Whisper in the Night (Detectives Kane and Alton)

As they hadn’t given out where they’d found Lindy’s body to the media, only the killer would know the location. Jenna observed Miller’s body language but he kept the same defiant posture. “Well, did you have a reason to be in those locations at that time?”

“You don’t have to answer those questions, Matt.” Cross leaned on the table and eyeballed Jenna. “I figure if I did a survey and asked how many people used Stanton Road over the same timeframe on the same days, I’d have a list as long as my arm – it’s the main highway out of town – and just how many people frequent the Triple Z? It’s always standin’ room only when I drop by.” He leaned back in his chair. “Come to think of it, I was there on Monday night. I drove on Stanton Road and right past Glacial Heights like at least twenty or more others during the evenin’. Am I a suspect too?”

Irritated by Cross’s wide grin, she pushed on. “He was in the area and wears the same boots as the footprint we found at the scene of Amanda’s abduction. He knows her and could have arranged to meet her last night.” She took a deep breath. “She’s out there somewhere alone and frightened.” She turned her attention to Matt. “Tell me where she is and stop playing games.”

“Hold on a minute, Sheriff. Don’t go harassing my client.” Cross held up a hand as if stopping traffic. “If you want to charge my client go ahead, but the DA will agree with me. You’ve no case against him. As I’ve explained, any number of people use that road. Just about half the tradesman in town, in fact all over America, wear the same brand steel-toe boots. You have no DNA, no hair or fibers; you found no trace evidence in his vehicle. The families of both girls in your investigation exposed them to a number of different tradesmen over the same period. I know for a fact most of the families in Glacial Heights use the same companies on a regular basis. Just the gardening service alone employs a ton of different casual workers.” He glanced over at Kane as if waiting for him to back him up. “Surely, if Matt kidnapped Amanda or Lindy Rosen, you would’ve found evidence in his pickup? T

he ME’s statement states clearly that his vehicle hadn’t been cleaned.” He turned his attention back to Jenna. “Matt has a clean record and a wholesome reputation, goes to church on Sundays. You’ll never get the charge to stick, let alone convince a jury he’s a killer.”

“The judge agreed with me.” Jenna jutted out her chin in defiance but inside her heart sank. Of course, he was right. She was grabbing at straws and they both knew it. “He considered we’d probable cause for a search warrant.”

“Okay, okay. I would agree with you on that point but you’ve zip to charge my client, Sheriff.” Cross raised both eyebrows. “Why don’t you call the DA and lay it out for him? I know he’ll say you’ll be wasting the court’s time. You’ve provided insufficient factual evidence and there’s no case to answer.”

Defeated, Jenna closed the interview. She looked at Miller and caught the way his mouth tipped up in a cocky grin and his eyes flashed in amusement as if he’d won this round. “Okay, you can go. Deputy Kane will return your property to you before you leave.” She waited for Kane to escort Miller out, and then headed for the door when Cross caught up to her. She turned and looked at him. “Was there anything else?”

“We’ve gotten off to a rocky start.” Cross flashed a white smile and held out his hand. “No hard feelings?”

Jenna shook his hand and took in his honest expression. “None whatsoever. We all have a job to do, Mr. Cross.”

“Call me Sam.” Cross hadn’t let go of her hand. “Not often I cross swords with such a beautiful sheriff.” He lowered his voice to a sexy drawl. “Maybe we could have dinner sometime?”

Memories of the last lawyer she’d been involved with flashed into her mind. James Stone had become a huge problem and this scruffy cowboy didn’t come close to her ideal man. Be tactful. Remember what happened last time. She pulled her hand away and smiled. “Thank you so much but I’m in a relationship.”

“Lucky guy.” Cross stepped away but remained jovial. “If you ever change your mind.” He handed her his card. “My private number is on the back.”

Not in a million years. “Sure.” Jenna slid her card through the scanner and pulled open the door, and then watched as Cross sauntered out.

On the way back to her office, she stopped to speak with Rowley. “Are you good?”

“Yeah, everything is under control. The team are taking calls but nothing has come in we can use. A few people have seen Amanda at Aunt Betty’s but I called Susie Hartwig – she knows her and she hasn’t seen her today. She’ll call me direct if she does. The search is progressing with no leads whatsoever. It’s as if she’s vanished into thin air.”

Jenna nodded. “Okay, good work. If the media call, tell them we have no updates and to repeat this morning’s interview.” She noted the candy bar wrappers in his bin. “And eat some real food – it’s going to be a long shift. Order in for yourself and the team and put it on the department’s account. Tell the deputies at the Braxtons’ house to do the same.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She grabbed two coffees to go and emptied the box of chocolate chip cookies into a bag for Kane. She pulled on her Kevlar vest and shrugged into her coat, then took her weapon out of the desk drawer and slid it into the holster. Kane’s dog sauntered into the room and she smiled when he looked up at her with big sad eyes. “You coming with us or do you want to stay with Maggie?”

“I figure we take him with us.” Kane came into the room, carrying his vest and jacket. “He might pick up a scent on one of the suspects.”

“Sure.” She gave Kane a sideways look. “What, no comment on Miller?”

“Nah, but I figure he’s hiding something.” Kane slid his vest over his head. “We should keep a close eye on him.”

“Yeah, we will.” She handed him a cup and then the cookies. “Cross was unexpected.” She raised both eyebrows.

“Yeah, I’ve a feeling he’s going to be a thorn in our sides.” Kane frowned. “He’s smarter than he looks.” He studied her face. “Oh boy – he hit on you, didn’t he?”

Jenna smiled at him. “How did you guess?”

“Ah-huh.” Kane slipped one arm around her and pulled her against him. “Your cheeks are a little pink. Do I have to challenge him to a duel at daybreak?”

“No!” She looked up at him. “I told him I’m in a relationship.” She reluctantly moved away and frowned. “Forget him. Amanda is still missing and she’s our priority at the moment.”

“Breaking the stress for a few seconds doesn’t mean we don’t care.” Kane touched her cheek and gazed at her with compassion, then dropped his hand. “So who’s next on the list?”

“First we go speak to Lucy.”

Thirty-Two