Chapter 20
Abackground check told me McKinsey Raine lived with her husband in Palm Haven, a block over on Dune Crest Lane.
This was the part of the job that always sucked.
Jack parked at the curb. We hopped out and strolled the walkway.
Lights on throughout the home indicated someone was probably still awake. I rang the video doorbell, and a moment later, a voice crackled through. "Can I help you?"
I flashed my badge to the lens and made introductions. "Are you Mr. Raine?"
"I am. What is this about? Is everything okay?”
"Can you come to the door?”
"What is it? Is McKinsey okay?”
"I think it's best if we spoke face-to-face.”
He hesitated a moment, then said, "I'll be right there."
The line disconnected, and it was probably the longest walk of his life. Jordan Raine pulled open the door a moment later with a pale face and wide eyes that flicked between the two of us. His hands trembled, knowing bad news was coming.
I gave it to him, and it hit like a brick wall.
Jordan grew unsteady, and JD and I made sure he didn't hit the ground. He looked for a place to sit down, angled toward the staircase in the foyer, and took a seat. His head fell into his hands, and he sobbed for a moment. We stood there, his cries echoing off the vaulted walls.
In his late 30s, Jordan had a fit physique, short brown hair, pale blue eyes, and a sharp jaw.
I surveyed him carefully and didn’t see any traces of blood on his clothing or shoes.
He took a moment to compose himself. After a deep breath, he asked, “What happened?”
JD and I shared an uncomfortable glance.
“We’re not exactly sure,” I said. “She was attacked. Possibly by some type of… animal.”
His brow wrinkled with confusion. “Where? She told me she would be jogging on the beach.”
“That’s where the attack took place.”
More confusion tensed his face. “What kind of animals are on the beach? She wasn’t mauled by a sea turtle.”
I gave him the details.
Jordan shook his head, dismissing the notion. “Is this some kind of prank? You guys aren’t really cops, are you? She put you up to this.”
“I wish that was the case. I’m sorry.”
His moment of hope faded, and his eyes filled again. “She’s really dead?”
I nodded, and his head fell into his hands. After a few moments, he said in disbelief, “And you’re telling me that one of my neighbors saw a werewolf mutilate her?”
“That’s what we’ve been told.”
“By who?”
“Tommy Cartwright.”
Jordan looked perplexed. “I know Tommy. He’s a straight shooter. Not some whack job. Not like the lady who lives across the street.”
“How long have you been married?”
“Two years,” he said, his eyes filling again.
His sorrow was either genuine, or he was a damn good actor.
“I don’t understand. She jogged the beach all the time. This is a safe neighborhood.” He paused. “Do you think Tommy could have been confused about what he saw?”
“Either someone is dressing up in an elaborate, lifelike costume, or there is a wild predator loose that people are mistaking for a werewolf.”
His brow tightened. “What kind of predator?”
“I don’t know. All of the zoo animals have been accounted for.”
“If we’re getting the full story,” JD muttered.
“Full story?”
“We’re going to pursue this to a conclusion,” I assured.
“That doesn’t do me any good. Nothing is going to bring McKinsey back.”
A sympathetic frown tugged my face.
We offered our condolences once again, and I gave him a card.
As we strolled the walkway back to the Porsche, Jack muttered, “I think we need to have another talk with someone at the zoo.”
I called Sherry Finley as I climbed into the car. Jack fired up the engine, and we headed to the station to fill out reports.
“Hello?”
“Sherry, this is Deputy Wild. We have another situation.”
“Oh, no.”
I gave her the scoop. “Are you sure all of the big cats have been accounted for?”
She hesitated for a moment. “I’m going to need to get back to you on that.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, incredulous.
“Corporate has advised me not to talk to anyone without an attorney.”
“Sherry! A woman died tonight. This is a matter of public safety. I know everyone is in damage control mode, but I need to know what’s going on.”
She was silent for a long moment. “I need some kind of immunity.”