Page 85 of Backwater Justice
“Of course, but why?”
“There are three sets of prints. Two have closely related DNA.”
“I don’t understand.” Myra was perplexed.
“Two people who handled the glass are family members. The other is not.” Charles spelled it out for her.
“Oh, well, that’s interesting. What about the sample from the rug or the glass?”
“They’re still working on it. Should have something later today or tomorrow,” Charles replied.
“Alright.”
“What time is Gaines arriving?” Charles asked.
“Around three,” Myra said.
“According to Eileen, there was some suspicious activity last night at Dickie’s cabin,” Charles said.
“What kind?” Myra asked.
Charles explained the drive from Salem to Blaine to Silver Falls. The big box in and the folded box out. “Could be an actual dishwasher, or it could be contraband.”
“This is getting very convoluted,” Myra said with dismay. “We have missing people, possible drugs, mysterious DNA, and appliances?”
Charles chuckled. “That about sums it up.”
“Oh, dear. Well, we shall see what we can gather today.”
“Be safe, love. Tootles.” Charles signed off.
Myra informed Annie and the others of Eileen’s observations. “Maybe when Chris gets here, we should check out Dickie’s cabin?”
“But what are we looking for?” Annie said.
“Drugs? A person?” Myra said. “We have small samples of the powder.”
“What about Lori’s DNA?” Annie asked.
“Wait! I have something!” Maggie exclaimed. “Her mom gave me this amulet that Lori made. She made a bunch of them to sell at an Indigenous Peoples festival.”
“Why did she give it to you?” Myra queried.
“As a symbol of appreciation? A physical thing to connect me to Lori? She hoped my story would bring her safely home? All of the above?” Maggie speculated.
“You didn’t get any Cheetos dust on it, did you?” Annie asked jokingly.
Maggie rolled her eyes. “No. Somebody stole the bag from my tote.” She held up her fingers. “No orange stuff.”
“Well, then, all the dog has to do is sniff it, right?” Myra asked.
“Excellent!” Annie clapped. “Let’s put it in a plastic bag so we don’t contaminate it further.”
“I beg your pardon?” Maggie feigned being insulted.
“After we’re done with lunch, I’ll pick up Chris and Chandler and take them to the cabin. Maggie, Myra? One of you will have to keep Dickie distracted.”
Maggie raised her hand. “I’ll tell him I’d like more background on the Spangler business and why Mr. Spangler still has the rewards posted.”