Free Convictions by Maureen McKade Page B

old Sheriff Mitchell had, and he appeared to be only in his early to midthirties.
    "Judge Kincaid," he said, extending his hand. He removed his wide-brimmed hat, revealing a head full of dark hair that curled over his ears and down to his collar. His blue-green eyes met Olivia's. "Good morning, Ms. Kincaid."
    "Hello, Sheriff," she said with a smile. Despite his formal manner, the lawman made her feel comfortable and safe.
    "Come on inside and have some coffee," her father said. "Join us, Olivia?"
    She nodded, glad to be included, and led the men into the kitchen. After they all had cups of coffee, her father asked the sheriff, "So what brings you all the way out here?"
    "Do you know Melinda Curry Holcomb?" Sheriff Jordan asked without preamble.
    Olivia glanced at her father, who seemed as puzzled as her.
    "Yes, we both do," he replied.
    "Melinda and I went to school together," Olivia added. "She was here about two weeks ago." She shifted uncomfortably. "Interviewing me for a story for the county paper."
    Jordan nodded but didn't display any reaction. "Did she mention anything about going out of town?"
    "Not to me."
    The judge lifted his hands and shook his head.
    Jordan took a deep breath and sighed. "She's missing. Her mother went over to see why she hadn't returned her calls from the day before, and it looked like Ms. Holcomb hadn't been home for a few days. No one has seen her, and her car is missing."
    "Maybe she took off for a week or two. She's done it before," the judge said wryly.
    The sheriff shrugged. "That was my guess, too. Some folks I talked to said she was planning a trip to Las Vegas, but her mother insists she would've told her if she was going out of town."
    Her father grimaced. "I think Melinda doesn't tell her mother everything she does."
    Olivia didn't know Melinda very well but suspected she was still the type who'd do what she wanted when she wanted. However, Olivia's experience as an ADA wouldn't allow her to totally dismiss her former classmate's disappearance as a lark. There was always the possibility, no matter how remote, that Melinda hadn't left of her own free will.
    Sheriff Jordan traced his cup handle with his forefinger and thumb. "I've talked to nearly everybody in this county, and no one's seen her. I'll put an APB out on her car and check her credit cards to see if she's charged anything lately."
    "I'm sure she'll turn up eventually," her father said. He frowned. "What else is bothering you, Caleb?"
    She had noticed the weary lines in the sheriff's face, too, and wondered if Melinda's case had put them there.
    The lawman rubbed his eyes. "Two days ago the remains of a woman were found just over the state line in Wyoming. The state crime unit said she was murdered seven or eight years ago. They'll have a better idea of time after the autopsy."
    "That's not your jurisdiction," Olivia said.
    Sheriff Jordan glanced at her. "No, but since the body was found so close to the Jackson County line, our office has been enlisted to help with the investigation."
    "Have they identified the body yet?" the judge asked.
    "Not yet, but they're hoping to by the end of the week."
    Olivia shivered. Who was the victim? Was she somebody from the rural area, somebody whose picture was on a missing person's poster? Or was it someone nobody had missed?
    Sheriff Jordan finished his coffee and stood. Olivia rose so she wouldn't get a crick in her neck from looking up at him. She followed the two men out the front door.
    "How's that boy of yours, Caleb?" her father asked, his grim expression giving way to a genial grin.
    The sheriff's smile transformed his stoic features into breathtakingly handsome. And Olivia couldn't help but wonder why she was attracted to a convict like Hank Elliott, rather than this lawman.
    "He turned five last week," the sheriff replied, his eyes glowing with pride. "It's hard to imagine it's been that long since—" He broke off and glanced away.
    The judge clapped his shoulder. "He's a fine