Whisper in the Night (Detectives Kane and Alton)

Jenna turned and stared at Kane. “Let’s go.”

“You drive.” Kane started back to his truck. “I have the suspects’ cellphone numbers and I’ll try and get a fix on them. If he’s using a jammer, we won’t be able to track his cell.”

“That’s illegal.” Jenna climbed behind the wheel, started the engine and headed the beast out of the parking lot.

“So is kidnapping.”

Fifty-Seven

Jenna took the entrance to the ranch where Kittredge was working and pulled up beside a Green Thumb Landscaping truck. “That might be his truck. I’ve no idea how many of the men working here have one.”

“The GPS on his cellphone is blocked.” Kane glanced up at her. “Anderson and Packer are in Glacial Heights. I guess after we hauled him in for questioning, Kittredge might have disabled the feature on his phone. Big Brother is watching and all that.”

As she opened the door, Jenna’s cellphone chimed in her pocket. “It’s Rowley.”

“Lancaster isn’t here. I’ve spoken to the guys replacing some of the seats in the football field stands. They said he gave them orders then left.”

“Dammit.” Jenna looked at Kane and shook her head. “Okay, go check his residence. If

he isn’t there, head back to the office and wait for orders. If anything comes in on the BOLO, call me.”

“Roger that.”

“Can I help you, Sheriff?” A woman, late twenties, with a mass of curly brown hair, wearing jeans and a leather jacket, walked out of the trees and headed toward her.

Jenna turned and smiled at her. “Yes, I noticed you’ve the Green Thumb Landscaping Service here today. Would you happen to know if Paul Kittredge’s team is here?”

“Paul, yeah, he’s working on the other side of these trees.” She waved a hand behind her. “I’m having the clearing made into a secret garden for my girls.”

Stomach tightening at the thought of Kittredge working near kids, she forced a smile. “Has he been here all day?”

“All day?” The woman frowned. “Yeah, apart from leaving around two to pick up some turf.”

The hairs on the back of Jenna’s neck prickled. “When did he get back?”

“Just before the men unloaded the turf into wheelbarrows and took it down the path.”

“Ah, good.” Jenna fixed the smile to her face. “Do you mind if we have a word with him?”

“Go right ahead.” The woman walked past them and hurried up the front steps to her house.

“Hold up, Jenna.” Kane indicated to Kittredge’s truck with his thumb. “Windows are open. I’ll take a look inside.” He pulled on gloves and raised one eyebrow. “If this is a problem, just look away. I won’t take long.”

Unease filled Jenna as she stared down the pathway in the direction the woman had come. Kittredge could be the Shadow Man. Her earbud crackled. It was Wolfe and she pressed her mic. “Rowley is chasing down Lancaster. He was a no-show at work. Have you found Packer?”

“Packer’s not our man, he’s been working here since seven this morning, and he hasn’t left the premises. He brings his lunch pail from home.”

She brought him up to date with Kittredge. “He’s a possible but there’s a ton load of places between here and town he could’ve stashed Julie.”

“I want someone watching Kittredge.” Wolfe’s voice had dropped to a growl. “He’ll have to go back to her. Has he sent any messages?”

“Not yet.” Jenna heard the gravel crunch behind her as Kane moved to her side. “I’ll get Rowley to sit down the road in his pickup, he’ll follow him.”

“Too risky. Can you get near his vehicle?”

Jenna could see Kane was listening through his earbud. “Yeah, and we can get inside, the window’s open.”

“Kane, activate your tracker and hide it inside the cab. Do it now and I’ll see if he’s using a GPS jammer in his vehicle.”