Bring Me Flowers (Detectives Kane and Alton #2)(28)
“I called her on Monday morning, early from here. I’ve called her since but she has turned off her damn phone.”
“How early?” Kane raised an eyebrow. “Had you started work?”
“Yeah, so around seven thirty, I guess.” Derick stared at his boots. “I was waiting around for George to do the paperwork on a repair. He wanted me to deliver the car and pick up the loaner before I got my clothes all greased up.” He wrinkled his nose. “I took the car out to Stanton Road around eight and got back here around nine.”
“It took you that long to drive a forty-minute round trip?”
“The customer, Mrs. Bolton, insisted I go over the repairs listed on the bill then made me wait for her to write out a check.” Derick pushed both hands into the front pockets of his coveralls. “She held me up, some.”
“I’ll need her address.” He wrote down the details Derick willingly supplied to corroborate his story. “Would you object to giving me a sample of your DNA?”
“My what?” Derick’s cheeks reddened. “Here? Why would you need my DNA? What happened to Felicity?”
“I am not at liberty to discuss the case at this time but whatever incident may have involved her, a sample will eliminate you from any list of suspects we might have.” Kane narrowed his gaze at the flustered young man. “I just need to swab the inside of your mouth. Quick and painless.”
“Oh—sure. I ain’t got nothing to hide.”
Kane pulled a DNA collection kit from his inside pocket and performed the test, making sure the evidence was sealed and the documentation required for collection signed. “Okay, thank you for your cooperation.”
He headed over to George Miller and smiled at him. “Do you remember what time Derick arrived yesterday morning and how long he was away delivering the car?”
“He is a punctual lad, starts seven each mornin’, is never late, does his job.” George rubbed his chin. “He must have brought the loaner back around nine because I was in the office giving my daughter an order for apple pie. We take a break at nine fifteen like clockwork every day. Mary-Jo goes down to Aunt Betty’s to pick up our orders around nine.”
Kane made notes and lifted his gaze. “Thanks.” He pushed the notepad and pen back inside his pocket.
“The lad ain’t in no trouble, is he?”
“No, just routine inquiries.” Kane gave him a wave and headed back to his black SUV.
He pulled out his cellphone and called Wolfe. “Grab Rowley and meet me out front of the office, we’ll go check the other trail to the crime scene.”
“Roger that. Rowley said there is another trail that runs past the falls.”
Kane spun the car around and accelerated toward the sheriff’s department. “Let’s hope we find enough evidence to stop this animal.”
Eighteen
After arranging to speak with Aimee Fox and picking up Walters from the office, Jenna made her way to School Road. Confident that two men in the top of their field and one very capable deputy would be scouring Stanton Forest to discover just how clever the killer had been in covering his tracks, she would have time to interview the victim’s friends and get a better handle on her timeline. She sucked in a breath as the image of Felicity Parker’s lacerated body flashed across her mind. “We have to catch this guy.”
“We sure do.” Deputy Walters waved a hand toward the windscreen. “Next left. The Foxes live in the house with the stone wall.”
She found the house and parked at the curb then noticed a girl about sixteen heading in their direction, head down, looking at her cellphone, and wearing earbuds. She appeared oblivious to her surroundings. The girl ignored the cruiser, turned into the Foxes’ driveway, and headed for the house. Jenna stared after her for a few moments. “Have you noticed since cellphones kids never talk to each other anymore? I wonder if they’ll manage to communicate out in the real world.” She pushed open the door and climbed out.
“My grandchildren are the same.” Walters ambled up beside her. “When they come to visit, all I see is the top of their heads.”
The girl had entered the house and a woman waited on the doorstep. Jenna smiled to put her at her ease. “Mrs. Fox? I’m Sheriff Alton and this is Deputy Walters. May we come in and have a chat with Aimee?”
“What is this all about? I know you mentioned ‘routine inquiries’ but why would Aimee be able to help you?”
“I am speaking to friends of Felicity Parker concerning an incident yesterday morning.” Jenna took out her notepad. “Aimee is on our list and might have some valuable information.”
“Very well, you can catch two birds with one stone.” Mrs. Fox stood to one side to allow them to enter. “Kate, Kate Bright, has just arrived. She is a friend of Felicity as well.”
“Do you have her parents’ number? I will require their permission before I speak to her.” Jenna glanced around. The houses on this side of town made a statement of wealth. Rather than ranches, these homes sat in the middle of huge, well-tended gardens. The owners enjoyed being part of the university faculty or medical profession.
“Yes, of course.” Mrs. Fox pulled her cellphone from her pocket and gave Jenna the information.