“No, not this time.” Jenna handed him her statement book. “If you could sign here. I’ll need your permission to search the vehicle.”
To Jenna’s surprise, he signed and handed it back. She collected the key using the tips of her fingernails and smiled. “We’ll have this back to you in a few minutes.”
“Leave it at the front counter.” Turner waved them away. “I have work to do.”
“Just one more thing, we have to ask, I’m sure you understand?” Kane had adopted a concerned expression. “Where were you between seven and say ten last night?”
“At home. I had a private counseling session.” Turner’s eyes burned with indignation.
“Okay, thank you.” Jenna led the way outside and dropped the key onto the hood of Kane’s truck. She pulled on gloves and opened the statement book. “Please tell me we have a few good sets of prints.”
“A full hand on my notebook.” Kane gloved up and took the laser fingerprint scanner from his pocket and ran it over the statement book. “Oh yeah, we have some great prints. Bag the statement book as evidence.” He ran the scanner over the key and his notebook. “Yeah we have plenty to use as comparison.” He pulled out an evidence bag and dropped the books inside. “I always keep a spare notebook in my pocket just in case we need to gather prints. This is the first time I’ve hit paydirt.”
Jenna turned around and scanned the staff parking lot. “I can see Laurie’s pickup. So, it wasn’t stolen last night after all.”
They hustled to the 1950 red Ford pickup and Jenna stood by while Kane examined the vehicle, using the scanner to capture any fingerprints, on the inside, steering wheel, doors, and seats. He locked the door and they went back to drop the key at the counter. As they walked back to the Beast, she looked at him. “You haven’t said much. Did you find anything?”
“Fingerprints but no tampering.” Kane removed his gloves and tossed them into the trash. “Whoever drove that vehicle last night used the key.” He raised both arms in the air and dropped them. “Unless by some miracle we have another identical pickup in town, that was the same vehicle our witness spotted outside Mrs. Turner’s apartment.”
Forty-Four
Once inside the Beast, Kane uploaded the prints to the files and sent copies to Wolfe, while Jenna updated her files. They had time to spare, the forensics team wouldn’t be finished processing the crime scene yet and it was too early to drop by to speak to Stan Williams. He lived right next door to Jeanette Turner and if there had been an argument, there was a good chance he’d overheard something. If not, Kane wanted to know if he had an alibi for last night. His gut was telling him not to trust Williams but they would need to tread carefully as they’d be stepping on the FBI’s toes if they’d already started their investigation into his penchant for cheerleaders. The files updated and evidence stowed away, he turned the truck around and headed back to Stanton. He stared out at the forest and slowed the truck to admire the view spreading out to the mountains one side and across the prairie on the other. “Just look at that, it never ceases to amaze me.”
“It’s a beautiful place all year around but in fall the colors are incredible and the sky goes on forever.” Jenna buzzed down her window and inhaled. “The name Big Sky Country is true. Here the views are endless. It’s a special place and almost timeless in parts. It’s no wonder Atohi works so hard to preserve the forests, he wants everyone to know how precious they are.”
Kane pressed his lips together, recalling the last time he’d seen Atohi. “I hope Carter doesn’t corrupt him. They’re out fishing again today.”
“Corrupt Atohi?” Jenna burst out laughing. “He’s pretty set in his ways. I wouldn’t worry.” She poked his arm with her finger. “Did he try with you, last night?”
“He tried.” Kane turned and smiled at her. “But I’m pretty set in my ways too. I should’ve driven home. I hadn’t been drinking but you know Ty. He had invited these women to his room for drinks and I had the transport.” He shrugged. “I made it clear I wasn’t interested and the one Ty had assigned to me decided to take a cab home. In the morning, Atohi showed and Ty just walked out and left me with his woman.”
“So, you being you, gave her a ride home and she kissed you on the cheek?” Jenna squeezed his arm. “I’ve known you for a long time, Dave. A player you’re not.” She glanced at her watch. “As much as I’d love to sit here admiring the scenery, we need to talk to Williams and catch Wolfe before he leaves the crime scene, I’d like to find out what progress he’s made.”
Kane smiled at her. “Copy that.” He headed home. “Just don’t forget Williams believes I’m a friend. We don’t want him to know he’s under FBI surveillance.”
“I might be the wicked witch some days, Dave, but my memory is just fine.” Jenna laughed.
They found Stan Williams at home. His eyes widened at the mention of a murder next door and Kane stood back to allow Jenna to take the lead.
“Mr. Williams, didn’t you notice the sheriff’s vehicles when you left this morning for work?” Jenna’s determined expression had obviously unnerved him and she played on the fact. “What time did you leave?”
“I left a little after six.” Williams leaned against the doorframe and folded his arms across his chest. “As you can see, I park my truck in the courtyard, I drove out the alleyway and didn’t see anyone at all. A few vehicles drove by, I don’t recall any one of them in particular.”
Kane exchanged a meaningful look with Jenna. Williams would have left before Jenna had received the call from the driver of the garbage truck. He took out his notebook and made a few notes, trying to look as disinterested as possible. He wanted Williams to believe he was a friend and someone who enjoyed the same interests or the FBI investigation would be over before it started. He waited for Jenna to continue the questioning and when Williams glanced at him, he rolled his eyes.
“Did you hear anything last night?” Jenna stood her ground. “Anyone arguing, a fight or anything unusual from next door?”
“Not if it was between eight and ten, no I wouldn’t hear anything.” Williams shrugged and turned to look inside his apartment. “I spent last evening going through the shots I’ve been taking and making copies for my clients. I have my earbuds in and listen to music. It helps me to concentrate. I wouldn’t have heard a bomb exploding.” He looked from Jenna to Kane. “I’m sorry I couldn’t help you, Sheriff. I wish I could, truly.”
“Okay, thank you for your time.” Jenna turned to move down the stairs.
“Nice to see you again, Dave.” Williams grinned. “I’ll be in touch.”
Kane forced a smile. “Thanks.” He headed down the steps.
The garbage truck had left but Wolfe’s van had returned to block the alleyway and old Deputy Walters was sitting in his cruiser out front. Kane gave him a wave and went up to his window. “Need anything?”
“Nope, I’m just fine. Wolfe says he won’t be more than a few more minutes and I can get back to watching TV.” Walters smiled. “I always appreciate the work, Dave.”