If youll excuse me, my team needs to be debriefed, he informed her. The quicker the better. That way we wont lose a minute. What room can we use?
My home office, Hope said at once. She pointed. Its down the hall, second door to your right. The other FBI agents are in there with the police. Theres a conference table and more than enough chairs.
With a brief nod of thanks, Don and his CARD team disappeared in that direction.
Hope turned back to Casey.
I picked up on a certain evasiveness in your voice, Casey stated without preamble. Youre hiding something. Before we go any further, I want to know what that something is.
Inhaling sharply, Hope responded to the obvious first. Do you honestly believe I could harm my child? Is that why you think I was being evasive?
Initially, it was one of the explanations I considered. Casey continued to be frank. Simultaneously, she was watching an interesting scene taking place diagonally across from them, in the kitchen. But the answer she provided Hope was definite and direct. But after seeing you in person, my suspicions are gone. However, that doesnt answer my question. You are holding something back. What? And why?
Because it has no bearing on our daughters disappearance, Edward Willis inserted abruptly.
With a quick glance over her shoulder, Casey signaled for Marc and Ryan to go do their thing. Once theyd complied, she leveled a direct stare at Edward.
Tell me if Im wrong, Mr. Willis, but I get the feeling youre not much in favor of your wifes decision to hire us.
Youre not wrong. Im a firm believer in the legal system.
As an attorney, Im sure you are. Casey kept her tone respectful. But she didnt like this man. He was judgmental and controlling. And it was no surprise that he believed in the legal system-his legal system. He specialized in putting violent criminals back on the street in exchange for high visibility, a rush of self-importance and a hefty fee.
Aloud, all she said was, I understand where youre coming from. Rest assured, my group wont be abusing law enforcement or whatever decisions you make with them. Were here to follow their lead-if our discussion with you now results in a mutual decision for us to work together.
If? Now Edward was taken aback. It was clear the man was used to getting his own way-even if, like this time, it meant Casey and her group vanishing into thin air.
His jaw tightened. I dont understand, Ms. Woods. My wife hired you.
True. But theres a stipulation. I need my answer. What is it Im not being told?
Hope stared at the floor for a minute. The hard swallow that she gave, the way she steeled herself, and the way she shifted into autopilot told Casey that shed relayed this story countless times, but that it never ceased to hurt.
My sister Felicity was kidnapped thirty-two years ago, she said quietly, her voice quavering from emotional strain. We were six. She was sleeping next to me when it happened. I was chloroformed. So was she. Only it was Felicity the kidnapper chose to take. Ive never understood why. We are- a painful pause -were identical twins. Very few people could tell us apart-unless they were familiar with our personalities. Which, to me, says the kidnapper was someone who knew us at least fairly well. And before you ask, Felicitys body was never recovered. The case was labeled cold, and closed two years after the abduction. Now, history is repeating itselfwith my baby. Choking up, Hope pressed a fist to her mouth to stifle a sob.
Now you see why I didnt want you to pursue this line of questioning, Edward snapped, once again putting an arm around his wife. The gesture seemed oddly stiff, even staged. Dredging up a painful incident from Hopes past is pointless.
I disagree. Casey quickly processed the implications of what she was being told, even as her gaze flickered once again to the kitchen doorway. It explains that this terrifying crime is even more terrifying for your wife than it might be for another woman. Two treasured loved ones kidnapped in a lifetime-the first unsolved, and occurring when your wife was an impressionable, young child? Scars like that dont heal, Mr. Willis. Especially when the victim is an identical twin, who most people claim is like half of a whole. And now, a child-the very heart and soul of a mother. I can see why Judge Willis would be coming apart at the seams, reliving the past, and willing to go to any extreme to avoid a repeat of it.
So you understand. Hope scrutinized Casey, her gaze filled with agonized pain.
I do, Casey said without hesitation. I understand your fear. And I understand what you werent saying on the phone. Consider yourself our top-priority client.
Hope literally sagged with relief. Thank you.
Casey wasted no time in getting down to business. Your babysitter-its Ashley, right? She gestured in the direction of the kitchen.
Startled by the abrupt change in subject, Hope looked up and followed Caseys stare. Edwards head snapped around, too.
My babysitter? Hope repeated. Yes, its Ashley Lawrence. Although shes not really a babysitter. Shes been Krissys nanny since the day Krissy came home from the hospital. So we dont think of her as an employee. Shes family. And she adores Krissy.
All the more reason for my curiosity. If everything youre saying is true, why has she spent the entire time since I walked in here on her cell phone, arguing with someone?
