Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 108849 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108849 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
She took a sip of the herbal tea.
“Your mom called last night and said this trip was a whirlwind created by you. What’s going on?”
She shrugged. “My mother was already scheduled to travel to Asia, as she does every year, to buy supplies for her tea business. I merely talked her into moving the trip up a couple of weeks.”
Monty flipped on the heater, and her toes instantly started to warm. “That’s a good idea with everything going on around here. We have someone killing blondes. Plus Abbott might be the murderer, and you know he wants to hunt you.”
“I know he’s coming for us regardless of whether these are his kills or not,” Laurel said. “So, yes, I pushed her out of the country.” It was an apt description and she’d take it.
“I don’t blame you,” Monty said cheerfully.
“Thanks.”
They drove to the edge of state forest land, where they met up with a young female officer waiting next to a fully enclosed UTV. “This is the easiest way to get out there,” she said, winking at Monty. “Long time, no see.”
He chuckled. “Very funny. Agent Snow, please meet Officer Jill Jordan.”
Laurel didn’t know what they were joking about. She climbed into the back of the UTV. “Nice to meet you.”
Officer Jordan drove, while Monty sat next to her.
“You sure you don’t want the front?” he asked for the third time, turning around to look at her.
“I’m good, Monty. Thank you.” The modern UTVs were lovely, with heated seats and warmth all around her. She stared out at the light dusting of snow on every tree. “How long does the snow usually last in this area?”
Officer Jordan drove quickly. “It’s Washington State. Sometimes we lose the snow in the mountains in February, and sometimes it’s still here in June.” She turned around a series of pine trees to follow a barely visible trail. “As my obasan used to say, ‘Even on snow, three years.’”
Monty turned to Laurel. “I suppose you know what that means.”
Laurel nodded. “It’s a Japanese saying that even something as fleeting as snow can last for a long time, metaphorically hinting that impacts or consequences can endure longer than expected.”
“Very good,” Officer Jordan said.
“Oh,” Monty muttered. “Like Jason Abbott. He’s lasting longer in our lives than we ever expected.”
The young officer nodded. “Exactly.”
Laurel angled her head to see the officer. “Your grandmother sounds like a wise woman.”
“She was,” Officer Jordan said. “She always found the beauty in life. That’s a rare gift, you know. She was a big believer in ichigo ichie.”
“Ah. One time, one meeting,” Laurel murmured. “I agree.”
Monty looked over at the officer. “You’re Japanese?”
“Yes. My mother is half-Japanese,” Officer Jordan said. “I look like my dad’s family. They’re Scottish.” She sighed. “Unfortunately, I didn’t inherit the dark red hair.” She glanced at Laurel before focusing back on the trail. “Your hair is gorgeous.”
“Thank you.” It was the proper response, but Laurel had never understood why. She had no control over her chromosomal pairs. Her phone buzzed, and she pulled it free of her pocket, surprised to still be receiving cell service, and unsurprised to see the identity of the caller. “Good morning, Captain.”
The sounds of a fire crackled across the line. “I heard we have another body. Are you headed to the scene?” Huck asked.
“I am, with Monty and Officer Jordan in a UTV,” Laurel said. “You have been removed from this case.”
Huck sighed. “I know, but I heard that the vic was found by Witch Creek. I know that area better than anybody.” Aeneas whined through the line. “I should head out there.”
“We both know you can’t. If you want to be busy this morning, try to track down a judge to sign the warrant for Haylee’s apartment, would you? We have been unsuccessful with that.” She covered the phone with her hand. “Monty, somebody in your office notified Huck about this case, and you need to put a stop to it. He has to be shielded completely.”
Monty turned. “I’ll raise a ruckus when I return to the office.” He grimaced over his shoulder at Laurel before focusing on the trail again. “Everyone likes and respects him so much, they all want Huck to stay on the case.”
“It won’t help in the long run,” Officer Jordan said. “In fact, once we catch the killer, it’ll screw up the entire case against the murderer. You have to know that.”
Monty sighed. “I do. May I have the phone?”
Laurel handed her phone up to him.
Monty visibly straightened his shoulders. “Hi, Captain Rivers. If you interfere again, I’ll have you put on disciplinary leave.”
Laurel leaned closer to hear.
Monty sighed. “Thank you for understanding, and yes, that was really difficult to say. Is Aeneas enjoying those new dog treats I found in Snohomish last week?”
Laurel settled back against her seat as Monty and Huck engaged in small talk until Monty lost service. He handed back the phone. “He’s okay.”