Page 37 (1/2)

"Okay See you later, then"

Jenson wasn’t the officer investigating the accident that had injured two dozen people--several still in critical condition--and killed Sarah, but he offered any help Tyler and his Krewethey’d discovered

"We believe, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the death of Julian Mitchell was engineered But we don’t knohy soh the attic, or if the same person tore apart the attic and killed Mr Mitchell," Tyler explained "We also believe yesterday’s accident was maliciously planned with the intent to kill Sarah"

"I’ve heard there was a snake in Ms Vining’s car," Jenson said "That’s a far-fetched way to coht just have crawled into the vehicle"

"How did a snake happen to crawl into her car?" Tyler asked in turn

"It’s not impossible"

"That snake was planted there," Tyler insisted "Oh, has anyone found it yet?"

Jenson shook his head "No one was looking for a snake The car was towed to the impound Of course, as soon as the PPD heard about the snakebite, arned thethe car to be careful and on the lookout for a snake Thing is, that snakein the car," Tyler warned

"That’s true I don’t think the vehicular people have exah" He paused, his expression puzzled "The real question is, ould anyone risk the lives of that many people to kill one?"

"To make it look like an accident"

"I don’t buy it," Jenson told hi about insanity here?"

"So far, Sarah’s is the only death, but a few others are critical," Tyler re this is insane I just think the agenda this person has precludes caring about any collateral dae"

"What can I do at my end?" Jenson asked "If we find the creature--well, it’s unlikely a snake is going to talk"

Tyler was surprised; Jenson did seem to have a sense of wry humor

"No, but what you can do is check to see if any have been sold lately Our ue, this is Philadelphia We’ve sent out an alert, but I doubt we’ll get anything Copperheads are easy to find in the woods that surround the city," Jenson said "They show up in basees We’ve also contacted Philadelphia’s animal control, but they haven’t had anyone call to ask for a copperhead But you’re right We’ll follow every angle"

"Whoever is doing this is extre and they’ve required a certain level of risk"

Jenson hesitated "You’re sure they’re all murders?"

"I’m positive Sarah’s is And there’s evidence of a blow on Julian Mitchell’s head That proves someone shoved him down on that bayonet So, yes, I’m sure"

Jenson still didn’t seeumentative "What do you want from me?"

"Have your men keep an eye on Ethan Oxford, Nathan Pierson, Cherry Addison, Jason Lawrence and Annette Fanning," he said

"That’s a tall order and a lot ofcity We have our share of crime, I’ them every minute of every day Ask them to keep an eye out for suspicious activity," Tyler said "Drive by their houses, check to see that they are where they’re supposed to be"

"What about Ms Leigh?"

"She ith us at the house yesterday, both before and during the accident," Tyler told him "Three of the board members were there shortly before the accident, as well"

"Then we’ll take a closer look at the board members" Jenson lifted his hands "They’re dedicated to that place Why would any of them want to coht on the house?"

"If we can figure out e’ll knoho," Tyler said

"Listen, I’ to see whether we can find out if one of them has taken a nice walk in the woods lately I don’t believe our killer purchased the snake And if they find the creature, maybe an expert can tell us le, too, but since you’re local, you’re in a better position to pursue it," Tyler said

As he was about to leave, Jenson’s phone rang He raised one hand, asking Tyler to wait

Then he hung up "They’ve found your snake"

There was so about Ada a cold shower--the hot water supply had run out--and getting dressed, Allison was surprised to see Adam at the house, seated in their little enclave around Sean’s computer

She’d sensed that he usually put one of his Krewes on a case and withdrew hiether with Logan and Sean When he saw her, he quickly rose