Baltimore 03 - Did You Miss Me?

that you’re filling those syringes with?’
    Cooper gave him a calm, sideways glance. ‘Banamine. Non-narcotic pain reliever. Use it for colic. One of the rescues is on it. You can call the vet and ask.’
    ‘Okay. Do you keep any narcotics on your property?’
    ‘Not on this property because it’s not that secure. I’ve got narcotics up at my place. Keep ’em locked up. You’re free to check.’
    ‘You’re very cooperative.’
    Cooper’s mouth curved, not quite enough to be a smile. ‘Daphne likes you. I want her to be happy. She’ll be happy if I cooperate with you. And I got nothin’ to hide.’
    ‘Do you keep ketamine?’
    ‘Nope.’
    ‘What about fentanyl?’
    ‘Yes. Don’t use it very often. May be expired. You’re free to check.’
    ‘I will.’
    ‘Now I’ve got a few questions. You’ve got quite an entourage around Daphne, protecting her. How long can you keep that up before you eat through your budget?’
    ‘Not long.’
    Cooper stared at him with sharp eyes. ‘So what the fucking hell are you doing about this pissant psycho drama queen?’
    The fear Joseph saw in the man’s gaze kept him from snarling back. ‘Not enough,’ he said quietly. ‘Do you have any thoughts?’
    ‘Yeah. He wants to be seen. Like any punk that does graffiti. His fascination with blood scares the hell out of me. And he knows how to butcher a cow,’ he added bitterly.
    ‘I’m sorry. Detective Rivera thought it was a pet.’
    ‘Maggie’s. She rescued that damn cow. Bottle fed it because it was weaned too soon and left to die. And then some punk kills it to do graffiti ?’ Cooper’s voice shook with suppressed rage. ‘He’d want to see her reaction. Daphne’s.’ He lifted his eyes, swept his gaze across the trees. He’s out there now. Or was. Guaranteed.
    Joseph agreed. ‘Does Maggie know about the cow?’
    ‘Yes. She’ll fall apart later, in private. That’s her way. She’s far more worried about Daphne right now. As am I. Who the hell would kill a defenseless cow for graffiti?’
    ‘Same person that kidnapped Ford.’
    Cooper flinched. ‘My mind can’t accept that he’s being held against his will. I’ve known that boy since before he was born. I taught him to ride. To shoot. I gave him his first razor.’ He looked up at the sky, his throat working as he fought back tears. ‘First box of condoms too. Don’t tell Daphne.’
    ‘Our secret,’ Joseph said. ‘I think you’re right. I think there’s a good chance he’s going to want to watch. Where would he get the best view?’
    ‘A few places. I know this land. If it would help, I can take you or your investigators to those places. A man stands in one place long enough, he’ll leave something behind.’
    ‘I’ve got a CSU team on the way. Thank you. Now about your generator.’
    ‘I sent my son back to the house for the maintenance books. He should be back in thirty minutes if you can wait.’
    ‘I can. Excuse me.’ The cell phone in Joseph’s hand had begun to buzz, the number on the caller ID unfamiliar. The hair on the back of his neck lifted. ‘This is Agent Carter.’
    ‘Carter, this is Agent Kerr in the Pittsburgh Field Office. We got a hit on your BOLO.’
    Joseph didn’t breathe. ‘Which one?’
    Wednesday, December 4, 8.00 A.M.
    ‘Something’s wrong,’ Daphne murmured. She’d come out of the stall just as Joseph took a phone call, his body going statue still, his face blank.
    Maggie tugged on her shoulders. ‘Come on. Scott brought a thermos of coffee.’
    ‘No.’ She pulled free, not wanting to watch, but unable to turn away. Joseph had stopped breathing. He was listening to his phone, his chest frozen. Daphne’s heart began to pound, hard and fast. He turned then, as if feeling her watching him. His mouth curved into a smile, but his eye were still blank.
    ‘I’ll be just a minute,’ he called. ‘Don’t worry.’
    Daphne closed her eyes. ‘All right.’ Exhale, inhale . Rinse and repeat . ‘ I’m going to sit in the office, Maggie. Can you ask Joseph to come talk to me when he’s ready?’
    ‘Of course.’ Maggie cupped her neck loosely, bringing her head close until their foreheads touched. ‘Whatever happens, we will do this. Together. You and me and your mama. Just like we’ve done everything else.’
    ‘I know. But for now I’d like to be alone.’ She left Maggie with a hug and made it to the office and sank into a chair, trembling so hard her legs were jelly. She twined her