Bloodstain Read Online Free Page A

then.”
    “If they have, let me know.”
    “Of course. Can you take us out to your crime scene?”
    “Sure.”
     
    *******
     
    They arrived at the lake about forty-five minutes later.
    Jason grinned at the Austin detective. “You weren’t kidding. This is way off the beaten path.”
    Vanessa looked around her. “ The killer, presumably not as experienced as he is now, could have taken his time performing the ritual exactly as he wanted it.”
    Nina pointed to the base of a tree. The large blackjack oak still showed the scar from almost seven months ago, when the bullet passed through Marcie, and into the tree.
    They left there and drove past Marcie Walker’s apartment and the 7-11 where she worked. Jason noticed the distance between work and home for Marcie was less than half a mile. “It would appear he was waiting for her. There isn’t much time or opportunity for her to be taken.”
    Nina agreed. “That’s what we figured. While it could’ve been random, this neighborhood is unusual for someone to cruise for victims.”
    They pulled back in at the Austin PD and climbed out of the car. Jason extended his hand and shook with Nina Jefferson. “Thanks for your help. We’ll be in touch.”
    Vanessa climbed into their car and waved at Nina. “Thanks!”
    Nina smiled and returned the wave. “Have a safe trip back.”
     
    *******
     
    Jason let Vanessa drive back to San Antonio. He used the time to make some notes about what they had learned and organize his thoughts. After a while, he realized he was hungry.
    “Hey, you want to stop at Stumpy’s BBQ?”
    “Ugh, not me.”
    Jason thought she was going to throw up. “You okay?”
    “Yeah, fine. Just not hungry.”
    “I thought you loved Stumpy’s pulled pork sandwiches?”
    “I do. It’s just…well…I’m pregnant.”
    Jason laughed out loud. “No, really. You just not hungry?”
    “I’m not kidding, I’m pregnant.”
    Jason could see the little smile on her face, and it was a sure sign she wasn’t lying. She was excited. “You really are! How long have you known?”
    “About three weeks.”
    “Well, you’re a great one for news!”
    “Look Jason, just keep this between us for now.”
    He couldn’t control his grin. “First of all, congratulations...”
    “Thanks.”
    “…but why the secrecy. This is great.”
    “I don’t want to be treated any different at the station. I’ll be forced to drive a desk, and I don’t want it to be any sooner than necessary.”
    “How’s Rob?”
    “He’s thrilled.”
    “I bet. Okay, your secret is safe with me. Can we still stop at Stumpy’s? I’m starving.”
    “Fine, just no onion rings!”

 

     
    Chapter 4
     
    Jason had tried to make an appointment for the following day with the parents of Marcie Walker, but they were out of town. It was the following Monday when Vanessa and Jason were able to meet with them.
    As they pulled up in front of the modest bungalow style home in south San Antonio, Jason noticed how normal it looked. White with a gray shingle roof and flowerbeds on either side of the front door. He was struck, as he often was with these cases, how out of place tragedy seemed on a street such as this.
    They got out , walked to the front door, and as Vanessa reached to ring the bell, the door opened.
    “Detective Strong?”
    “Yes, ma’am. This is my partner, Detective Vanessa Layne.”
    The tiny woman, with gray hair and bright blue eyes, gave them a warm smile, as she swung open the screen door.
    “Nice to meet you. Please come in. My husband is in the living room.”
    Jason and Vanessa followed Mrs. Walker into the tiny living room and Mr. Walker rose to greet them. They shook hands. “Would either of you like some coffee?” Mrs. Walker asked.
    “No, thank you. Not for me, anyway.”
    Vanessa shook her head and took a seat on the couch. Jason remained standing and took out his notebook.
    He noticed the pictures on the wall, placed around one of those home interior FAMILY