Its probably her boyfriend. Edward waved away the observation. Im sure hes unhappy about her decision to stay here until we have news about Krissy.
I see. Casey could sense Edwards escalating tension. So hes a serious boyfriend. Whats his name?
Frank. Frank Barber.
Casey jotted that down. You mentioned that Krissys stuffed panda was stolen from the house sometime today. Did the police find evidence of a break-in?
None.
And no one had access to the house except Ashley, who claims that nobody came by here all day, and whos now arguing with her boyfriend.
Oh, no. Vehemently, Hope denied the notion that Ashley could be involved. As I said, Ashley adores Krissy, and the feeling is mutual. The poor girl was crying hysterically when I got home. Shes in shock. Shes probably talking to her boyfriend for emotional support.
I dont think so. She seems more agitated than distraught. Agitated and, if Im reading her body language right, scared. Casey pursed her lips thoughtfully. Maybe she just realized she bit off more than she could chew, and that events are spiraling out of control.
Youre barking up the wrong tree, Ms. Woods, Hope insisted. Ashleys not capable of harming Krissy.
Maybe she doesnt have to be-at least not directly. Caseys gaze shifted to the pile of sophisticated-looking textbooks sitting on the kitchen table. It looks like Ashleys in grad school. Unless youre paying her a fortune, I assume she has outstanding student loans. What does Frank do for a living? The ensuing silence gave her her answer. Nothing lucrative, I take it.
He dabbles, Hope replied, reluctance and wavering trust evident in her tone. Hes a part-time bartender, and a part-time bouncer. Nothing concrete.
And nothing a huge windfall wouldnt help in a big way. A poignant pause. Think about it-a vulnerable young woman in love with the wrong man. A young woman who has direct access to your home, your schedules and your daughter.
For the first time, Caseys gaze flickered coolly to Edward, who-as Casey had anticipated-had gone very, very still. Id say thats a solid enough lead to check into, wouldnt you, Counselor?
His jaw was working, but his gaze pierced hers with laser intensity. Id say thats your call, Ms. Woods.
CHAPTER FOUR
Its been a terrifying day. I know youre scared. But youre such a special child.
Unique. Precious.
The sleeping pill is working. Your eyes are shut. Your breathing is even. Your long blond hair is tousled, spread out on the pillow. I wish your lashes werent spiky and wet with the tears you cried for hours, or that your neck wasnt damp with the perspiration caused by your struggles.
You look like you belong here. Which is good, since theres no escape. Even though right now thats all youll want to do.
When you wake up, youll cry. Beg. And finally withdraw. Youll have that haunted look in your expressive blue-green eyes.
Its my job to erase that. To change your mind about being here. To make you want this to be your home.
I will. Im the only one who can.
I got all the tools I need from your book bag. Youll have nothing to do but comply.
Sweet dreams, Krissy. It will all begin when you wake up.
Ashley hastily disconnected her call the minute Casey walked into the kitchen. She looked jumpy-like someone who was either at the end of her rope, or had something to hide-as she met Caseys stare.
Hi she said in a tentative voice.
Hello, Ashley. Casey extended her hand. My name is Casey Woods, and my organization is working with the Willises to help find Krissy.
Organization? Ashley shook Caseys hand, her own skin warm from holding the cell phone, and damp with nerves. Youre not with the police or the FBI?
Nope. Im with Forensic Instincts. Were a private company, specializing in solving cases like these. Id like to ask you a few questions.
Ashleys tongue wet her lower lip. Ive already told the authorities everything I know.
Im sure you have. But since my colleagues and I just arrived, Id appreciate if you could fill me in, as well. Casey didnt have to turn around to know that the Willises had come up behind her and walked into the kitchen. Nor did she have to hear their footsteps. She could read it all over Ashleys face, see it in her eyes as her gaze darted past Casey, filled with a mixture of uncertainty and an appeal for help.
Its all right, Ashley, Hope assured her, although Casey was quite certain that Hope wasnt the Willis she was appealing to. Tell Ms. Woods whatever she needs to know.
Casey turned to Hope. May I speak to Ashley alone? Maybe in a den or comfortable setting? Im sure shes overwhelmed by the events of the day.
Of course. Theres a Florida room behind the kitchen. Hope pointed. Take as much time as you need. She went to the fridge, pulled out two bottles of water, and handed one to Casey and one to Ashley. Edward stood to the side, his features and posture stiff.
Thank you. Casey followed Ashley to the Florida room. The girl was definitely on overload. Maybe it was just a melt-down from the day. Or maybe it was guilt.