The Green-Eyed Doll (9 page)

“Got a minute?” Rey waggled the legal pad in his hand. “I’ve got the list from Tanya. I can split it up. We’ll work faster if we don’t crisscross each other’s paths.”

“Good idea. Sit down, let’s take a look.” Matt recognized a few of the names. Most of them meant nothing to him. Of course, JC and Vince, those names he recognized. “Are you friends or acquaintances with any of the guys?”

“Yeah. I know most of them, call a few of them friends. Why don’t you let Jake and me look? We’ll come back with the list prioritized and divided three ways.”

“Do that. I need to call Mayor Fletcher and then make a run to the square.”

Sue spoke from the doorway. “No need calling Harold. He’s coming down the hall now. You’ve got thirty seconds.”

Matt ran his hands through his hair.

“I’m gone,” Rey said with a chuckle.

“Coward,” Matt muttered under his breath.

Harold Fletcher didn’t wait to be announced. Rey stepped out of the way to allow the mayor’s stubby body through the door. He nodded at Rey and sat in the chair directly across from Matt.

“Harold. Nice to see you.” Matt noted the sweat on the mayor’s forehead. How anybody wore a suit and tie in a hundred-and-four degree temperature was beyond understanding.

“I don’t appreciate you not returning my calls. My office is inundated with voters wanting to know what’s being done to find this maniac.” He threw his hands in the air. “What am I supposed to tell them?”

“Mayor, I respect your position. You need to understand, this office has been busy too. I don’t have time to drop everything and call you because you’re getting pressure from your constituents.” He raised one finger to stave off Harold’s interruption. “I’m talking to the press at two if you’d like to attend. In fact, you backing me up might have a calming effect on the public.”

Harold shifted his bulk to one side. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea. What will you tell them?”

“Very little. We haven’t uncovered any clues at this point in time. If anyone has information that might be helpful, I need him or her to come forward. Plus, I’m cautioning the young women of Crest County to exercise good judgment, to be careful about going out alone.”

“But why? You’ll add to the anxiety already growing. You should hear some of the complaints my clerks are getting. If this was the old west, you’d have a mob mentality building.”

“Harold, we’re doing everything we can to catch Julia’s killer. It’s up to all of us to calm the fears.”

****

Wednesday, August 2nd, 12:00 p.m.

The boutique owner met Matt at the door. “Come in, Sheriff.” The pretty brunette extended her hand. “Lynn Kerensky. Welcome to All Bright Things. Can I help you find anything in particular?”

“Matt Ballard.” He waited while she scanned him from head to toe. She stopped at his badge and offered him a smile. Matt pulled the scarf from his pocket. “Do you carry this brand and style?”

She inspected the brand tag and smiled up at him. “I do. I’m not the only one on the square who sells them.”

The clerk led him to a shelf of various color-blended silk scarves. Matt’s hopes dropped a notch. There were dozens like the one in his hand.

Ms. Kerensky stood too close. Matt stepped back out of her space.

“My guess is you’d be hard pressed to tell me who bought this particular one.”

“I don’t keep track of cash transactions, but I can get you credit card purchases. It’ll take a while.”

“I’d appreciate you checking. Don’t go back further than July twenty-sixth.”

Her brown eyes widened. “Does this have anything to do with the murder?”

Matt ignored her question. “When do you think you could have the names?”

Ms. Kerensky closed the distance between them. “Around six. Come back when I close, we can grab a bite to eat.”

“I’ll have to pass on supper. But I appreciate the offer.” Matt made a quick escape, crossed to his cruiser, and headed back to his office. Ms. Kerensky’s offer was flattering. Oddly enough, he had no interest in spending his free time with anyone other than Catherine. If he believed in reincarnation, he’d think they’d met before, in another life. The urge to see her again was powerful. He checked the time. He had to get back for the press conference. A phone call would have to do.

She answered on the second ring. “Hey. I was thinking about you.”

“Good to know. Care to share?” His body instantly reacted.

“Sure. If you don’t have plans, I’ll cook supper for you tonight.” She spoke quietly, in a whisper.

“What time and what can I bring?”

“How’s seven? That will give me time to fix my famous spinach lasagna.”

