A perfect end to a Friday evening.

Well, almost perfect. An in-person exchange would be preferable. But that was coming.

Hallelujah!

She pressed the talk button halfway into the second ring. “I thought we were never going to connect.”

“You underestimate my perseverance. I did try to call twice, by the way.”

“I know, but it’s hard to answer the phone in the middle of an autopsy.”

“I can imagine, even if I’d rather not.” A hint of humor tickled his voice. “I’d have called earlier in the day if I could, but it’s been crazy—and it hasn’t slowed down yet.”

She twisted her wrist to display the face of her watch. Seven ten. “Are you still at the office?”

“Yes, and I won’t be leaving anytime soon.”

“Because of the new leads you alluded to in your text?”

“Partly. But with a deputy on vacation this week, I’m also picking up fill-in duties.”

“Bummer.”

“Goes with the territory, especially in the summer. I do have news.”

“Tell me.” She sat on the breakfast nook window seat and tucked her bare feet under her.

“It appears the driver of the car seen at Mavis’s house is ready to talk.”

She listened as he filled her in. “That’s encouraging.”

“I agree. An anonymous lead also came in, suggesting we contact someone the caller says has information about both deaths.”

“Wow. Two breaks in one day. Seems too good to be true.” She leaned back, into the corner of the bay window. “You think the second one’s for real?”

“Hard to tell. The guy appears to be a model citizen. Well known in the community, according to Eleanor. The background I dug up on him supports that.”

“If he’s well known, can you share his name? It’s possible I’ve run into him.”

There was a slight hesitation. “Usually I keep identities of suspects close to my vest, but you’re a key part of this investigation. And I assume I can trust your discretion.”

“You may. Dead people don’t talk—and neither do the pathologists who work on them.”

“His name is Dave Mullins.”

Grace blinked. “You’re kidding.”

“You know him?”

“Yes. Both him and his wife. We go to the same church.”

“Now it’s my turn to say you’re kidding.”

“No. I joined not long after I moved here. I guess it shouldn’t be all that surprising. The small population in this county can’t sustain too many congregations.”

“True. Tell me what you know about him.”

“I’ve seen more of his wife, Kimberly. Sweet woman. You know about her accident?”

“Yes, but I’m more interested in him.”

“I met Dave at church not long after Kimberly came home from a long-term rehab facility. From what I heard, the man had been run ragged, making the long commute to see her every day while trying to juggle his business. She has lingering problems from the accident, but I’ve seen steady progress over the three years I’ve known her. Dave, on the other hand, looks more haggard than ever.”