Drained (Edgars Family #6) - Suzanne Ferrell Page 0,106
case, the more likely we are to trigger him into making more mistakes.”
“We’ll just talk about this case then and hope no one asks any questions.”
“Saw the news conference,” Matt said as he, Carson, Brianna and Aaron all sat in the living room at the safehouse. Katie had Paula off in her room for another breathing treatment.
They’d arrived just after two, having spent thirty minutes in front of not only the local news crews, but several national ones. Kyle Dandridge hadn’t played football long, but his career’s highs and his quick exit had been fodder for sports broadcasters during that short stent. His death dredged up those same commentaries on the dangers of steroids in sports, although his death wasn’t due directly to his drug use.
“Yeah, the captain was actually glad when the reporters zeroed in on Kyle’s steroid history instead of the way he was found,” Aaron said, leaning back in his seat.
“Did you find anything on the videos that might help?” Matt asked.
“No close up of the guy’s face,” Carson said. “He wore a baseball cap and kept his head down, so facial recognition was a bust.”
“But,” Brianna said as she stroked Stanley’s fur where he sat snuggled in her lap, “We did catch the van he was using at all three crime scenes. It was white and he’d put the city of Cleveland logos on the sides.”
“So, he has access to the city maintenance vehicles?” Matt asked.
She smiled. “No. He used a large version of the city logo to make his truck look official. Problem is, the logo isn’t used on the side of city vans, maintenance or any other kind.”
“So, he’s made his second mistake,” Carson said. “He’s used the wrong kind of logo and we now know what kind of van he’s using.”
“We’re you able to get the plate number?”
“Yes, but it was stolen,” Aaron said.
Stanley sat up and growled at the front door.
Suddenly, it pushed opened.
All three men were on their feet in an instance with their weapons drawn and trained on the door.
“Whoa, dudes,” Kirk F said, holding up his laptop in one hand and a huge brown bag in the other. Behind him stood Jaylon, who also held up two more bags of food. “We come bringing information and stuffed cabbage and pierogis from Sokolowskis.”
“I figured you’d be at Nana’s house for dinner,” Aaron said putting his weapon away and setting the front door alarm again once the pair were inside. Matt followed the two younger men into the kitchen.
Kirk F deposited his laptop on the table, then started unloading take away boxes from the bags. “Nah, Sunday breakfast at Nana’s is required, as is Sunday church. Today being the exception. And Sunday evenings she goes to dinner with her ladies’ group before bible study and I get take away. I was telling Matt about pierogis yesterday and he said he’d never had any.”
“And if you’re gonna try pierogis for the first time, you should have one of the best,” Jaylon joined in. “So, Pierogis Of Cleveland was on the way and we stopped to get some.”
“Did you have a chance to get the list of volunteers?” Aaron asked, bringing silverware, just as Matt and Katie joined them.
“Already had it,” the younger detective said with a grin.
Aaron exchanged a surprised look with Brianna. “You did?”
Jaylon nodded as he grabbed one of the takeout boxes of food and a fork then a seat at the table. “Yeah, when Special Agent Smith here suggested the killer might try to insert himself in the investigation somehow by becoming part of their world. Figured he wouldn’t be faking being homeless. Street people can smell that a mile off. So, I started getting lists of volunteers from all the shelters. They’re in my backpack.”
“Yeah, then we compiled the names with pics from the DMV, eliminating any females,” Kirk said between bites of food. “And made copies for you guys. Figured our girl, Paula could take a look.”
“Were you able to get pictures of all the volunteers?” Carson asked, opening a box and sniffing the contents. “Damn this smells good.”
“Did any of the names appear on more than one list?” Matt asked, handing cutlery to everyone else and they joined the pair of hungry young men at the table.
“No and no,” Jaylon said, then looking around gave a little whistle. “This is a safehouse? We usually get a room at a no-name hotel downtown.”
“It belongs to a friend of ours,” Katie said, coming out of the bedroom and