There’s a stretch of silence before SanchezSanchez says, slightly abashed, “We want you to review the cases to see if you can find any similarities, any tells. Did the killer use a drug to incapacitate them? Was there one primary method of death such as a blow to the head?”
“This head looks perfectly intact,” I point to the file in front of me.
“I know it looks that way, but maybe we can start to draw some commonalities and draw up an MO for this guy. There are four other jurisdictions that are ready to cooperate, but everyone knows we have the best coroner so that’s why we’re bringing the files to you.”
“Four?” Usually these departments from other counties can’t agree on which donuts to serve at a state convention but they’re all cooperating on these case files, some of which are—I flip to a yellowed folder—ten years old.
“Yeah and maybe more. We’ve sent out feelers to other counties.”
“This is a lot of work.” I cast an eye toward the coolers where I have three bodies waiting.
“We know. What can we do to help?” SanchezSanchez pulls up a chair and plops down. “We’re ready to go through these with you.”
“Flora, can you stay?” I ask the intern.
She nods reluctantly. “I’m getting overtime for this, though, right?”
I arch an eyebrow. SanchezSanchez sighs. “Yeah. Yeah. I’ll put in a request. Now can we get started?”
Chapter Fourteen
Angel
I stare down at the phone feeling disappointed by Lucas’ text. I thought last night was wonderful. He seemed to enjoy himself also, but suddenly worry fills me. I can still feel the small ache in my body. After I’d passed out he’d woken me up an hour later and taken me again. This had gone on all night. I should be tired today, but I’m not. I was on a happy cloud until Lucas replied to me that he has to work late.
“What’s got you down all of a sudden?” I look up to see Judge Barnes standing there.
“Lucas has to work late.” I pocket my phone.
“That’s sweet.” She smiles at me.
“Sweet that my husband has to work late?”
“No, sweet that you’re clearly going to miss those few hours he could have been home.” She rounds her desk, sitting down. I was wrapping up a few things before I head out for the day. We’ve been in court all day together. It’s been a long day and Lucas not being home until late was not how I planned on ending it.
“You know I won the bet on you two?”
“Mary!” I hiss her name, trying to hold back my smile that the judge was placing bets with coworkers.
“What? I knew the odds. You two have been in love from the first time you laid eyes on each other. There was no denying it. I could see it written all over both of your faces. No one thought the adorable new clerk would go for the hot coroner except me.” I know everyone refers to Lucas’ outwardly appearance as hot, but creepy is often in the running, too. That description of him has died down a little since we got married.
“Well, I did.” I stand, grabbing my bag from off the floor to put my planner and notepad away.
“And it’s sweet how in love you still are with one another. It’s easy to forget about love and good things when we’re around such evil all the time in this courtroom.”
“We haven’t been married that long.” I laugh, pulling the bag over my shoulder. Not that I think that will change. If I’ve learned anything from being married it’s that I fall more and more in love with Lucas every day. Just when I think I can’t love someone more, he goes and shows me otherwise.
“I know but it’s a long haul.” She waves her hand.
“You still got money on us or something?” I tease her. I’m so lucky to have her as a boss. I’ve heard nightmare stories about other judges.
“I already won,” she says smugly.
“I’ll see you later.” I give her a wave as I head out the door. I fish my phone back out and find my car keys. I look up when I feel someone watching me to see Chad sitting on a bench. He gives me an odd look but thankfully doesn’t come over. I keep walking until I make it to my car. My steps are a little quicker because Chad gives me the creeps.
I don’t want to go home. I want to see Lucas. I’m curious to know why he suddenly has to work late. Was he regretting last night? That thought keeps popping into my head. Insecurity starts to flare up inside me. I bite my lip, thinking about what I should do. Normally I’d go home, make myself some dinner and wait for him. But I know that this worry will eat at me all night. None of it is founded but I know going home is not the solution.