“Dang.” Jenna hand-palmed her forehead. “You’re right. We’ve never considered a woman killer.” She stared at him. “But who would do such a thing?”
Kane slowed as they drove into town. “I have no idea but the majority of kid-killers know the family.”
“That’s a chilling thought.”
* * *
It was dark by the time they walked into the sheriff’s department. Rowley was at the front counter talking on the phone. It was obvious from his conversation that he was winding up the search for the night. Kane took in his haggard appearance and waited for him to disconnect. “Any news?”
“Not a whisper.” Rowley looked at Jenna. “I’ve sent the search teams home, ma’am. Webber is talking to a local man who thought he saw Amanda in the park about an hour ago. Wolfe is in your office with the DA and Sam Cross.”
“The DA?” Jenna’s brow crinkled into a frown. “Here?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Rowley cleared his throat. “We’ve been busy and Wolfe took over the McLeod case, called Sam Cross back in and the DA arrived about ten minutes ago. I was just about to call you with an update.”
“That’s fine.” Jenna glanced around. “Where’s Maggie?”
“She’s making another pot of coffee. I ordered in and Susie just delivered some fresh sandwiches.” Rowley smiled. “I made sure there was a bagel and cream cheese.”
“You’re a lifesaver.” Jenna gave him a brilliant smile, then, pulling off her jacket, headed toward her office.
Kane watched her go then shrugged out of his jacket, pulled off his Kevlar vest and followed her. The men had gathered around the desk. When Jenna walked in, they got to their feet. He noticed Jenna’s twitch of disapproval and dropped into a seat beside Wolfe.
“Okay, what’s happening in the McLeod case? I gather that’s why you’re all here?” Jenna leaned back in her chair.
“I spoke to Jocelyn Smythe and she informed me McLeod has been making advances toward her for some time.” Wolfe cracked his knuckles. “McLeod admits to stalking her and grabbing her at a party and kissing her. I brought him in, called his lawyer, Sam Cross, and notified the DA. I did a sweep of the house and found a few interesting files on his computer. I’ve handed the evidence to the DA.”
“Long story short, Sheriff.” The DA, Bradley Cutler, smiled at her. “I’ve cut a deal with Mr. Cross and his client. A cruiser will be arriving shortly to escort Mr. McLeod to the county jail. I’ll take it from here; he’s no longer your concern.”
“Then, will you leave?” Jenna gave them a dismissive wave. “I’ve a missing girl to find.”
Kane waited for them to go and waved Maggie inside. She carried a tray of coffee and takeout packets then set them on the table. He smiled to himself as Jenna tucked into the coffee and bagel. He turned to Wolfe. “That was fast work.”
“Easy when they admit to committing a crime.” Wolfe looked over at Jenna. “Do you need me anymore? It’s getting late and I’ve left Emily at my office.”
“No. Thank you for helping, Shane. I really appreciate it.” Jenna smiled at him. “That’s one person off our suspects list.”
“You should try and get some rest, Jenna.” Wolfe pushed to his feet. “There’s nothing more you can do today.”
Kane nodded his agreement. “I’ll have the hotline transferred to your cellphone in case anything comes in. You’ll be the first to know.”
“Okay.” Jenna stifled a yawn. “I’ll bring the files up to date then we’ll head off home.”
Kane waited for Wolfe to close the door, and then looked at her. “You’ve no intention of leaving yet, have you?’
“Nope.” Jenna turned to her computer. “Not until I’ve run down a list of any suspicious females in town.”
Kane pushed to his feet and nodded. “I’m on it.” He picked up his coffee and a packet of sandwiches and headed for the door. It was going to be a long night.
Thirty-Five
Thursday
The buzz of the alarm hadn’t dragged Jenna from dreaming about surfing in Hawaii but the high-pitched whistle Kane used for Duke did. She dragged herself from the sun and sandy beach and cranked open one eye.
“Morning. It’s six-thirty, I’ve turned out the horses and breakfast will be ready in about fifteen minutes.
” Kane placed a steaming cup of coffee on the bedside table and smiled down at her. “Your clothes are fresh out the drier. They’re on the back of the chair.” He pushed a hand through his hair, still damp from the shower. “I figured after last night’s marathon, we’d skip our workout this morning.”