Her Frozen Cry (Detective Amanda Steele)

“Thirteen years.”

Two years before the assault charge. “So you and Alicia were together at the time you were charged?”

He nodded. “She was less than two months pregnant.”

“What happened?”

“You want to know, dig up the record. It doesn’t change the fact Alicia’s dead, and I had nothing to do with it.”

She’d definitely be digging up the record, and since the file didn’t have much to say, she’d be reaching out to the charging officer. His defensiveness on the subject didn’t sit well, though. Her mind went to the unexplained shoeprints in the mud outside the cabin window. “What size shoe are you?”

“Eleven. Why?”

Right size.“Where were you on Tuesday night?”

“Are you being serious right now?” Seth flushed and looked at Trent. “She can’t be serious.”

“Answer her question,” Trent said firmly.

“I got home from work at five and was here all night.”

“So if we took a look at your shoes, we wouldn’t find mud?” Amanda asked.

“I don’t have a clue. But go ahead, and look if you need to.” Seth threw his arms up in the air. “Whatever floats your boat,” he mumbled.

Amanda was aware there was much more to it than just finding mud on his shoes. Even if they found a shoe that had a diamond pattern on the sole, with or without mud, it could just be coincidence. It might not be an exact match to the impression left at the scene. Amanda started to stand, but Trent intercepted.

“I’ll take care of it. All your shoes in the front closet?” Trent asked Seth while on the move.

“Yep.” Seth knotted his arms and sat back.

Seconds ticked off. Minutes.

Trent returned, shadowing the doorway holding a pair of running shoes in gloved hands. He turned them to disclose the soles. Dried mud in the cracks. Diamond pattern on the sole.

“Looks like we’re going to be spending some more quality time together.” Amanda stood. “We need you to come with us.”

“No way. Because I have mud on my running shoes?”

“Come on, let’s go.” Amanda motioned for him to stand.

“Please. No.” Seth held up a hand to fend her off. “You see my driveway? It’s gravel and dirt. Test the mud. You can do that, can’t you? Like those crime dramas on TV. You’ll know what’s on my shoes doesn’t match whatever area you’re thinking it might.”

Amanda yanked him to his feet. “You have the choice. Come with us willingly or make me cuff you.”

Seth gritted his teeth. “Fine. I’ll cooperate.”

“Wise decision.”