Person of Interest by Debby Giusti Read Free Book Online

one.
    Was she guilty or innocent? A hard question he couldn’t answer. At least not yet.

FIVE
    O nce Natalie had turned in, Everett stepped outside and slowly walked around the cabin. He had followed Natalie here from Fort Rickman, which meant someone else could have, as well. Like the killer who had thrown Tammy Yates to her death or whoever had shot Denise Lang.
    The moon broke through the dark cloud cover. In the distance, he could see a lake and boat dock. The scene looked peaceful, but anything—or anyone—could be lurking in the shadows.
    Slowly, he approached Natalie’s car and spied the keys in the ignition. Opening the door, he hesitated for a long moment as a floral scent, like the gardenias his mom grew in her garden, wafted past him. He had noticed the scent earlier when he’d stood close to Natalie, but now it brought thoughts of a determined woman who wanted to keep baby Sofia safe. Natalie tried to appear tough, yet the totally feminine scent she wore and her concern for the infant revealed something about the real person beneath the facade.
    Everett admired her spunk and focus. She was pretty with her black hair and big eyes that stirred an awareness deep within him. The intensity of her gaze haunted him. She seemed to plead for help yet refused to ask, as if any sign of weakness should be kept hidden.
    Checking his watch, he did the math with the six-hour time difference between Georgia and Germany, then punched in a number and waited until Special Agent Tyler Zimmerman answered.
    “Hey, buddy, it’s Everett. I heard you were in Vilseck.”
    “Good to hear your voice, Rett. Last I knew you were at Fort Sill.”
    “And transferred to Rickman some months ago.”
    “A good assignment,” Tyler said, “if you’re working for Craig Wilson.”
    Surprised by the comment, Everett asked, “You know Wilson?”
    “Only by reputation. Do me a favor, and put in a plug for me.”
    “How long before you PCS back to the States?”
    “I spent two-and-a-half years at Heidelberg, and the last eight months here in Vilseck. I could ask for a transfer in a couple more months, especially if Wilson requests me. Tell the chief that I’m an outstanding special agent with exceptional investigative skills.”
    Everett chuckled. “I’ll let him know.”
    “Appreciate the support, but you didn’t call to talk about my career goals. What’s up?”
    Everett cut to the chase. “Special Agent Mason Yates’s wife died a few hours ago. She either fell or was pushed down the stars in their quarters.”
    Tyler let out a stiff breath. “That’s tough. How’s Mason?”
    “Grieving, of course. He wasn’t home at the time of death. Right now we don’t have any leads.” At least none Everett wanted to reveal. “A personnel clerk, Specialist Natalie Frazier, worked with the CID and left Vilseck about a year ago. I need information on her and any involvement she might have had with Mason.”
    “Involvement? You mean a relationship?”
    “Supposedly not, but let me know if any scuttlebutt is floating around. I don’t put stock in rumors, although sometimes they hold a hint of truth.”
    “I’ll be discreet.”
    “There’s something else. A woman fell down the stairs to her death in Vilseck while Mason was there. Her name was Paula Conway. See if anyone remembers the incident. Let me know what you uncover.”
    “Roger that.”
    After disconnecting, Everett stared into the woods. The chatter of cicadas and tree frogs filled the night. Returning the cell to his ear, he made one more call, this time to bring Frank Gallagher up-to-date.
    “You need to drive Natalie Frazier back to Fort Rickman. If not now, then in the morning,” Frank insisted once Everett explained the situation.
    “I’ll talk to her and get back to you, but I have to tell you, Frank, she’s been forthright about everything so far.”
    “She can be forthright at Fort Rickman.”
    Everett told him about the roommate’s boyfriend. “See if you