Parker Bowen’s voice echoed from the television.
“Another day and another body has been discovered in Pike,” the newscaster announced, his smooth voice properly somber. “The authorities haven’t released a name, but the female was found on the banks of the Keokuk River near the campground. Like the previous victim, she was stripped of her clothes and a crimson ribbon was tied around her neck. The sheriff refused to speculate on whether the two crimes are connected, but she did reveal that both women had their throats slit. Once again, the authorities ask that anyone with information please contact the sheriff’s office. I will have more on this continuing story on the evening news.”
Another body. Fear tightened Lynne’s stomach. Yesterday she’d first assumed that the poor female was a stranger who had the misfortune to be dumped near Pike. Then she’d discovered it was Sherry. This time she was bracing herself for the realization that the victim was from the area. And that it was quite likely someone she knew.
How could this be happening? Pike was a sleepy, tranquil town where nothing ever happened. That’s what she loved about this place.
And now the peace was shattered by two violent deaths.
Was Kir’s suspicion right? Was there was a maniac out there hunting the women of Pike? And was he holding the list of women the killer was targeting?
“God.” With a shudder, Lynne dressed and headed for the clinic. She was no longer in the mood for breakfast.
For the next five hours there was thankfully no time to worry about the news report as she worked her way through the numerous appointments. She’d just finished giving a rabies shot to an overly enthusiastic Labrador when her receptionist stuck her head into the exam room.
Chelsea Gallen was two years younger than Lynne with blond hair, and a short and full-figured body she emphasized with soft sweaters and narrow skirts. Her bubbly personality made her a favorite with the clients, which was why Lynne had hired her after her father’s receptionist had retired. Unfortunately, the younger woman wasn’t always dependable, more often than not showing up late or dashing out the door long before the day’s schedule was done. Still, Lynne tried to be patient. Chelsea was a single mother to a little girl. It couldn’t be easy for her.
“The sheriff is here to see you,” Chelsea said, her expression curious.
Lynne blinked in surprise. “Why?”
“She didn’t say.”
“Okay.” Lynne headed toward the sink at the back of the room. “Tell her I’ll be out as soon as I wash up.”
Chelsea disappeared and Lynne heard the distant sound of voices. The sheriff had stopped by the clinic on a few occasions, usually when they’d located a dog roaming the streets and wanted to scan it for a chip. Today, Lynne doubted the local law enforcement were worried about strays.
After scrubbing her hands with a brisk efficiency, Lynne pulled off her lab coat and smoothed back the hair that had come loose from her ponytail. It was ridiculous to feel uneasy, but she had a terrible premonition that the sheriff ’s visit was connected with the dead woman who had been found that morning. Perhaps she’d been a client. Or a friend.
The thought made her stomach cramp with unease as she stepped out of the exam room and into the reception area. It was thankfully empty at the moment, except for Chelsea, who was standing next to the tall counter, and the current sheriff of Pike.
Kathy Hancock was in her forties with dark hair that was roughly chopped at her shoulders and combed away from her square face. Her eyes hovered somewhere between gray and green and her skin was pale and dusted with freckles. She wasn’t fat, but she was solid and looked like she could hold her own in a fight. Probably a useful quality in an officer of the law.
At the moment, she was wearing her brown sheriff uniform with a matching brown parka. Her expression was grim.
“Sheriff,” Lynne murmured. She didn’t know Kathy in more than a professional capacity. The older woman was competent at her job, but she wasn’t the most social person. “Chelsea said you needed to see me. Is there a problem?”
“I have a couple of questions.”
“Okay.”
“I’m sure you’ve heard about the two women who have recently died?”
“Yes.” Lynne braced herself for the bad news. “It’s been on television.”
The sheriff reached into the pocket of her heavy brown parka. “What we haven’t released is that two dart cartridges were found at