Her Broken Wings by D.K. Hood

Forty-Seven

Speechless for a moment, Jenna stared at Kane. He’d taken off with lights and sirens after Brad Kelly’s truck. She took a breath. “He was just here. Are you sure?”

“Yeah, it’s a match. I have no doubt.” Wolfe let out a long breath. “Unless he has an excuse for Ruby scratching him, he’s our killer.”

Jenna swallowed hard. “Okay, Shane, thanks. We’ll give chase and arrest him.”

She disconnected but her phone rang again immediately. It was Jo. “Hi, Jo, we have a positive DNA match on Brad Kelly, we’re in pursuit now.”

“I guessed as much when you took off and hightailed it to the cruiser. We’re right behind you.”Jo was breathing heavily. “There’s no doubt?”

Jenna shook her head and then wondered why, as Jo couldn’t see her. “No, Wolfe ran the tests twice.”

Ahead, the mist swirled in the headlights, blocking her view, but she could still see the taillights of Brad’s old model truck. “He’s heading for the morgue. No doubt he thinks he can collect his mother’s remains.” The back window lit up with blue and red lights as Carter raced up behind them. “I’ll see you there.” She disconnected and grabbed hold of the seat as Kane slid the Beast around the corner.

To her surprise, Kelly pulled over to the curb opposite the sheriff’s department as if allowing them to pass by. She caught sight of his startled expression as Kane drove past and then braked hard to stop across the road in front of him. Behind them Carter had blocked any chance of retreat. She followed Kane out the truck as he advanced on Brad, and she stuck to him like glue, drawing her weapon. “Hands where we can see them.”

When Kelly placed his hands on the steering wheel, Jenna nodded to Kane. She waited for him to pull open the door and drag out Kelly. He had him face down on the hood of his truck and cuffed in seconds. “Brad Kelly, you’re under arrest for the murder of Ruby Evans.” She read him his rights.

“Me?” Brad shook his head, almost resigned. “I knew you’d try to nail me with her murder. Found a way to fix the DNA results, huh?”

“Take him in and book him.” Jenna tossed Carter the keys to the sheriff’s department and turned to look at Jo. “I’ll call the DA. I want Kelly in the county jail tonight.”

She made the call. “My medical examiner doesn’t make mistakes, and he ran the tests twice to make sure. The suspect has a scratch on his chin, the victim has his DNA under her nails. Apart from meeting once at Aunt Betty’s Café, Kelly denies seeing her since. He’s far too dangerous to be in my cells. He’s murdered eight people.” She shook her head and stared at Jo. “Yes, we have FBI agents on the case. Here, speak to Jo Blake.” She thrust the phone toward her.

“Hello.” Jo frowned. “I’m a behavioral analyst with the FBI field office out of Snakeskin Gully. Yes, it’s new. I suggest you tell county to send a chopper and four guards. This man is capable of anything. He should be in a secure environment. I suggest you hurry.” She listened for a few minutes. “Within the hour. Good.” She disconnected and handed the phone back to Jenna. “It looks like we get to eat around nine.”

“The steakhouse is open until midnight Saturday. I’ll book a table.” Jenna made the call as she walked into the sheriff’s department. She found Kane on the phone to the local judge.

“Would you believe he’s working at his office?” Kane smiled. “He’ll wait to sign the arrest warrant.”

“The prisoner is in the cells.” Carter strolled up to her. “I’ll write up the arrest and search warrants and run them over to the judge.”

Amazed by the efficiency, Jenna smiled. “Thanks. I’m so relieved we brought him in without any problems. Has he asked for a lawyer?”

“Yeah.” Kane nodded. “I’ll call Sam Cross.”

Jenna frowned. “Just wait until we have the arrest warrant in our hands. I don’t want him to find a loophole that allows Kelly to walk.”

The next moment the front door flew open and Rowley came in still dressed in uniform with Atohi close behind. Jenna shook her head. “I sent you home to rest.”

“We were at Aunt Betty’s.” Rowley looked from her to Kane. “What happened?”

Jenna hated telling Atohi she’d charged his cousin with murder but she had no choice. “I’m sorry, Atohi, we’ve arrested Brad for the murder of Ruby Evans. Before you say anything, his DNA matches the skin found under her nails. He has a scratch on his face and can’t verify his whereabouts during any of the murders.” She sighed. “We’ll call Sam Cross to represent him and he’ll do it pro bono. I’ll submit the evidence we have to date and leave the courts to decide.”

“I don’t believe it.” Atohi couldn’t hide the shock on his face. “Angry maybe but not a killer.”

Jenna squeezed his arm. “We’ll need to search his belongings. Did you see him with any large amounts of cash?”

“He had money.” Atohi shook his head. “From working, he gave some to my mom. He made arrangements for his mom too and paid for them, I believe.” He looked at Jenna. “You are welcome to search his room but everything he owns he carries in a backpack in his truck.” He waved a hand toward the vehicle parked outside. “Can I see him?”

Jenna shook her head. “I’m sorry, no you can’t.”

“Then tell him I’ll take care of his mom.” Atohi turned and walked, shoulders slumped, out the door.

“I’ll be back soon.” Carter headed for the door and then turned to look at Kane. “If you’re heading back to the ranch to change for dinner, can you grab me a clean shirt? I’ll have a shower here while we wait for the chopper and then we won’t miss our dinner reservation. Rowley will keep me company.” He ran out the door, paperwork in hand.

“Sure.” Kane looked after him.

Jenna turned to Rowley. “Are you okay with staying back until they pick up Kelly?”

“That’s fine by me. My girl is visiting her grandma this weekend, so I’ve nothing better to do.” Rowley looked at her. “What happens next?”

“We’ll call Sam Cross the moment Carter gets back with the warrants.” She leaned against the front counter, suddenly exhausted. “I’ve formally charged Kelly with the murder of Ruby Evans. Kane is writing up the paperwork and the DA is arranging for Kelly to go to the county jail until his hearing. He’s arranging a chopper. I just hope Cross doesn’t sweet talk the judge into giving him bail.”

“That’s unlikely to happen until at least Monday, more likely Tuesday.” Kane handed Jenna the documents to sign. “We’ll need to hustle if we plan on going home to feed the horses and dogs.” He rubbed his belly. “We should make it back into town by nine.” He looked at Rowley. “Make sure Kelly has a meal. Get something sent up from Aunt Betty’s.” He smiled at Jenna. “Innocent until proven guilty and duty of care, covered.”

“Here comes Carter.” Jo peered through the glass door. “That was fast. He drives like a madman.”

“It was only two blocks away.” Jenna smiled. “And as long as he flies the chopper well, you’ll be fine.” She zipped up her jacket and turned to Rowley. “Call me if you have any problems. We’ll be at the steakhouse from nine.”

“Sure.” Rowley took the bunch of keys from her.

The moment Carter hurried inside with the warrants Jenna turned back to Rowley. “Call Sam Cross and then Wolfe before it gets any later and ask him what he wants to do about searching Kelly’s truck.” She chewed on her bottom lip. “We’re looking for cash to link him to Lucas Robinson’s murder but he’ll want to check it for proof Ruby was inside. He’ll likely have it towed to his office in the morning.” She stared into space, thinking. “You’d better put out a press release. Just say we’ve arrested a suspect for the Old Mitcham Ranch murders. That’s all, no other info.”

“Okay, leave everything to me and go eat.” Rowley smiled at her.

Jenna looked at Kane and Jo. “Let’s go.”