Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 136507 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 683(@200wpm)___ 546(@250wpm)___ 455(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 136507 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 683(@200wpm)___ 546(@250wpm)___ 455(@300wpm)
I swallow against my rising panic. “Of course you do, but make it clear that he’s not a suspect.”
“That’s for us to decide, Staff Sergeant McAllister.”
“Watch your fucking tone,” Mike finally snaps. He’s hungry and tired, and he’s had enough of this prick investigator who we both outrank and who clearly didn’t get moved to CIB for his winning personality or ability to work well with others.
If we weren’t in a race to find Holly, I’d try getting Terry replaced, but I don’t have time for games. “Mike, you’ve already put in a lot of extra hours. Get some rest.” The man hasn’t slept since we rallied the detachment yesterday, and he isn’t quarterbacking this case.
“Not as many as you,” Mike counters.
I know why he’s reluctant to leave. His daughter Ashley is twelve. “Go home. See your family. You’re on day shift tomorrow, and you need to be at one hundred percent.”
With a pause and then a nod, Mike abandons his chair and ducks out.
“Your guys need to go through that video again and ID everyone who left that bar between midnight and 2:30 a.m.” Terry stabs at the table surface with his index finger. “Someone in there must have seen something.”
I level the detective constable with an even stare. Is this guy for real? “Justin’s been working since yesterday afternoon.” I found him passed out on the staff room couch this morning when I came in, and when he heard me, he rolled off the cushions and was back at it. “You have him on this for another hour and then he’s going home to his family. He needs to step away, or he’s liable to miss things. He and Nick will be back tomorrow morning to continue. Or you can review the video yourselves.” These two have their salaries paid for by the region. They can work around the clock as far as I’m concerned.
But I see where this is going, and I need to nip it in the bud. “My officers cover over thirteen thousand square kilometers of ground, which includes dense forest, rivers, provincial parks, and several First Nations reservations that we support. They work hard, and they’ve all given up their weekend to pitch in for Holly.
“But Cold River is a small and understaffed detachment, with a limited budget to work with.” I’ve probably blown what little I had left for this year on overtime. Jim will update me about that tomorrow. “You may be running this investigation, but this is my detachment, and it’s not at your disposal.” I aim this at Terry because he’s the exact type of douchebag to try to delegate work he should be doing. “Under no circumstances are you to pull my on-duties off the road to aid your investigation. Am I clear?”
“Understood, Staff Sergeant. You need minimum coverage at all times.” Schmidt nods. He at least has a modicum of respect.
Terry, on the other hand, offers a sloppy salute.
I check my watch. “When do you plan on stopping by the Landrys?”
“Missing girls don’t wait for turkey dinners.”
“No, they don’t.” At least he’s not lazy. “Do me a favor and scan Logan’s file before you question him. I think it’ll be educational for you, Detective.”
“Why? He’s just a witness, right?”
“Right.” One with a record that can taint even the best cop’s approach. “And send me the draft media release as soon as you have it so I can sign off. We need to get as many eyes looking for Holly as possible.” With that, I duck out of the conference room that has turned into CIB’s staging area.
And run smack into Mike.
“Why are you still here?” I groan, even though he only left minutes ago.
“Brad Whitley’s looking for you. He’s waiting out front.”
I let out a second groan, even though I’ve been anticipating this visit. It was only a matter of time before he tried to insert himself into the investigation. “Okay. Thanks.” I march toward the small visitor lobby that’s divided by a secure door and Plexiglas and hit the red button under the desk. Normally that’s Grace’s job, but admin only work weekdays.
So do I … allegedly.
The buzzer sounds, unlocking the door.
“McAllister.” Brad Whitley nods. “Any news yet?”
“None to share.”
“And what do you have so far?” he presses. “What leads?”
“You know I can’t give you specifics. It’s an active investigation.” I choose my words carefully. “We had a lead, but it turned out to be nothing. The investigators are casting a wider net now.”
“Is that what this is?” He throws a hand out toward the empty station, his anger flaring. “An active investigation?”
I remind myself that, above all else, he has a family member missing, and reply calmly, “We’ve had everyone we can spare on the case. We’re working hard.”
“You’re looking into the people who were at the Bale House that night, right?”