Chapter Twenty-Two

Ranger Dorsey approached Mitch to hand him three clear bags, each containing a plastic coffee cup. “I did as you asked and labeled each cup with a separate name.” She grinned. “Makes me feel like a super sleuth.”

“Good job, Ranger.” Mitch in turn handed the bags to Dr. Musuyo.

The doctor choked on his laughter. “You know obtaining DNA without permission isn’t legal.”

“You think those three would have willingly volunteered? If DNA points fingers at any of them, we’ll plead forgiveness later.”

“You’re my kind of lawman, Mitch. I’ll call you when I’m ready to perform the autopsy.”

Mitch watched Sybella Dauzat herd Louis and Joe to an old beat-up hippie camper van. He turned to Bryan Cole. “If one or all of them murdered Daisy Fuller, how would they have dumped the body in the blow hole without being seen or without the waves washing it out to sea before the geyser erupted?”

“If they’d dumped the body, it would have floated, and you’re correct, the waves would have washed it out to sea.” Bryan extended his arm and pointed. “There’s a long oceanside walking trail. It’s about a mile and a half directly north from the parking lot—from their campsite an easy three-mile round-trip hike. The trails are rustic, but easy traveling. Like I said before, there’s a small cavern inside Thunder Hole’s inlet. Anyone familiar with getting to the beach area might risk going inside the cavern on calm days. But with the storm we had a few nights ago, the waves against the rocks would be treacherous. I seriously doubt the yokels who just left would have had that kind of balls.”

“Uh-huh, I have to agree with you.” Mitch thought for a moment. “What about locals familiar with the cavern? You ever have to chase them away?”

“Honestly, we recommend our guests do the walk along the coast because of its beauty. As for locals, on a calm day, there’s always the daredevils. We do our best to keep everyone safe.”

Mitch said, “What else is on your mind, Ranger Cole?”

“Just a theory. It she was murdered, it is possible the killer rowed the body out to sea, hoping the sharks would destroy the evidence. But, with the storm, waves could have actually washed the body toward shore and inside the cavern. The tides were right for that type of action to take place.”

Mitch shook hands with the senior ranger. “It’s a theory worth considering. I don’t envy you the paperwork that’s ahead of you. ’Preciate your help today. And, if you notice anything out of the ordinary, keep me posted.”

Bryan Cole nodded his agreement. He turned his attention to Laura. “Good seeing you again, Laura. My offer to show you the park, with a picnic lunch, still stands.”

She glanced at Mitch, who winked his approval. She patted her leg. “I’m not much good with hikes.”

Bryan opened the patrol car’s door for Laura. “Hey, not a problem. That’s why we have ATVs. If the park’s not in your near future, how about dinner? Restaurant of your choice.”

Mitch looked over Bryan’s shoulder to waggle his eyebrows at her.

She climbed inside and grabbed the seatbelt. “Sure, give me a call, and we’ll figure it out.”

Bryan shut the door and stepped back. She waved as Mitch walked around the car and got into the driver’s seat. He turned the ignition, shifted into gear, and pulled away from the curb.

Sitting in silence until they cleared the entrance gate, Laura frowned over at Mitch. “Why are you playing matchmaker?”

He faked surprise. “Me? Matchmaking? Never.”

“Then, what was up with the snarky grin and waggling eyebrows?”

“Bryan is a nice guy, and you are a beautiful, workaholic woman who needs a little fun in your life.”

“Can we change the subject? Do you really think someone from Cole Harbor killed Daisy Fuller?”

Mitch removed his cap and set it on the console. “Right now, I’m not ruling out the possibility. How well does your aunt know locals who live on the fringes of the park?”

“It’s a small town. Everyone knows everyone else’s business. Do you have a specific person in mind?”

“Just those who live on the fringes of the park, and in close proximity to the oceanside walking trail.”

“Tonight is the Friday Sisters Book Club meeting. When those ladies get together, they gabble for hours. I’ll ask tomorrow to see when it’s convenient for you to come over.”

He nodded. The rest of the drive was in silence. Laura determined from the working of his jaw and the serious expression on his face that he was thinking about the case.

****

Laura thought about Bryan Cole. A man with ancestral ties to Cole Harbor, he’d left for a while to do a stint in the Navy, then returned to pursue a career that kept him close to home. He didn’t have the same rugged handsomeness as Mitch. With Mitch there was an element of danger which excited her. She’d only met Bryan twice, but he appeared cool under fire. Slightly bland. A nice smile, kind eyes. Steady. Maybe too steady.

Comparing Mitch to Bryan was like comparing a stallion to a carriage horse. She dismissed this ridiculous train of thought. There was no way she was falling for either one, because she’d never met a man who made her feel worthy of being loved. She was destined to live alone. And that was that.

“How’s your leg?”

Lost in thought, she hadn’t realized how fast the ride had gone. “Huh? Oh, we’re here. My leg… It’s okay.”

“We missed lunch. Let’s grab a bite before I take you home. My treat.”

She didn’t want to admit how badly her leg ached. All she wanted was to prop it up with an ice pack. “How about a rain check? I need to get the pictures to Dr. Musuyo, and I’d like to transcribe my notes before they get cold. Is there any information in the news article you want me to hold back?”

He reached over to squeeze her hand. “We won’t know for certain if Daisy Fuller was murdered or if she committed suicide until Doc performs the autopsy. You’re a good reporter. I trust you to keep it neutral. Print a few pictures. Nothing like seeing a dead body to rattle a perp’s cage.”

“So you’re about ninety-five percent certain it’s murder?”

“Pretty close, Friday.”

Mitch slowed the car. He pulled in front of the bookstore. “It’s dark inside. I thought you said there was a meeting tonight.”

“A different member hosts each month. Tonight it’s at Maudie’s house.”

“I’ll walk with you to the back entrance to make sure you’re safe.”

A chill rippled over her as they went around the corner. “Mitch, as farfetched as this might sound, is it possible that after a ten-year hiatus the person who killed Lynnette Braswell also murdered Daisy?”

“Our thoughts are running on the same track, Friday. It’s possible.”

“Are you attending the autopsy?”

“Part of my job. You?”

“Umm, no. Not even if you were to approve me as a civilian to observe. I’m tough, but my stomach isn’t.”

Mitch laughed. “I’ll call you when the report is in. G’night.”

She opened the door and switched on the outside light. “I think I’ll have a motion detector light installed. I don’t like the idea of Aunt Philly in a dark alley, either.”

“I’m not leaving until you shut the door and I hear the lock click.”

She smiled as she turned the lock.