Read Online Cut & Run by Traci Hohenstein - Free Book Online Page B

bad news. She’d experienced this when working with the FBI in the past. They usually didn’t call the bad news in. They showed up unexpectedly. Like this.
    Agent Krapek had her game face on. Dressed in her typical tailored work outfit, she wore navy trousers, a white shirt, and a gray blazer, even though it was a humid day. Everything about her said that she was here on serious business. She was accompanied by Agent Phipps and another law enforcement officer, who was introduced to Rachel as Detective Kerry Jones of the NOPD. Rachel watched the professional but friendly handshake between Jones and the O’Malley brothers and remembered what Red had said about the three having worked together before. It had to be a relief to the O’Malleys that an intimidating FBI agent like Krapek was accompanied by a local officer with a familiar face. Rachel studied Detective Jones. She was about five eight, with mocha-colored skin and slick dark hair that formed a tight bun. Rachel could tell that Jones meant business.
    “Sorry to come unannounced.” Krapek directed her words toward Matt. “Something has come up. Can we talk in private?”
    “It’s not necessary. You can speak freely in front of everyone here,” Matt told her.
    “Okay.” Agent Krapek took a seat next to Matt, while Jones and Phipps stood by. “A woman’s body was found in Houma. We have reason to believe that it’s your wife.”
    Rachel held her breath, thinking back to what Madame Verdene had told her about Erin being found in a swampy area.
    “Are you sure?” Matt asked in a quiet voice.
    “We need you to take a look at a photo.” Krapek nodded to Phipps as he pulled out a Polaroid that was taken at the ME’s office. “I have to warn you that what I’m about to show you is a little shocking.”
    Matt held out his hand. “I want to see it.”
    Melinda got up and walked out of the room. Rachel heard the back door open and then quietly close. She imagined that Melinda didn’t want to hear the bad news that was likely to be revealed. Or, she thought, remembering the comments Melinda had made about Erin’s perfect life, maybe Melinda just wanted to freshen up her lipstick. There was something so superficial about the woman. Rachel wanted to warm to her, but couldn’t.
    “I should clarify that the sheriff’s office in Houma found a body part only,” said Krapek. “Not a whole body. This is the left arm. A wedding ring was still attached.”
    Matt studied the picture, and tears welled up in his eyes. “This is Erin’s wedding band. I may not remember the last couple of months, but I remember slipping this on her finger.” He made a kind of choking noise, and Rachel could tell he was trying to keep from all-out crying.
    Chris glanced at the photo. “Are you sure, buddy?”
    Matt nodded. “There’s one way to know for sure. It has our initials engraved on the inside of the band with our wedding date.”
    “Right,” said Krapek, with a grave expression. “The initials E and M were found on the inside, along with an April date.” Agent Phipps handed Matt another photo. “Here’s the other picture we took of the ring.”
    Rachel watched as Chris put his arm around Matt. The color was draining from Matt’s face.
    “Not to sound harsh, but even if it’s Erin’s ring, how do you know that’s actually her?” Chris asked.
    “The ME is running DNA and tox reports. We’re not one hundred percent, but with the ring…” Krapek shrugged.
    Matt handed the photo back to Phipps with shaky hands. “It’s her. She had a mole on her hand. It always bothered her and she wanted to have it removed.”
    “Well, this doesn’t prove Erin is dead,” said Chris. “You just found an arm, right?”
    “Right,” Krapek answered. “But you have to admit it doesn’t look good.”
    “What about the kids?” Matt asked.
    “Nothing yet,” Krapek answered. “With a solid ID on Erin, we can have our crime scene unit assist the sheriff’s office and