Chapter Fifty-Three
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
EMMETT
I was finishing up some paperwork at my desk when the phone rang.
“Sheriff Ranger,” I clipped, not bothering to look at the caller ID.
“DNA doesn’t match,” Wendy stated, and my hand froze mid-signature.
“Whose DNA isn’t a match for what?” I asked, concerned I already knew the answer.
“Dustin Bennett’s DNA isn’t a match for either of Millie Rushing’s crime scenes, nor Molly Maxwell’s.”
Dread snaked up my spine.
“Thanks,” I managed to choke out before ending the call. I pulled up Millie’s contact and dialed. No answer. I yelled for Theo, and he came barreling into my office. His eyes were wide, as if he’d just received the same news.
“Dustin Bennett’s DNA isn’t a match for any of the crime scenes,” I said, trying Millie’s cell again. It went straight to voicemail this time. I stood, pulling up Greer’s number and hurrying to grab my keys from their hook. Her phone went straight to voicemail as well.
“I can’t get ahold of Millie,” I gritted out as I shouldered passed Theo. “Or Greer.”
Theo followed me all the way to my cruiser and climbed into the passenger’s seat. I was trying hard not to lose it, but if he’d just left Millie’s protective detail in place, we wouldn’t be having this issue.
I wouldn’t be coming out of my fucking skin.
“I’m going to start at Tim’s,” I explained, pulling out onto Peak Street. “That’s where I dropped them off this morning.”
The miles passed slowly, and I left Theo to make the necessary calls. My mind focused solely on finding my girl.
We pulled into Tim’s parking lot, and my eyes scanned the area for Millie’s vehicle, but it was nowhere in sight. I jumped out from behind the wheel and stalked into the closest garage bay, looking for Tim.
Following the sound of frustrated swearing, we found him bent over the hood of an older model sedan. “Tim,” I called out. He jumped then raised his head, appearing frazzled.
“I’m looking for Millie and Greer,” I stated, straight to the point.
“Sent them on their way less than an hour ago,” he replied on a huff. “They had to wait on me since my help didn’t bother showing up today.” He grabbed a rag from the pocket of his coveralls and wiped at his oil stained hands. “Actually, he left me high and dry after finishing Millie’s vehicle yesterday, come to think of it.”
My fear spiked, and I shared a glance with Theo. But neither of us had the chance to question him before he continued venting.
“I knew all that traveling on Highway 82 would get to be too much for Thomas,” Tim commented, and my hackles rose further. “He’s a peculiar one.”
“What’s Thomas’s last name?” I questioned.
“Jones, I believe,” Tim said, scratching at his beard.
Hell . That sounded like an alias.
“Thanks for the help, Tim,” I called over my shoulder as Theo and I jogged for my cruiser.
While I tried calling Millie and Greer again, Theo radioed in a request for additional information on Thomas Jones.
Both of their phones continued to go to voicemail, making me punch at the gas. Activating the lights and sirens, I raced down Peak Street and turned onto the hellish highway.