Casey suspected it was both.
Id like to start out by going over some basics with you, Casey began as soon as they were seated on the comfortable lounge chairs in the glass-enclosed Florida room. I hope you dont mind if I take notes. She pulled out a pad and pen.
I dont mind. Ashley spread her hands in confusion. But wouldnt it be easier for you to get a copy of my police interview?
Ill do that, too. But my group tends to focus on the personal rather than the procedural. So there might be things you can tell me that will help us help the authorities.
Like what?
Casey clicked on her ballpoint pen and leaned forward. Like giving me a mental picture of Krissy. Not her appearance-I can study the cops photo for that. I can also read the victimology report her parents supplied. But often those arent as in-depth as Id like. Not where it comes to Krissys hot buttons, her private likes and dislikes, her subtle behavioral traits. In many ways, you were her primary caretaker. The Willises have busy, high-powered careers-especially Mr. Willis. That doesnt mean theyre not exceptional parents but youve spent the most time with Krissy, ever since she was born. There might be nuances youre familiar with that are fresher in your mind than they are in theirs.
Like what?
Casey clicked on her ballpoint pen and leaned forward. Like giving me a mental picture of Krissy. Not her appearance-I can study the cops photo for that. I can also read the victimology report her parents supplied. But often those arent as in-depth as Id like. Not where it comes to Krissys hot buttons, her private likes and dislikes, her subtle behavioral traits. In many ways, you were her primary caretaker. The Willises have busy, high-powered careers-especially Mr. Willis. That doesnt mean theyre not exceptional parents but youve spent the most time with Krissy, ever since she was born. There might be nuances youre familiar with that are fresher in your mind than they are in theirs.
A faint smile touched Ashleys lips. Krissys always been special. Shes happy, shes bright and shes so precocious that even I have trouble staying a step ahead of her.
Ashley went on to describe a bouncy, enthusiastic child who loved books, drawing and Disneys Club Penguin, had lots of playdates and friends-including a little boyfriend named Scotty-was a Daisy Girl Scout, wanted to play the tuba when she reached third grade and who wished her straight blond hair was red and thick like her friend Erins, whose hair reached all the way down her back without getting even a little thin and pointy.
Krissy would love your hair, Ashley told Casey in a tone so filled with fondness that it couldnt be faked. Shed ask you a million questions about who in your family is a redhead and how you managed to inherit it. Another small smile. Shed also ask if you had a boyfriend, and if he liked red hair. Then shed tell you all about Scotty and how much longer she can hang upside down on the monkey bars than he can. Shes not what youd call shy or quiet.
Casey put down her pad. She sounds like a great kid.
She is. Everyone likes her.
What about her parents? Does everyone like them, too?
An uncomfortable flush stained Ashleys neck. Thats a hard question for me to answer. Theyre wonderful to me, and they always have been. They have tons of friends. But they both also have these jobs that produce enemies. So I cant say
I didnt expect you to know details about their work lives. I was referring to any major disputes in their personal lives-with others, with each other.
Not that I know of, Ashley answered quickly, defensively. Casey could see the pulse at her neck start beating a little faster. Nerves? Maybe.
Casey continued to speak in a calm, reassuring tone. Ashley, my questions arent meant to hurt the Willises. They seem like lovely people. I just want to find Krissy. Im not interested in uncovering any family skeletons. Those are none of my business. But family arguments can lead to outside confidences. And outside confidences can lead to angry, bitter friends. You practically live here. So Im asking you if there are any internal or external conflicts you know about.
That calmed Ashley down. No, none.
Okay. Casey switched gears. I understand you were here at the house all day today, and that there were no visitors,
The swift change in subject caught Ashley by surprise. Thats right.
Do you keep the burglar alarm on?
Not during the day. But I do keep the doors locked. Id know if someone broke in. Plus, I would have heard them.
True, Casey agreed. She pursed her lips. What about the mail?
What about it?
I noticed the mailbox is at the foot of the driveway, which is winding and long. Did you bring in the mail today?
Yes, Ashley admitted. I already told that to the police. And, yes, the door was unlocked during that time. But I was only gone for two, maybe three, minutes. So if youre wondering if someone could have slipped in and out of the house, I doubt it. Is it possible? I suppose so. Id like to think I would have spotted them. Not to mention how unlikely it is that theyd have had time to go upstairs, take Oreo, and leave-not to mention knowing the layout of the house, where Krissys room is-
Unless someone drew them a diagram, Casey interrupted quietly.