“Spinach? Uh...okay.” The sound of Catherine’s laugh, soft and low, rumbled through his cell. Hell, he’d eat anything she put on the table, including spinach.

“How about sausage lasagna.”

“Much better. Can I bring the wine?”

“Sure. You choose. I’m not much on Chianti.”

“Trust me...see you at seven.” Matt parked and hurried inside.

Sue followed him into his office. “You’re mighty pleased about something.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about?”

“You were grinning from ear to ear when you swaggered through the door. Look at you. You can’t keep a straight face. I’m guessing it ain’t the press conference.”

“You’re too smart for your own good.” Matt leaned down to whisper in Sue’s ear. “I’ve got a date with a beautiful woman tonight.”

She stepped back and studied him intently. “I knew it. It’s the new redhead.” At his nod, she patted him on the cheek. “Good. Now go meet the press.”

“Ask Rey and Jake to come in first.” Matt had one more point to make. “And I don’t swagger.” He’d have sworn Sue muttered, “Do so,” behind his back.

Matt wanted background checks run on every name Tanya Perry had provided. In the morning, they’d start interviewing, hoping to unearth something to bust open the case. After sharing his expectations with his deputies, they talked briefly about the flowers and if they had a possible connection. Then Matt collected his thoughts and went to the conference room.

He dreaded the press, remembered the hoards of unscrupulous newshounds he’d encountered in Houston. Here he faced the editors of two small town newspapers and one lone newscaster from local channel nine. Sue had settled them in with coffee and rolls from the Sweet Shop. The concern on their faces was real. Matt hoped the razor sharp ruthlessness he’d been used to in Houston was nonexistent. He accepted the cup Sue handed him and sat.

“Thanks for coming today. I don’t do prepared statements. In fact, I prefer face-to-face, impromptu conversations. I’ll tell you what I can. Feel free to ask questions. You’ve already run stories on Julia Drummond’s assault and murder. I can tell you the killer did a good job of erasing all clues, and I need the public’s help. I’m also asking the women of Crest County to be vigilant when they’re out, especially at night.”

Steve Evers from the County Record spoke first. “When exactly was Julia abducted?”

“We believe she was taken after she closed up her florist shop last Thursday. That doesn’t mean caution shouldn’t be exercised during the daytime. Everyone should be aware of their surroundings, keep their cell phones charged and close, and go in pairs when possible.”

“So you think another woman will be killed?” Andrea Simpson of the Curry Weekly News spoke up.

“That isn’t what I said. Please, don’t misquote me. You can state my department should be contacted right away if a loved one goes missing.”

“You’re waving the waiting period?” Andrea’s pen was posed over her notepad.

Matt put what he hoped was a reassuring smile on his face and nodded. “That’s correct. Don’t make a big deal out of it. The last thing I want to do is cause a panic.”

“You’ve already got that,” Steve grumbled. “The men-folk of this county are edgy and ready to turn on each other.”

“The press can go a long way in helping the public control their emotions. You’ve all seen stories on the national news where an innocent victim’s death is sensationalized. It only serves to make matters worse. I’m asking you to report the facts in a responsible manner. We want to hear anything your audience thinks might help us catch this guy.”

Sylvia Horning from channel nine hadn’t spoken a word. Sue had warned Matt. Sylvia was not to be trusted. She was on the hunt for one big break to catapult her to fame. Apparently, she thought her way to a larger market was through destroying people’s reputations. Sylvia liked to spin scandal in with the story whenever possible. The two newspaper editors were dressed casually, but Sylvia wore a navy blue suit with a blue blouse underneath. Matt figured the camera loved her highlighted hair and creamy complexion. She batted her eyelashes and crossed her legs. Her skirt slid up another inch or so.

“No questions, Ms. Horning?”

“Oh, I have several. Are we to understand you have no clues at all?”

“I believe that’s what I said.”

“Hmm. Exactly what are you doing to ensure the safety of the women in this county?”

A loaded question. One he intended to avoid. “Ms. Horning, every available deputy is on the streets. As always, we are vigilant and watchful for our citizens.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I’d like to film an interview with you for tonight’s news.”

“Sorry. The investigation takes precedence over me getting in front of a camera. If that’s all, Sue will see you out.”

