Last Girls Alive (Detective Katie Scott #4) - Jennifer Chase Page 0,55

Rifle Trail around 9 a.m. Wanting to smooth things over with him, she thought that the best thing to do was go for a run. She was a few minutes late, but knew that McGaven wouldn’t mind.

Katie laughed at Cisco’s springy footwork when he saw a squirrel run past and climb up a tree. The area was mostly deserted because of the cooler weather and fewer tourists visiting the area.

She slowed her pace to a light jog as she neared the entrance to the Twin Rifle Trail. She saw McGaven immediately. He was stretching and loosening up for the run as he waited for her.

Cisco ran on ahead and greeted McGaven, jumping around him.

“Hey, didn’t expect to see you, buddy,” he said, petting the dog.

Katie walked up to McGaven. “Hi,” she said.

“Hey.”

“Thanks for taking care of Cisco last night.”

“Anytime.”

“I want to get this out of the way, okay,” she said.

“What’s that?”

“Look,” she said. “Things have been piling up on me and I’m not the best at decompressing or letting things go. And—”

“Wait,” he said. “You don’t have to—”

“Yes, I do,” she interrupted. “That’s not how partners treat each other—or friends, or anyone for that matter. I took liberties and willfully antagonized Keller. And I know it’s not only me that takes the heat from this, it’s you too. I’m skating on some thin ice, so…”

“Katie, I know. With everything you’ve been through…”

“Let’s just put it behind us, okay?” she said.

“Deal,” he said and held his hand out.

She reached to shake it and he pulled her to him in a bear hug.

Laughing, she said, “Okay, okay. Ready to get started?”

“Let’s go.”

They began jogging slowly to warm up.

“You look good,” she said. “I think you’re slimming down.”

“Ah, flattery with get you everywhere.”

They finished their picturesque three-mile circuit through the trees and came back to the beginning.

“That was great,” she said. “You’re doing well.”

“Yeah, I’m feeling better too. It’s trying to find the balance between sitting at a desk and not.”

“I guess I never thought about that because I move around so much.” Katie began her cool-down stretches. She felt fantastic after a good cry, a good night’s sleep, and a morning run in one of her favorite places.

McGaven slowly stretched his calves and quads. “I actually feel pretty good. I can get out of bed in the morning and not groan now.”

“Do you have some time today?” she asked.

“Sure, a little bit. Why?”

“I know it’s Saturday, but I wanted to go and take a look at Elm Hill Mansion. There’s little chance anyone is around and I wanted to get a better look now I know its history.”

Cisco barked twice. His tongue was hanging out and he was having fun running around Katie and McGaven.

“A look, huh?”

“Yeah, what would it hurt?”

“Sure, I’ll meet you both over there and we can have a look around.” He smiled.

“Absolutely. C’mon, Cisco,” she said, moving toward her car as the dog padded along behind her.

“Hey, when are you going to buy a new car?” he called after her.

“When I get some time. What’s wrong with the police sedan?”

He laughed, finishing up his stretches.

Katie was exhilarated as she drove to Elm Hill Mansion.

The gate was open, so she slowly drove up the driveway which had been covered with white, large-stoned gravel. She didn’t remember it being that way when the crime-scene investigation was going on. As she reached the top, she pulled over to the farthest side, parked, and cut the engine.

Cisco whined but made himself comfortable, turning several times and then lying down. Katie decided to keep him in the car. He’d had quite the workout and would snooze while she and McGaven took a look around.

Katie stood in front of the car surveying the property. It was one of those types of property that was more beautiful every time you visited. The investors knew a good piece of land would make a fortune with three luxury-spec houses. It was now officially an ongoing crime scene, but they would be wrapping things up soon.

Clouds littered the sky and the wind was mild but cool. Katie zipped up her sweatshirt and pulled up her hood to keep the cold air out and her neck warm.

The three large metal storage containers on the left side of the property had now all been shut. They intrigued her, so she would check them out before they left—giving them a once-over to complete the search. There was no reason to search or document them as part of the crime scene, but