Bring Me Flowers (Detectives Kane and Alton #2)(81)
“We’ll need to keep him under surveillance.” Jenna pushed a strand of black hair behind one ear. “I wonder if he is going to be at the dance at the fairgrounds tonight.”
“If he isn’t, we’ll have to arrange surveillance.” Kane rubbed the back of his neck. “I think he’ll take the opportunity to kill again while everyone is at the dance. It wouldn’t be too difficult to lure a girl away in a crowd, and the fairgrounds are filled with places to hide.”
“Count me out.” Wolfe’s eyes narrowed. “I’m taking Emily and I don’t break promises to kids. After working since before six this morning, setting up tests on the evidence, and doing two PMs, I’m owed the time.”
“We planned to go too but watching Provine is more important.” Jenna bit into her bottom lip. “I do understand you are working two jobs and I don’t expect you to pull extra shifts. You had better get going. We’ll finish up here. How long before we have any DNA results?”
“On the evidence we found on Aimee, three days. The other victims’ samples should be ready this afternoon.” Wolfe’s mouth twitched into an uncharacteristic smile. “I’m hoping I have enough to convict the killer. I did find cells on Kate’s hands, most likely sweat dripped from the murderer.”
“Brilliant!” Kane bent to gather all the used equipment and pushed everything into a bag. “Can you call me after you inform the sheriff?”
“Yeah, not a problem.” Wolfe’s nostrils flared as he stared at the large bag of stinking discarded coveralls, gloves, and booties. “I need to make a new rule as M.E. I want all contaminated materials from a crime scene placed into an incinerator, not into the garbage. I’ll take it with me. There is one at the funeral home but I’ll ask the mayor to have one installed at the sheriff’s department. The contaminated trash can you have there is an environmental joke.” He grabbed the bag Kane held out for him and headed toward his SUV. “I’ll catch you later.”
Kane took the crime scene tape from his bag, tossed one end to Jenna, and walked into the forest, looping the tape around trees until he had made a full circle. He emerged to see her tying her end securely around a pine tree on the edge of the trail. He twined the tape around the opposite tree then pulled it across the trail entrance and fastened it beside Jenna’s tape. “That will keep everyone out but we’ve done a thorough search of the scene.” He smiled at her, glad to see her rigid stance relax a little. “What next, ma’am?”
“I think we should pay Lionel Provine a visit. I wouldn’t mind seeing what his demeanor is like and we have an excuse to drop by now.” Jenna’s dark gaze searched his face. “I’ll ask him if he is going to the dance tonight. If he is going, we’ll park outside Aunt Betty’s Café and wait for him to leave then follow him to the fairgrounds.”
“We’ll be able to keep a close eye on him.” He gathered up his bag and headed for his SUV. “How did you like driving my ride?”
“I’m not sure what you did to the engine but it takes off so fast it should be illegal.” Jenna dangled his keys between her long fingers. “Handles well. I’m jealous.”
He gave her a sideways look, glad she had coped with the murder scene better than the last time. “I can make your vehicle faster and beef up the suspension, if you like? I’ll look at it the next time we get some downtime.” He threw his bag into the back of his SUV then climbed behind the wheel. His body ached with weariness and he had to attend a dance. Tonight is going to be a long night.
Forty-Eight
Standing in front of a full-length mirror, Jenna stared at her reflection, wondering if the fringed sequined shirt she purchased was a bit over the top. Since arriving in Black Rock Falls, she had spent the rodeo carnival weekends on duty and in her uniform. She pirouetted in her soft leather cowboy boots, checking how her butt looked in the tight blue jeans. The hat had cost her a fortune; black and made from beaver, it fit her head perfectly. She looked the part and hoped the “Learn the Texas two-step” DVD she purchased online would at least make her moves on the dance floor acceptable.
With Rogers still on the run and Lionel Provine attending the dance, she had everything under control. Kane had monitored Provine’s store all afternoon and Rowley had taken turns with Walters to keep him under surveillance until he showed up at the dance. With all eyes watching Provine, he would have to be a fool to attempt anything tonight.
A horn beeped outside and she headed for the door, making sure to engage the alarm system on the way. She picked up a tiny purse, stuffed her keys and cellphone in her pockets. Closing the door, she turned to see Kane leaning casually on his black SUV, dressed all in black with a leather vest over a shirt embroidered with six-shooters. He resembled a gunslinger from the Old West. She slid inside and noticed his Glock sitting in the console.
“Do you think you’ll need a weapon at the dance?”
“Uh-huh, never leave home without it.” Kane’s mouth twitched. “I have a holster in the small of my back but it digs in a bit when I’m driving.”
“I couldn’t fit my Sig in my purse.” Jenna shrugged. “It would have looked a bit obvious if I’d worn a shoulder holster with this outfit considering we are supposed to be undercover.”