Dead Center by Susan Sleeman

Author:Susan Sleeman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Edge of Your Seat Books, Inc.

15

Late in the afternoon, Ainslie took a seat in the sheriff’s conference room, her heart so heavy it felt like an anchor was dragging it down. She’d believed Ethan when he’d said Neil had been murdered, and seeing the bones Kelsey unearthed was very real, but it wasn’t until Kelsey’s look of determination when she’d confirmed that the X-rays matched Neil Orr’s that the horror of it all sank in. It was true. Neil Orr had been murdered, and Ethan had known for years. Ainslie could hardly wrap her head around it.

And now—oh, dear God, now—joining Neil’s parents, whose weathered and tortured faces told the story of years of not knowing about their son’s whereabouts, made it even sadder. They’d changed so dramatically since Ainslie had last seen them, and she wished she could do something—anything—to offer comfort. But after her brother’s role in their suffering, she was the last person they would accept comfort from.

Grady sat next to her, and his knee pressed against hers. Maybe the touch was accidental, or maybe he was telling her that he was there for her, like he’d been since she’d met him. He’d even suggested she skip this meeting and not put herself through the stress. Not like she had a choice. She could never live with herself if she bolted from town and didn’t face Neil’s parents, offer an apology, and let them vent any anger that they might have for Ethan on her. They deserved that and so much more.

Matt propped his shoulder against the wall and introduced everyone. Sierra wasn’t there, as she’d stayed behind to finish packing up the supplies and remain with Neil’s bones to maintain the chain of custody.

“Go ahead, Dr. Dunbar,” Matt said, surprising Ainslie at the use of Kelsey’s title, especially considering that he’d given her nothing but a hard time at the crime scene. And Ainslie was still getting used to Kelsey’s married last name.

Kelsey was seated next to Grady, and she explained her findings in a concise yet warm tone. “I’m very sorry for your loss.”

Mrs. Orr eyed Kelsey and ran a hand over thinning hair, gray at the root and mousy brown at the stick-straight edges brushing her shoulders. “You’re one hundred percent positive this is my boy?”

“The only way we can make a one hundred percent positive identification is through DNA,” Kelsey explained gently. “And that will take at least twenty-four hours to process.”

She eyed Kelsey. “But you’re sure enough to sit across the table from me and tell me it’s Neil?”

“I’ve compared the broken femur X-rays from his doctor to X-rays of the recovered femur,” Kelsey said. “It’s a perfect match. Plus, he’s wearing the clothing you described. So, yes, I am certain enough to tell you that we have recovered your son’s remains.”

Mrs. Orr crossed her arms over a frail and thin body. “I’ve been expecting this for years, but I never knew it would hurt like the dickens.”

Kelsey pressed her hand on the woman’s wrinkled hand. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Mrs.

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