M att walked out with Joel hours later. Joel had called in a crime scene tech from eighty miles away and the young guy had dusted for prints and DNA on the knife and on the toilet. On Pip and Perci’s dressers. It would take a while, but they might get an answer that way .
Matt discussed his theories and concerns with his brother, as Joel grabbed a duffle bag with extra clothes out of the back of his SUV and tossed it at him .
“It’s possible. The horse says someone’s been close to her.” Joel’s concern was in the green eyes he’d inherited from their father like all of Matt’s brothers. “But the rage was definitely directed at Perci .”
“Find him, Joel. Before I do. Hell, before Nate does .”
“I suggest we let Nate find him. Little brother is pissed. And I understand it.” Joel looked back up at the house, now alight with warmth. Matt knew what his brother saw. It had been painted, but it was still an older house. The people inside were good people, and didn’t deserve this terror .
“You think it’s John Rutherford ?”
“It makes the most sense. Either him or that idiot Jay Gunderson. Though rumor has it, he’s just spending his time out on his ranch fixing it up. Seems determined. And they let him out on good behavior, Matt. It’s most likely Rutherford. He’s been seen in the area .”
“Find him, damn it . ”
“I’m doing the best I damned well can. You just watch your back. And hers .”
“Better believe I will. If I have my way she’ll be moving with me to the Hodsen homestead as soon as the floors are replaced.” He hadn’t put his wishes into place in his head until that moment, but it was what he wanted .
Pip. In his future, indefinitely. Forever .
“Knew the wind blew that way .”
“What can I say? I’ve practically loved her since the moment I fished her out of a river in time to save your sorry ass .”
“Yeah. Tyler women are like that. All it takes is one look for them to get under your skin and stick forever. Levi and Nate don’t stand a chance .”