It was possible that there was no reason.If he was a brand-new killer, he could still be perfecting his MO.Perhaps he buried Paul, realized there was nothing to keep his eyes shut, and added the coins for his next victim.
Michael tapped her shoulder, interrupting her musing.“Danbury PD just got a call from Maria Fuentes, Kevin’s ex-wife.They were supposed to talk this morning about adjusting child support payments, but Kevin never answered.”
Faith nodded.She turned to Sergeant Avery and said, “Give CSI and the Medical Examiner all the time they need, then send the reports to me.Once they’re finished, you can release the crime scene and the State Police will have completed its obligation to the FBI.”
Avery nodded.“Of course, Special Agent.Good luck to you.”
“Turk,” Faith called.“Come on, boy.”
Turk gave Barnes a final mournful glance.His eyes were as haunted as those of any soldier.Faith knew that feeling well.
The three of them trekked back to Michael’s SUV, leaving Staff Sergeant Barnes in the care of the Danbury Medical Examiner’s Office.
One thing that stuck with Faith was the reverence the killer showed both victims.That was important.She had a hunch that it was going to be the key to finding the answers she needed.
Hopefully, she'd find those answers before she and Turk had to see the body of another fallen comrade.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Faith and Michael stopped for lunch at a fast-casual restaurant adjacent to the park.They ate in the car to keep their conversation private and keep the sizable crowd of honeybees and yellowjackets hovering around the restaurant's outdoor seating from interrupting their meal.Faith didn't have a problem with stinging insects, but she didn't want to make sure Turk didn't eat one while talking to Maria Fuentes.
Instead, she got to endure Turk's reproachful look for keeping him inside when it was a bright, beautiful day and there was a park right next to them.
“I’ll take you out for a run when we get back home,” she said.Maybe we’ll get lucky and run into the Messenger so I can pay her back for what she did to you.
She regretted that thought as soon as she had it, but she didn’t regret it that much.Faith had grown out of her old desire to take justice into her own hands, but she’d gladly make an exception for the bitch who tried to kill her dog.
Which is why you're not in that case.
She sighed, and Michael asked, "Everything okay?"
She rolled her eyes.“Sometimes it would be nice to have a partner who didn’t care so much about me outside of work.”
“Well, we’re working.Do I need to have the conversation about how your emotional state affects your ability to work well again?”
“No, you don’t.And I’m fine.”
“Okay.If you need to talk, I’m here.”
She stared at him.“What are you, my sister?”
“I prefer to think of myself as a nosy aunt, but I’ll take sister.”
Faith chuckled and found with some surprised that she felt a little better.“Screw you, Prince.”
“We tried that before, remember?It didn’t work out.”
“Should I tell Ellie that you’re joking about our sexual history?”
His eyes widened in exaggerated shock.“What are you trying to do, get me killed?Fine, I’ll shut up.”
“Actually, please do shut up.I’m calling Maria now.”
“I don’t get to talk to her too?”
She rolled her eyes again.“Shut up until she answers.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
