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IT WAS TOO LATE TO be busy, but Joseph wouldn’t go home. First Marie, then Cassandra. He knew he wouldn’t be allowed to do anything with the investigation and, with another body, he’d probably be replaced until it was done, but even with the ‘team’ from Stoneville, someone was needed at the police station. That’s what he told Grimes, who didn’t go along with it. What finally convinced him was Joseph’s insistence that if he went home he’d drink the remainder of the scotch he had in his cupboard, after the champaign he’d put aside to celebrate his engagement to Marie.
Grimes gave Joseph the task of typing the details of Monroe’s statement while he put in an appearance at the crime scene. Even though the detectives would send him back to the station, like they had done at all the crime scenes, the sergeant in charge of the station was required to make an appearance.
Joseph was pecking at the typewriter with two fingers when he heard the bell at the front desk. It was Wade Forbes and Nick Lund from Lupine Security. They had two weak and bedraggled injured women with them.
“Wade, Nick,” Joseph nodded to them. “What’s happening?”
“Found these two trespassing in the Pine Plantation,” Wade said. “Brought them here so you can charge them.”
Joseph looked at the bloodied sores about their wrists. “And you didn’t notice their wrists?” he asked.
Nick looked at the girls. “Not our job,” he said.
“It’s your job to make sure they’re alright,” Joseph said. “Something like that can get you in a heap of trouble. Maybe also get you accused of it.”
“It weren’t them,” the younger of the two women said. “It was a bastard named—”
“Alright miss!” Joseph snapped. “I’ll take the details later.” He looked at the two security guards. “I’ll make a note that you brought them in. I’ll take it from here.”
“You sure you can handle them?” Wade smiled.
Joseph shook his head. “I’m in no mood for—”
“Sorry,” Wade said quickly. “I forgot.”
“They’re awful weak,” Nick said. “Want us to get Doctor Richards?”
“He’s out,” Joseph said.
“How do you know?” Nick asked.
Joseph shook his head.
“Where?” Wade asked.
“You’ll find out tomorrow,” Joseph said. “Thanks for bringing these two in.”
“They have to do with it, you think?” Nick asked.
“That’s for me to find out,” Joseph said and looked at the women. “You’re Karla and Jacinta, aren’t you?”
The older of the two nodded.
“You boys get back to that plantation and keep your eyes open,” Joseph said. “The bastard might be about.”
“He is,” Jacinta said.
Joseph glared at her, then looked at Wade and Nick. “Just report whatever you find,” he warned. “Don’t go trying to be heroes.”
They nodded and left.
Joseph looked at the women. “Can I get you two anything?”
“You can get us back to the circus,” Karla said. “My man’s going to be upset, and I want to see him real bad.” A tear slid down her face.
“You need to drink something first?” Joseph looked at Jacinta.
“I’ll have what I need when we get there,” she said. “Just get Karla and me home.”
“Wait a few seconds.” Joseph went into his office and returned with a notepad and a pen. He scribbled a note and left it on the front counter before leading the women out of the station. He locked up then led them a couple of doors down to where his car was parked.
“We don’t ride in a police car?” Karla asked.
“They’re all out,” Joseph said.
“You find that Melody girl already?” Jacinta asked.
Joseph’s stomach dropped. “Melody Tyler?” he asked.
She nodded.
“Was the bastard’s name Stanley French?” he asked.
She nodded.
“Policeman or not, when I find him, I’m going to kill him,” he seethed as he unlocked the passenger’s side of his car.
“Please don’t,” Karla said. “I’d like to see him hang, not you.”
“This is Pinecone Grove,” Joseph said. “The last name French is license for anything.”
“Even murder?” Jacinta asked.
“Get in,” Joseph said. “I’ll take you to your people.”