Free Bring the Heat by Jo Davis Page A

the chief asked warmly.
    â€œI’m doing well, thanks. I just stopped by to see Austin, but it’s good to see you, too.”
    A heavy silence descended while they waited for Danny to fetch her soda. She scrutinized Austin, taking in his disheveled appearance. He sat upright in the chair, both feet flat on the floor, gripping the armrests so hard his knuckles were white. His face was fraught with tension, eyes haunted. Foreboding knotted her stomach.
    Danny returned and she thanked him, taking the chilly can and popping the top. “So, what’s going on? I get the distinct impression something else has happened.”
    Glenn clasped his hands atop the desk, his tone serious. “Something has, and I’ll let Austin tell you about that later. You have anything new for us from your office?”
    â€œI wish I did,” she said regretfully, casting a glance at Austin. “I have fibers and some prints, but we need a suspect to match them with. The best news to date, though, is that the forensic evidence just doesn’t point to Captain Rainey as a viable suspect.”
    â€œThat’s a damn good thing, too. I’ve just reinstated him.” He paused, letting that tidbit sink in.
    Laura perked up. “That’s great news. Isn’t it?”
    â€œIt’s sooner than I’d planned but it has to do with what’s happened,” the chief continued. “We’re going to have Austin be our media liaison on the case.”
    Her mouth fell open. “You’re kidding me. Not to be rude, but why would you do that? Isn’t that dangerous on several levels?”
    â€œWe’re hoping to keep the killer’s focus on me,” Austin said. “Seeing my face may goad him into making a move. Plus, as much as I hate the media at times, there’s the sympathy factor with the widower demanding justice.”
    â€œThat’s really risky,” she protested. “Can’t someone else do it?”
    â€œUnfortunately, the spokesman has to be me.” His tone was apologetic as he gazed at her. “Otherwise it defeats the whole purpose.”
    She didn’t like this. At all.
    Rainey sighed, looking drained. “What we need is a friendly face in the newsroom. Someone who’s on our side and will turn the tide of public opinion toward us.”
    Laura thought about that. “I have a friend who’s an anchor for Channel Eight. Her name is Joan Peterson. I’ve given her statements from the ME’s office before, which is how we got to know each other.”
    â€œShe’s a good egg?” the chief asked.
    â€œOne of the best. If anyone will give you guys a fair shake and some good airtime, it’s Joan. If you want, I’ll have her call you.”
    Glenn nodded, appearing pleased. “That would be great, thank you. But the information doesn’t leave this group, including Joan Peterson.”
    â€œAnd my detectives,” Austin put in.
    Glenn stood, signaling an end to the conversation. Taking the hint, Laura rose as well and said her good-byes. “I’m sure she’ll call you soon, gentlemen. I’ll see myself out.”
    Austin took her arm. “Wait. Can I talk to you for a second?”
    â€œSure.” She gave him a smile, which he returned halfheartedly.
    She and Austin exited the office, pulling the door shut on their way out. As he walked with her toward the front of the building, she worried about what was wrong. As they stepped outside and faced each other, he shoved his hands in his pockets.
    â€œAre you busy for lunch?”
    Laura studied him. His green eyes were tired and that bothered her more than anything. Sadness lurked in their depths, so immense she could drown in them.
    â€œI don’t have any plans. Want me to meet you here?”
    He shook his head. “No, not here. I just got here and the walls are already closing in. By lunch I’ll be ready to get out of this place for