Before He Preys

“Sheriff Tate, we’ve discussed the importance of the Skinner kid already,” McGrath said. “I ask that in the coming days you please consider giving Agent White any assistance she needs. And please let her have full run of this case. She’s among my best agents and I trust her completely. Can you do that for me?”

“Absolutely. Just let us know how we can help.”

“Agent White, do you have any leads to pursue at this point?”

“Nothing solid,” she said. “But I imagine it wouldn’t be too hard to find some people to speak with in regards to the lives of the victims. I’m continuously being told how this is one of those towns where everybody knows everybody. Speaking to Kenny Skinner’s mother gave me a few ideas.”

“Good. Get to it, and keep me posted. Sheriff Tate, thanks again for your cooperation.”

“No pro – ”

But McGrath had hung up, the screen glitching for a moment and then the call coming to an end.

“Don’t take it personally,” Mackenzie said. “He does that to me all the time.”

With a shrug, Tate asked, “So what do you need from us?”

Mackenzie thought for a moment, trying to determine the best course of action. “Can you get me the police records for any of the people who have committed suicide from the bridge in the last five years or so?”

“I can get that for you,” Miller said. “But I don’t think there will be too much to look at.”

“That’s fine, just – ”

Her phone rang, interrupting her. She answered it and heard Pam Skinner’s somber voice on the other end.