Page 46 of Fire Harbor
She and Linus often met for a picnic when he wasn’t working, eating the lunch she’d made sitting on a blanket on the beach. They’d kick off their shoes and sink their toes into the warm sand while listening to the gentle waves around them.
Today, they sat near the pier as the pelicans glided above the rolling surf, their large wingspan creating shimmering reflections on the water below. Their white feathers glistened in the sunlight, almost appearing silver against the blue water.
Lake lifted her face to the sun as the warm breeze caressed her skin, enjoying the soothing soundtrack to the season. But she realized Linus wasn’t into the moment like she was. “It’s only been a week. It takes incredible patience waiting for answers.”
“Brent admitted there’s been no movement on Gabby Moreland’s case.”
“You think he’d tell you if there was? I doubt he’d share details. Look, there’s a cloud hanging over the entire town. We’re all upset. When word got out that we weren’t just dealing with one serial killer but two, people got scared. I know that because I’ve talked to most of the women in town. They’ve checked out every self-defense book and firearms manual we have on hand. And Naomi told me that Brent’s team has worked non-stop trying to ID what they believe is a second victim, but forensics takes time.”
“I know. I tell myself that every time I see that dump site in my head. It bothers me, Lake. Just because two victims were left on the beach side of the bridge doesn’t mean that we have two killers. It could just mean there’s a gap in the murders because the guy was in jail or vacationing in Tahiti. I don’t know. Maybe he couldn’t reach his regular dump site after 2021.”
She laid a hand on his cheek. “It’s all conjecture. And I can tell you’ve given this some thought. There’s not much we can do without knowing more of the specifics. I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
Linus hugged his knees and stared out over Smuggler’s Bay, his expression troubled. “I can’t shake this feeling that there’s something we’ve missed. What if there’s a connection we haven’t made yet?”
Lake squeezed his hand. “By missed, you mean law enforcement?”
“I’m not accusing them of not doing their jobs. I just know that something doesn’t feel right.”
“Did I mention the night of the storm, I had a conversation with Scott in the basement?”
Linus angled to stare at her. “No, you never said a word.”
“The thing is, Scott wasn’t on the bridge on the nights these women were taken and murdered. He told me so. I believe it’s significant that the killer or killers took a great risk to maintain their behavior, going back to the same location knowing Scott might show up to thwart their efforts.”
“I’m not following. What’s your point?”
“Scott managed to interfere half a dozen times. Why wouldn’t the killer be ready for that? Why would he keep going back to the same spot? Why not change up his method?” She shook her head when Linus continued to stare at her. “Because it’s the only thing he knows that works, getting women to stop on the bridge, trust him enough to walk up to the window and give him access.”
“Ah. If only we could talk to one of the women Scott saved.”
“What about Sally Kent or Sofia Diaz?”
“I haven’t found anything online that points to the right Sally Kent. Apparently, it’s a common name. And Jimmy says his cousin refuses to discuss what happened. She won’t even talk about it with him, let alone two strangers asking her questions.”
“Not even if we sent her an email?”
“No. Theo Woodsong told me he’s tried to get her to talk to him. But she won’t return his calls. None of the others want to talk either.”
“That’s a shame. Almost getting kidnapped is bound to mess you up psychologically,” Lake said, glancing at the time on her Cinderella watch. “I need to get back to work.”
“Me too.”
She stood up and shook the sand out of the blanket, folded it, and handed it back to Linus. “How did Ellie take it when you took Farley out of doggie daycare?”
“She tried to show her disappointment, but I think she was glad about it. No more dealing with Farley’s disruptions.”
“I don’t understand it. Farley is such a sweetheart around my dogs.”
“Yeah, well, let’s hope he doesn’t rip out your drywall or something,” Linus said as he loaded the picnic basket into his truck.
She patted his chest. “Don’t worry. I have faith. But if Farley goes bonkers, you and your firefighter paramedic friends will fix my sunroom, right?”
A worried look crossed his face. “Should I stop at the house and check on him?”
Lake sputtered with laughter. “Sure. Go ahead. Put out fresh water while you’re there. But don’t forget the security system needs a new code to enter. That’s on you. Otherwise, you’ll alert the whole neighborhood.”
“I know the code. I’m the one who thought it up.”