“The CSU finished processing the scene.” I’m well aware that he wasn’t asking about the case, but I fall back into cop mode anyway. Safer ground, I realize, and not just for me. “There wasn’t much.” Thinking of the blood, I sigh. “The traffic-accident specialist tried to piece together what might have happened, but he didn’t have enough for a definitive scenario. He suspects the victim may have been struck by a vehicle and received abrasions from the asphalt.”

At this point, that’s a best-case scenario, but neither of us says it.

“Are you driving up here?” he asks.

“I hate to leave with Sadie still missing, but I’m spinning my wheels here.”

“Kate . . . I wanted to tell you I know I shouldn’t have laid all that on you this morning,” he says. “I mean about moving in together.”

“It’s okay,” I say quickly. “You just caught me off guard.”

“Bad timing on my part.”

“It was just . . . unexpected. Things are a little muddled for me right now. I mean with the case. I think I just need a little space.” I cringe, hating the way the words sounded, wishing I could somehow take them back.

He sighs. “They’re getting ready to interview Karns. I’ve got to get in there.”

In that instant, more than anything else in the world, I want to be there. I want to be with Tomasetti. I want to be there when they question Karns. If the man is guilty of murdering Annie King, there’s a high probability he’s involved with the disappearance of Sadie Miller.

“Tomasetti?”

“Yeah?”

A hundred words dangle on my tongue. I want to say something that will make all of this awkwardness between us go away. I want to let him know we’re okay, that things really aren’t muddled and the problem is that I suck at honest communication, especially when there’s so much at stake.

“I’m thinking about it,” I blurt.

The statement needs no explanation. “Okay,” he tells me.

I close my eyes. “Let me know how it goes with Karns.” And I hit END before he can respond.

I’ve barely hung up when my cell goes off. I look down and see Auggie’s name on the display and groan inwardly. For several seconds, I debate whether to answer, because I already know the direction in which the conversation will go.

“Kate, look, I just wanted to let you know I’ve talked to the county attorney about the charges against Bradford.” He begins the conversation as if my only thought in the world is the state of his son’s life. “I also spoke with Judge Seibenthaler. They suggested I speak with you. I thought we could discuss it and perhaps get the charges bumped down.”

“Auggie, I’ve got my hands full with the Sadie Miller case.”

“I’m not asking you to drop the charges. . . .”