Break the Silence (Detectives Kane and Alton)

“Maybe.” Kane shrugged.

Jenna sighed. “Now all we have to figure out is how he can get close to Lyons.”

“He tries out for the team. They’ll be looking for a replacement for Jacobs.” Kane turned at the end of the driveway onto Stanton Road. “I know he played football in high school and he’s fit. Worst case, he’ll be on the bench but will train with the guys. If he fits in, they might even ask him to move into their house.”

Jenna snorted. “That’s not a safe place to be if they discover he’s on the job.” She took her gaze away from the crowds as they drove into town and glanced at him. “I’ve been in deep; it’s deadly.” She sighed. “Maybe you should talk to him? It’s more like an order coming from me.”

“Sure. He’ll be at the autopsy.” Kane slowed as they passed the hot dog vendors on Main.

Jenna poked him in the arm. “Stop looking at the food. You just ate and we have an autopsy to attend.”

“Sure, sure.” Kane grinned at her. “I’m good. Emily always leaves cookies in Wolfe’s office.”

Twelve

Colt Webber had transferred to Black Rock Falls from Boston and spent a short time as deputy before taking Wolfe’s offer to become his assistant in the ME’s office. It was a complete change of career, but going back to college at twenty-nine to complete his studies in forensic science had been a breeze. He’d the added bonus—and salary—of remaining a deputy, being around if Sheriff Alton needed an extra hand. Neither he nor Wolfe had a problem in their dual roles; in fact, they all worked together like a well-oiled unit. He enjoyed working with Wolfe; the man’s font of expertise and easy Texan manner made each day an adventure. The course was becoming a breeze, and in one year’s time, he’d graduate.

In the morgue, he’d prepared the instrument tray and specimen receptacles, and had the corpse on the autopsy table, when he heard footsteps and voices in the hallway. It was a surprise when Kane beckoned him outside and they strolled into Wolfe’s office.

“We have a situation.” Kane leaned one hip on the edge of Wolfe’s desk.

Webber frowned, hoping he hadn’t been the cause, but Kane appeared animated rather than condescending. “What can I do to help?”

“Have you ever been undercover?” Kane folded his arms across his chest.

Webber shook his head. “Nope.”

“We need someone to get up close and personal with the college football team.” Kane’s serious expression unnerved him. “They don’t have an age limit, and you’re fit. How long since you played?”

Astounded by the request, Webber’s mind seemed to run in circles. “Ah, I played touch last weekend. I work out with Rowley every day. I’m fit.” He smiled. “You want me to try out for the team? How so?”

“Yeah, that’s the general idea. Of course, we’ll supply a tracker and anything else you need to get the information we require. It would be best if you avoid us and add any info you find to the case files. I’ll make sure to check them daily.” Kane narrowed his gaze. “We suspect Seth Lyons and his crew are raping girls off campus, and could be the reason behind Chrissie Lowe’s death.”

“I gathered that from the case file but you’ve no proof.” Webber stared at him. “If Chrissie hadn’t been under the shower, maybe we’d have found some trace evidence.” He let the battered image of Chrissie Lowe slip into his mind. “To get close, I’d need to get into their house, and they’re not going to risk divulging anything to a stranger.” He snorted. “I won’t get near Lyons. I’ll be on the bench. I don’t figure Coach would consider an old man like me for the team.”

“Did you know the coach is ex-military?” Kane’s smile spread over his face. “I’ve asked Wolfe to speak to him. You’ll be playing before you know it.” He gave him a direct stare. “The thing is, Colt, are you ready to step up and get the proof we need to stop these animals?” He stared him in the eyes. “It’s a request, not an order. You could be dealing with a killer.”

Webber considered the implications and dangers. He’d be running with the pack and would have to lower his own moral standards if what Kane said was true. “Yeah, I can take care of myself, but I’d need a damn good cover story. As sure as the sun rises in the morning someone will remember me being a deputy, and there’s no way they’ll discuss anything in front of me if they believe I’m still in law enforcement.”

“We’ve already worked on a cover story but we’ll keep it simple and as close to the truth as possible.” Kane straightened. “You arrived in town, moved in with your aunt; we’ll use Wolfe’s housekeeper if necessary as a cover. The scholarship is no secret, so go with that angle. You worked as a deputy for a time and then argued with me, so Jenna fired you. You figure I’m an arrogant asshole and you took the offer of a job with the ME.”

Webber grinned at him. “How did you know?”

“Arrogant, huh?” Kane laughed and headed for the door. “Touché.”

Thirteen

Attending two autopsies of young people in the same number of days disturbed Jenna. Sure, she held it together using her professional façade to cover her inner feelings, but deep down she held a yawning sorrow and some measure of responsibility for deaths that occurred in Black Rock Falls. She’d sworn an oath to do her best to keep the townsfolk safe and uphold the law, and yet two young people had died in unusual circumstances. If Wolfe ruled the cause of death for Jacobs accidental, and Chrissie’s a suic

ide, she’d still find it difficult to accept. With the football team containing her main persons of interest for Chrissie’s rape, Jacobs’ death seemed a little too convenient.

She pulled on a face mask, took a deep breath, then followed Wolfe through the doors into the clinical cold of the morgue. She’d never quite met an ME like Wolfe before; although a very imposing man in stature, he had a wonderfully calming presence. His soft voice and respectful manner during an autopsy made surviving the horrible experience a whole lot easier. She nodded to Kane and Webber, chatting over Jacobs’ corpse. She wished she could switch off completely like Kane. His training as a sniper gave him the ability to drop into a zone of peacefulness. She’d witnessed him do this a number of times; it was as if the man she knew had left the building—she’d seen the same in a murdering psychopath as well but there was a difference. Kane had compassion in spades and had an inbuilt need to protect everyone even if it meant risking his own life.

Wanting to keep the mood light, Jenna moved to Wolfe’s side as he checked the instrument tray and adjusted the lights and microphone into position. “How do you feel about Emily moving back to Black Rock Falls to complete her degree?” Wolfe’s daughter Emily had secured a place at the local college for the fall semester.

“Since the college expansion, she’ll be able to complete her Bachelor of Forensic Science here and she’s also considering a criminal justice degree, which will set her up if she wants a career in CSI or as a medical examiner.” Wolfe peered at her over his mask and his eyes crinkled at the corners. “Then she has hands on here with me as well, which is an advantage. I have to admit that girl is a sponge for knowledge; she excels in everything she does and she loves studying in the new building.” He laughed. “And I kinda like having her living at home again.” He pulled on his gloves with a snap. “Anna and Julie are over the moon to have their sister back.”

Jenna nodded in agreement. “I enjoy her company too.” She sighed. “When we get these cases sorted, you should bring the family over for a barbecue.”