Whew, long few days here. Thank you all for the kind feedback, it is so appreciated. So glad to hear everyone is enjoying this older gem.
ACT IV
Unlike Morrison's huge poultry facility on the southside of town, the old slaughterhouse on the eastern edge of Nappanee looked downtrodden and abandoned. A worn-out FOR SALE sign was missing a corner, and a wooden plank nailed across it featured the handwritten note "SOLD" in big black letters.
A couple of the pens near the rear entrance were still intact, a few others were missing boards or an entire side panel had caved in during a winter storm.
The building itself was reasonably large with two docking stations along the westside, allowing for truck traffic to come in and out of the busy road. Large tire tracks had left deep ruts in the muddy driveway, suggesting that a tractor had made its way down the narrow property.
"Pull in over here…", Mike said and pointed at small open area where a beige sedan was parked. An ajar door in front of it gave sight to a carcass conveyor with its many hooks sitting idle like relics from a long-gone era.
Following the order, Steve parked the Galaxy and got out, then hesitated, his right hand carefully sliding across his chest in case he needed to unholster his revolver.
Taking a moment to examine the scene himself, Mike took a deep breath, his nose picking up the odor of strong disinfectants and moist rich soil surrounding the property that sat a couple miles outside of Nappanee proper.
A powerful cold breeze encapsulated the wide-open area, chilling both detectives to the bone as they slowly approached the door. Mike led the way, ensuring his battered partner's safety behind a set of strong broad shoulders that had protected others relentlessly for many decades prior.
Just a few lights in the back were turned on as they entered the large building, and the quiet humming of several machines from different corners filled the otherwise still air.
With countless hiding spots for Amy within the mass of conveyors, machinery, stainless steel tables and carts, Mike motioned for his partner to begin his search for their suspect on the southside of the building, along the entrance area, while he would take over the north side near the packaging station.
Nodding understandingly, the young Inspector subtly opened his holster and then veered off to the right. Mike watched him for a moment, until Steve disappeared behind a large metal container. Sighing, he turned around and walked the other way, hoping that the solution to their case was near.