The sheds came next. One looked to have been disregarded a long time ago, still standing only out of some family obligation. It was empty with the exception of several dried wasp nests in the rafters and junked parts to what looked to be a very old tractor. The other two held only old farming equipment; one of the sheds was packed with the stuff: ancient tires, old rakes and hoes, a bail of copper wire. A small shelf sat on the far wall, stacked with a few farming magazines. A small drugstore calendar sat there as well, offering a month-by-month depiction of 1989.

With the investigation over, Kate and DeMarco walked back to the driveway. Lee was in the back of Barnes car while Barnes and Foster spoke to him through the opened back window. Kate brought the old laptop with her, not wanting to run the risk of leaving it behind if it did have something of interest on it. The fact that it was old, partially charged, and hanging out in his barn seemed somewhat peculiar as far as she was concerned.

Anything? Barnes asked.

Other than taking a swing at an agent, not so much, Kate said. I think it might be worth looking into what might be on this laptop, though. Got anyone at the station that can get into it?

Sadly, no.

I can take a crack at it, DeMarco said. I was kind of a tech geek in high school and collegesomething I still tinker with.

You get anything else out of him? Kate asked.

Just the woe is me, everyone-is-out-to-get-me diatribe.

Kate noticed that Lee was very tense as he sat in the back of the patrol car. His eyes were locked on the laptop in her hands, making her think it was a good idea to bring it after all.

Want to huddle up at the station, then? Barnes asked. Staties are on their way…should be here in about an hour or so. Canine unit will be pretty much right behind them.

Well meet you there, Kate said, wasting no time and getting into her car. She was starting to think there might indeed be something on the laptop. Maybe not anything directly related to Mercy Fuller, but certainly something that would shed more light onto Edgar Lee and if he was hiding anything from them.

Hey, Kate? DeMarco said as they made their way back up the driveway. I feel like I maybe owe you an apology.

For what?

For losing it on Lee…for just laying into him. Honestly, I was hoping hed snap…hoping hed try something. Men that get their thrills on young girls get under my skin in a way that Im not particularly proud of.