“My God, law enforcement agencies from out west, what next?”
I intended this response to be a stronger and more outraged comment but when it came out it was only a whisper.
Tracy has given birth, we just learned. She had consented some time ago to DNA samples from items around the home she had shared with Gordon; recently she has also agreed to DNA samples of the baby. All roads, it seems, lead to Carson having had a hand in Gordon’s death. It looks like we’ll be directing a nationwide search very soon.
I turn to Merc.
“How’s the spreadsheet coming?”
Mercury has been tracking where and when each body part was found, most falling along Route 66. Our working theory is that Carson drove from Silicon Valley to Middle Valley leaving a bloody trail in his wake. We just need to place him in those locations at those times, so her work, while painstaking, is crucial to the next step.
“I’ve got most of it,” she says, moving her laptop across the table for me to take a look. She does. “Any further word from Arizona?”
I shake my head. “No, but there is a message from a Jack Butredge – not sure I’ve spelled it correctly – from the Oklahoma City Sheriffs.” I hand her the paper. “Let’s be sure he’s in there, too.”
Mercury leans back in her chair. “Any word from Tracy?”
I shake my head again. “No, but I know how little time new moms have. I hate to have to bother her.”
Mercury smiles. “Everyone thinks our jobs are so glamorous and exciting. If only they knew how little glam was involved … I mean, really. Spreadsheets, middle-aged lawmen.” She laughs. “Dull, dull, dull.”
I can’t help but laugh. “Yes, well. Let’s keep our heads in the game. We need to get Tracy on the phone … we know she was here at least twice to confront Carson about receiving a share of money from Gordon and their business for her and the kid, and we know she ran into Elyse at the Riverside. And then, partner, we need two tickets out West.
“Time to get our kicks on Route 66.”
Mercury grinned. “You’re not going to sing, are you?”
“HA! No. Wouldn’t put you through it.”
Jenny Page