun to ride.”
Mortified, Jenna frowned. “I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll have a new one for him real soon.” Dean turned from the bench to look at her over one shoulder. “How do you like your coffee?”
“Make sure you give her our special blend, not the instant garbage.” Dirk’s mouth curled at the edges. “I’d say she likes her coffee strong and sweet.”
“You’re right about sweet, I’d like three sugars, please, and cream if you have it?”
“Sure have.” Dean gave his brother a meaningful look and indicated toward the front door with his chin. “I’ll sit and chat to Jenna while you check out the cruiser.”
“I’m not sure about leaving you alone with an armed woman.” Dirk wiggled his eyebrows at her. “She might be more than you can handle.”
Jenna grinned at him. “I’m sure I can control myself for the next ten minutes or so.”
“Go, or we’ll be here all night.” When Dirk headed for the door, Dean slid into the chair opposite. “Now what’s all this about slipping away from the office without telling anyone? Had a spat with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Efficient?”
Jenna took the steaming mug from him and smiled. “Sort of.” She leaned back in her chair. “I just needed to get away from the job for an hour or so.”
“So, what brought you to our doorstep? You mentioned the girl, Sarah, someone?”
“Yeah, Sarah Woodward. She had a list of properties her grandmother apparently visited, and your contact number was on a piece of paper in her purse. I wondered if she called or dropped by last Monday.” She sipped the coffee and sighed. The rich brew slid across her taste buds and she took another drink. “Man, this is nice coffee. It’s like a warm hug.”
“Is Sarah the name of the murdered girl?” Dean inclined his head, watching her closely. “Some woman called. She didn’t give her name but asked if we’d shown an old woman a property we had for sale. I thought she had the wrong number.” He shrugged. “I had no idea what she was talking about until Pete called me on Monday about the murder at the Old Mitcham Ranch. He told me he’d put the place on the market as a surprise. Of course, I called John Davis and removed it from the listing.” He shook his head. “You know, for a deputy, Pete was stupid. I mean, what idiot does something like that without discussing it with the family?”
Jenna peered at him over the rim of the mug. “He is a little naive. I guess most people are at his age.”
“Like Pete? Nah, we are the complete opposite. He’s soft like our mother, a useless excuse for a man. You should have seen him when she died, man, he cried like a baby. I don’t know how you cope with him. You are aware he tells us every intimate detail of your life? He doesn’t know when to keep his mouth shut.”
Taken aback by his anger toward his brother, she blinked in surprise. “I had some idea he relayed information to you but he is young and inexperienced. I’ll soon whip him into shape.”