Rowan had just arrived, unable to focus at home knowing a forensic anthropologist would look at the small skull that day.
I have to know.
And the person who could tell her stood right in front of her. Dr. Victoria Peres. Rowan couldn’t wait for an official report including the sex of the skull.
The tall woman wasn’t swayed by Rowan’s answer. “Get lost. Or I’ll have one of the deputies escort you out.”
“I wasn’t done speaking,” Rowan said. “I do search and rescue full time. I know how this works. But . . .” She swallowed hard, holding the doctor’s gaze. “My brother vanished in these woods more than two decades ago. I need to know if that smaller skull is male.”
Surprise flashed in the doctor’s eyes, and her face softened.
“My name is Rowan Wolff. I work with a lot of law enforcement.” She raised a hand at the two deputies who were watching the conversation with interest. Both returned the gesture. Rowan racked her memory to come up with their names. “Nate and Chris will vouch that I’m not nuts.”
Dr. Peres folded her arms across her chest and looked down at Thor, who sat close to Rowan’s feet. “Is this Thor?”
Now it was Rowan’s turn to look surprised. “Yes.”
“I’ve heard of the two of you,” admitted Dr. Peres. “Strange our paths haven’t crossed.”
“I’ve seen you in the field,” said Rowan. “But we’ve not had an occasion to speak.”
Dr. Peres held Rowan’s gaze for a few long seconds, and Rowan struggled to not look away. The doctor had a posture of absolute authority, and her brown eyes scrutinized Rowan from head to toe. “I’m very sorry about your brother.”
“Thank you,” said Rowan. “It was a long time ago, but not knowing what happened is agonizing.”
“I understand,” said Dr. Peres. “I’ve dedicated my life to finding answers and bringing closure to people like you.”
“That’s my job too.”
An affinity for the dark-haired woman sprang up in Rowan’s chest, and she thought the doctor also felt it.
“I haven’t examined the skulls yet. You can watch, but stay outside the tape.” The doctor turned and started back to the site. Slightly shocked, Rowan followed. “And be careful where you step. More remains can turn up outside the tape.”
Rowan fought back the “Yes, ma’am,” that formed on her tongue. Dr. Peres pointed out a place for Rowan to stand next to one of the deputies and then entered the scene, walking a narrow, taped-off path that led to the remains. Use of the entry and path was strictly enforced to keep people from wandering through the scene.
“You friends now?” the deputy asked Rowan with a grin.
“I don’t think friends is the right word, Nate,” Rowan said in a whisper, hoping that Dr. Peres didn’t have bionic hearing.
“You’re still standing. That means the Ice Queen likes you,” said Nate, a serious look on his face.
Rowan felt as if she’d won a lottery. She had been aware of the forensic anthropologist’s tough reputation but hadn’t known Dr. Peres was working the scene until she arrived. “She’s doing her job,” she told Nate, annoyed at his “Ice Queen” comment. “And she’s good at it.”
He looked past her, suddenly on alert. “More company.” Nate squinted. “Detective Bolton and . . . Detective Marshall. Didn’t know she was on this case.”
Pleased that Evan had arrived, Rowan turned to see the pair approach. Thor stood, his tail going full speed and his ears trained toward the detectives. She studied the tall blonde woman next to Evan. Rowan had heard of Detective Marshall but never met her. “What’s her first name?” she asked Nate.
“Noelle.”
Statuesque was the adjective that popped into Rowan’s head. The woman moved with confidence and power. Defined muscles moved in her thighs, and her chin was high, her eyes alert.
Rowan watched Evan laugh at something Noelle said and felt the smallest seed of jealousy sprout in her chest. “What the fuck,” she muttered, annoyed at the emotion.
“What?” asked Nate.
“Nothing.”
Rowan glanced over her shoulder. Dr. Peres was also watching the detectives approach.
“Rowan! I didn’t expect you up here,” said Evan. His eyes looked happy to see her, promptly eliminating her seed of jealousy. “But I’m not surprised. Do you know Detective Noelle Marshall?”