Suitably accessorized, I slid back into the seat just as Gail braked and pulled into the gas station. She stopped next to one of the dozen or so fuel pumps and killed the engine.
“You go ahead, I’m going to top the tank off,” Gail said.
“Sure, can I get you anything?” I asked.
“I’ll be in as soon as I get the pump started. If you’re feeling up to it, maybe we’ll grab an early supper and get a room.”
I couldn’t help the leer. “Get a room, yeah; I’m definitely up to it.”
Gail glanced toward my lap, chuckled, and then smiled. “For a moment there, I thought you were literal. I’ll see you inside.”
I stepped down into the sultry Alabama twilight. Diesel and gasoline fumes drifted off the pavement in a miasma of odors. An antique pickup started noisily and added its own dark cloud of odor-enriched exhaust to the other smells. The smells brought out memories of Humvees and MRAPs on winding mountain roads, snow on the mountains, and bitter cold. I shook my head to drive out the memories and strolled on inside.
When I returned from relieving myself and washing the sleep out of my eyes, Gail was at the counter, paying for a six-pack of Budweiser, a family size bag of Doritos, and a half pound bag of jerky. She nodded when I came up beside her. “You want anything before I have him ring this up?”
“Ah, that’s all for you?” I asked.
“Don’t worry, I share. I thought you might want something I didn’t get.”
“Are we getting supper?”
“I’m sure there’s a burger joint nearby,” Gail said.
“Best burgers in the state are five miles down the road,” the clerk input.
Gail smiled at the older man who was heavy enough to know what he was talking about when it came to burgers. “There, supper is planned.”
“Sure, burgers will do. Want me to carry this?”
“No, finish the gas up, I’ll be right there,” Gail said and passed the clerk a credit card.
The graying clerk wore a flannel shirt; it had to be ninety degrees outside. I guess our jackets didn’t look any stranger than that. “You have some ID for the beer?”
Gail showed him a driver’s license and the man nodded. He took her card and rang up the sale.
I went back to the van. The pump had already shut off. I put the gas hose back and closed the gas lid. Opening the side door, I gathered the empty blood bag and threw it in the nearest trashcan as Gail joined me.
“Shouldn’t that be marked biohazard?” Gail asked.
“I don’t think I have anything contagious.” Then I remembered my bloody knuckles after I had hit Gail in the mouth. Was it only my blood or had something transferred? Well, nothing to be done about it now. At least I had a month before it would become an issue. If the last three nights were any indication, I might not live long enough to worry about it.
Luckily, Gail hadn’t noticed the brief moment of concern that crossed my face. She was already climbing behind the wheel. I got in as she cranked up the V-8 and pulled away from the station.
“So, did you find out everything about this from your Anonymous friend?”
“I’ve got everything he had. There have been two killings of professors involved in the opening of a new exhibit at the museum in Moundville. Both deaths were gruesome for people who usually die in bed and the police are hiding the cause. He’s working on accessing the coroner’s files now, but if a third murder occurs, they’ll call in the feds.”
“The feds? Why’s that? They don’t do murder, do they?” I asked.
“Not usually, but three makes it a serial killer. The feds have a thing for serial killers.”
“Feds also don’t like freelancers messing in their business. How do you get around that?”
Gail laughed. “Dad used to carry fake ID and would play whatever character was called for by the case. You should have seen him operate. He’d walk right up to the FBI Special Agent in Charge, flash credentials and get a briefing on anything. Dad was an amazingly smooth operator.” Her voice tightened. “I wish he was still here.”
I wasn’t sure what you’re supposed to say to a woman who lost her partner and father. What kind of comfort could I offer for that? I placed a hand on her arm and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“I know, right? Big tough hunter chick getting all misty-eyed because she misses her Daddy.” She wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand, pulling free of my grip when she did.
“You want to tell me how he died?” I asked.
She shook her head. “Not now, Jesse, I appreciate the concern, but I don’t need to dwell on his death when we’re on a hunt. When this one is over and we have a little down time, I’ll tell you.”
“Sure, Gail, no pressure.”
“Anyway, I was telling you how he operated. I haven’t been able to pull off his chicanery. A twenty-three-year-old woman isn’t going to pass for a fed in anyone’s eyes.” She glanced at me. “Hmm, you have the no-nonsense look that the feds try to imitate. You might be able to pull it off, but you’re still too young to get the respect of the old timers.”
“I’ve got a no-nonsense look?” I stared at the side window as if looking into a mirror and stuck out my jaw. “Hmm, I guess I do. Just call me Joe Friday.”
“Who?”
“Old TV cop. I think he was on in the sixties. I watched a season of the show during my second tour.” I
