Charlie filled in Sheriff Huggins on the rest of the information as they pulled in front of a clapboard house on West Hull Street. An ornate iron gate surrounded the home facing Orleans Square and looked postcard ready. The kind of home that would have lots of art hanging on the walls.

“These homes remind me of the ones in Annapolis.” Charlie’s phone beeped with an incoming text message. “Frost says the Hollinses have been out of the country since May and aren’t scheduled to return until late August.”

“Interesting.” Sheriff Huggins stepped out of the car with Charlie. “So, it’s unlikely they made any art purchases around the time of Sydney’s murder.”

A black Suburban with heavily tinted windows was parked in front of the Hollinses’ home. The driver-side door opened and out stepped a sizeable man in an ebony suit, with skin that almost matched. A pair of aviators shielded his eyes as he looked in their direction and gave them a nod.

“What do we know about the DEA agent?” Sherriff Huggins asked.

“Not a whole lot except he wanted to be a part of the knock and talk.”

The sheriff’s forehead creased. “Knock and talk?”

“Afternoon, Sheriff, I’m Agent Mitch Edmonds.” He held out his hand. They exchanged handshakes and introductions. “I appreciate you fellas letting me tag along.”

Charlie almost smirked at the agent’s attempt to make it sound like they had a choice.

“If it helps us come closer to catching a killer, I’m obliged to be cooperative.” Sheriff Huggins straightened his shoulders, bringing him an inch taller than the DEA agent. “But I’m curious to know what the DEA’s interest is in Mr. Floyd Hollins.”

“I’m just here to observe.” Agent Edmonds bowed his head slightly. “This investigation is yours, Sheriff, and I have no intention of interfering.”

So, cooperation was going to be one-sided. At least they knew where they stood. Charlie led the way to the home. It was a corner property with a gated driveway at the side that was open. A silver Tesla was parked inside. Hopefully that meant its driver was home. They passed the Tesla and climbed the stairs decorated with planters of ferns and colorful flowers. It reminded him of Lane’s garden.

Tonight was her father’s barbecue fund-raiser. Though Charlie and a few of the other deputies were working security, Judge Sullivan wanted to make sure his guests weren’t aware of their presence. They wouldn’t be wearing uniforms and would be allowed to mingle with guests. The only person Charlie wanted to mingle with had fiery green eyes and auburn hair.

“We waiting for something?” Agent Edmonds asked.