“My viewers expect more of a story from me. I don’t work well with ‘no comment.’”

“I’ve told you as much as I can. I’m sorry if that’s not enough.” Matt excused himself. His part of Tanya’s list needed his attention. He waited until the press was out of the building before asking Sue for help.

“Will you look at the names Tanya Perry provided? If you know any of these men, give me a brief history. I’d like your personal take on them.”

“You want my opinion?” She covered her heart with her hand and blinked rapidly a couple of times. “Huh. You’re the first man since my Bobby who’s asked me what I think.”

“I trust your read on people.”

“Now you’re flattering me. When will I meet this new woman in your life? I hear tell she’s a looker.” Sue picked up the list and pulled a chair around next to his.

“She’s beautiful.”

“I should meet her. You’ll want my opinion of her. Right?” She tilted her head sideways and looked at him.

“No, ma’am. I’ve already made my mind up about her.”

Sue grinned, then studied the page before speaking. “First on the list is James Claude Harper, better known as JC. Everybody around here knows him. In the neighborhood of forty, he’s worked at the Saddleback for years. Don’t know why he never made more of himself. Best I can remember he had no ambition.”

“Him, I’ve met. If I leave the list with you, can I get a typed overview of each man?”

“Sure thing. Do I get investigator’s pay?”

“If that’s your price.” He held his hands in the prayer position. “I’m willing to beg if you want.”

Color flooded her neck and spread to her cheeks. “Not necessary. Go on and get out of here. Make yourself
purdy
for your new woman. And here I was worrying about you finding a missus.”

“Don’t start that.” Matt fumbled for words. “I’m not looking for a wife.” A rapid retreat seemed in order. He stopped at the door and added a request. “Rey and Jake have a list of names, too. I’ll want you to do the same for them.”

****

Wednesday, August 2nd, 6:59 p.m.

The sound of an engine rumbled up Catherine’s driveway. She pulled the curtain back to see Matt climb out of his black pickup. She wiped her damp palms on her jeans and forced herself to wait for his knock. She’d been unable to put him out of her mind since his phone call.

“Hey.” She swung the door wide and stared. Streaks of gold from the evening sun highlighted the side of his head, and his raven hair shimmered. Standing there in jeans, a blue pullover, and alligator boots, he could’ve been a magazine model.

“Hey, yourself. May I come in?” The corners of his mouth curved upward in a lopsided grin.

“Oh.” Catherine moved out of the doorway. “How embarrassing. You’re just so... I should check on the lasagna.”

Using the kitchen for a safe haven, she made herself look busy. If he didn’t think she was crazy before, he must now. She couldn’t believe she’d stood there staring at him. How juvenile. She could hear him behind her, the rustle of the sack when he removed the wine, the soft pop of the cork. His mere presence undid her. His body heat surrounded her. She didn’t know if she could manage a friendship with him. He’d need more than she knew how to give. She’d have to face him sometime.

“I hope you like this. I’m not exactly what you’d call a wine connoisseur.” He opened and closed a cabinet door and then another.

“I’m sure it’s wonderful.” Grateful he’d ignored her behavior, she turned and accepted the juice glass he held. “Emma probably didn’t let her daughter have wine.”

“Probably not. These work fine.” He sipped a taste as if to prove it. “Something I can do to help?”

“If you’ll get the salad from the fridge, we’re all set.”

Catherine loved to cook for anyone who loved to eat. Matt rewarded her by enjoying her hard work to the last bite. Conversation with him came easy. She learned they shared political views and could talk sports as long as they stuck to football. He didn’t push for personal information, but she found herself telling him about her childhood. The compassion in his eyes was real when she explained how her parents died in a six-car pile-up on an icy road when she was twenty.

“How about you? Are your parents still living?” She refilled his glass and handed it back. Their fingers touched and heat shot up her arm. His gaze darkened briefly.

“Lung cancer took my mother a couple of years ago. After Dad died from a massive heart attack, she wasted away. He was sheriff of the adjoining county for thirty years. No doubt his name and reputation helped me win the election.”

“Were you and your father close?” She held back the urge to touch him. The change in his expression when he spoke about his father sent chills racing up her arms.