* * *
Five minutes passed before either of them spoke again. They continued eating as if everything were perfectly normal. But Cade knew it wasn’t, and since DeeJay had the same kind of training in these cases, he was sure she knew, as well.
But apparently she wasn’t going to let it ruin her appetite, and it wasn’t enough to make him lose his. They couldn’t discuss it here anyway. Mavis was moving around again, clearing up dishes, and as much as the place had quieted down she could probably tune in on any conversation she wanted to.
Cade called out to Mavis. “Is it possible to get up anywhere near the ski resort right now?”
She turned, frowned, then shook her head. “Might be a day or two. Work was called off during the storm and that’s a lot of road to clear. The construction office is in the phone book. Look for Masters General Contracting.”
“Thanks, Mavis.”
“God,” mumbled DeeJay as Mavis disappeared with another load of dishes, “a world where people still use the phone book.”
Cade had to laugh. “I know. How about I just plug it into my phone or tablet.”
He saw the smile flicker over her face. The woman was thawing a bit. Thank God.
“I wonder how long we’ll have to wait for this deputy.”
“Not long,” Cade judged. “Gage wants something out of us as soon as possible. He’s going to grease the skids as much as he can.”
She nodded and at last pushed her plate to one side. “I’m going to need to work out twice a day for a month if I keep eating here. But it’s good.”
“And filling,” he agreed. “We can hit the grocery later and find some healthier stuff. When we’re out making like travel writers.”
“Pretending to be travel writers still seems ridiculous. We have to ask the kinds of questions that have nothing to do with the case.”
“On the other hand, everyone seems more than willing to talk about it with us. Natural interest will give us the chance to ask questions.”
“I hope so.”
Mavis returned, and they paid their bill, then once again headed back toward the house. As they drove, Cade mentioned Gage’s warning. “Do you think that was over-the-top? I mean, you’re a heck of a lot taller than the victims, plus you’re female.”
“I’m not going to worry about it,” she said. “I’m not a victim. I can take care of myself. Can’t blame the guy for being hypercautious right now.”
“I guess not,” Cade answered, winding them along streets that in places looked like they ought to be on a Christmas card. She might brush it aside, but Cade couldn’t quite. The history of serial killers was filled with people who broke out of their supposed patterns at times. For example, the guy who killed only teenage girls until he killed his mother. But those things usually involved a long relationship fraught with emotional problems.
So, while it wasn’t likely the killer would even notice DeeJay, he resolved to keep a sharp eye out. “Just don’t get cocky,” he said.
He should have known she would bridle. “I don’t get cocky, Cade. I know what I’m capable of.”