Frozen (Detective Ellie MacIntosh) Read Online Free PDF Page B

something might be wrong.”
    The investigator in her went on full alert. Usually the blood alone would send a normal citizen straight to his phone. “Why did he go out that far? Did he say?”
    “Thought she might be out doing whatever people who study birds do. He walked around a little in the woods, saw more blood, and then found the other shoe.”
    “Where is he?”
    “Over there. Name is Grantham. I took his statement, but I figured you would want to interview him.”
    “Good call.” It was cold and Ellie tugged her gloves from her pocket. “Do we know anything about this guy?”
    “No outstanding warrants. No record. I ran his plates. He’s some kind of freelance computer software designer.”
    “All right. I’ll talk to our Good Samaritan and you keep me informed on how soon we can get more officers here to start searching the woods. I don’t want another Margaret Wilson.”
    Rick looked at her. His nose was red from the cold and his eyes were somber. “No one does.”
    “What about tire tracks?”
    “If there were any, he probably ran over them when he pulled in. According to our witness, her vehicle is still probably sitting in front of the tavern. No sign of a break-in either, but the door was unlocked, which seems unlikely considering all the current media focus.”
    That didn’t sound good. A heavy weight had already settled in her chest anyway. Having instincts wasn’t always an advantage. “Okay.”
    The man who had called in stood by the side of an expensive SUV, hands in his pockets. Tall, athletic looking, maybe midthirties or so, she noted, and visibly tense, his head bowed a fraction. He wore a denim shirt under his jacket, jeans, and his boots were new. When she approached he turned to watch her, his gaze steady.
    Would I let him drive me home from a bar? she asked herself. She could see where a young woman might be tempted, but as a police officer, no way in hell would she let anyone get her alone with what had been happening in this county lately.
    “You are Mr. Grantham?” She didn’t offer her hand but just looked at him.
    “Yes.”
    “I’m Detective MacIntosh. It’s cold out here and I have a few questions. Shall we sit?” She motioned at his vehicle.
    “That’s fine.”
    The man came over and opened the passenger door for her. Ellie glanced at him sharply but he wasn’t being obsequious that she could see; he didn’t even seem to register the polite gesture. It was automatic, not calculated. She nodded and climbed in, taking in a quick survey. Not a smoker, at least not in his car, the only odor one faintly of coffee, probably from a cup still sitting in the holder on the driver’s side, and maybe a hint of spicy cologne. Bryce Grantham went around and got in also, his features set.
    Dark hair curled around his face and the shadow of a one-day beard emphasized the line of his jaw and the height of his cheekbones. If it wasn’t for his dead pallor, he would be a good-looking guy, but right now he was pasty and looked like he might just pass out. The grazing of whiskers stood out against his skin in stark contrast.
    “I could see if anyone has some water,” she said quietly.
    He shook his head. “No, not necessary. I’m just a little rattled.”
    “I can understand that,” Ellie murmured. “Not a great way to start out the day. Care to tell me exactly what happened?”
    “I’ve already—”
    “I know, sir, but let’s go over it again.”
    The curtness of her voice clearly stopped him. But he cooperated. He outlined in a measured voice that he’d stopped in at the Pit Stop the night before and about collided with a young woman in the doorway, ended up inviting her to have a beer with him, they’d talked, eaten some pizza, and when her car wouldn’t start, he’d taken her home.
    Here. Where the other participant in his impromptu date didn’t appear to be, but a bloody shoe lay in the driveway and another one in the woods where even now officers were