Who would- Ashley broke off, her eyes widening as she realized where Casey was going with this. Do you mean me? You think Im part of this kidnapping?
I dont know what to think. An offhand shrug. I can see how much you care about Krissy, and how torn up you are by whats happened. But you were the only person here all day. So you could be lying, or you could be involved on some level-maybe as an accomplice.
The shock that registered on Ashleys face was unmistakable. An accomplice to who? My God, Id never, ever hurt Krissy. Id never take her from her family. Id never put her through this.
After everything youve said, I believe you. Casey softened her expression-and her tone. But I had to ask. Especially because of Frank.
Frank? Again, Ashley was on the defensive. What about him?
The Willises tell me that your boyfriend is kind of a drifter, and that hes far from rolling in cash. And youre in grad school. You have tuition and textbooks to pay for. The Willises are rich. It occurred to me that Frank might have pressured you into doing something youd never ordinarily do, and convince you it was harmless. Hed make sure Krissy never knew who took her. Youd make sure he never hurt her. Hed just keep her long enough to get a huge payment from the Willises, then get her back to them. Youd both be rich. And no one would be any the wiser.
And Krissy would be scarred for life. Ashley was trembling. Id never, ever be part of such a sick scheme. Not for a million dollars.
Would Frank?
Absolutely not. Franks not exactly a go-getter, but hes not a thief. And hed never kidnap a child.
Its not a great theory, Casey murmured. Considering theres been no ransom call-yet. But I had to ask. Not so much about you, but about Frank. That was him you were just arguing with on the phone, right?
Yes.
Was it about Krissy?
YesnoI mean, it was about Krissy, but not in the way you mean. An uneasy pause. Hes upset about how much time Im spending here. I know that sounds horrible. But hes a guy. He feels bad about Krissy, but hes had enough. Hes been questioned by the police. Hes listened to my hysteria all afternoon. And now hes dealing with my saying Im not leaving this house until Krissy comes home safely. Hes not a bad guy. Hes just impatient and pissed off.
Sounds like most guys, Casey said with a smile.
I know. Ashley was clearly relieved by Caseys reaction.
So you and Frank are tight?
Pretty much. Weve been together for a year. Ashley opened her bottle of water and took a gulp. I dont see us walking down the aisle or anything. But, like I said, hes a good guy.
He just wishes youd spend more time with him.
Yes. Another swig of water. And I wish hed work a little harder. Want to be a little more. I doubt thats in the cards.
Casey gave an understanding nod. Ambitions one of those qualities youre either born with or youre not.
Exactly. Ashley shifted on her chair. If theres nothing else, Id really like to get back inside. Maybe the FBIs heard something.
The concern, the worry, the freaked-out look in Ashleys eyes-all that was real.
You really love Krissy a lot, Casey said.
You cant imagine. Ashley rolled the bottle of water between her palms. Corny as it sounds, I feel like a second mother to her. Like you said, Ive helped Judge Willis raise her since she was born, and because of the Willises long hours, I spend tons of time with her. And she really is the best kid in the world. Cheerful. Smart. Shes only in kindergarten, but shes got a second grade reading level. She adds and subtracts faster than I do. And you should see what a whiz she is on the computer. She spends hours on Club Penguin. She chats on it. She colors pictures on itshes awesome. And her penguin avatar is super cool.
Im sure it is. Casey rose. I think weve covered everything. Lets go inside for an update. Oh, and Ashley she added as the younger woman stood up. Krissys lucky to have you in her life. Youre a wonderful nanny.
Thank you. Ashley gave a wan smile. Now if I could only bring her home.
The debriefing session was breaking up when Casey walked into the house. The first thing she did was to seek out Special Agent Peg Harrington.
Hi, Peg.
Casey. The trim, forty-two-year-old woman with the short dark hair and intense expression greeted her. Don told me the Willises had hired you. I dont need to tell you the rules.
No, you dont. This is your case. My team and I are here to help my clients, and to support you in any way we can. All I need to know is how youre laying out the chain of command.
Peg cleared her throat. Mr. Willis would prefer that the leadership came from the New York Field Office. So Ill be heading things up, with Ken Barkley as my co-case agent. But the White Plains RAs Task Force and the North Castle Police Department have good people on board, as well. And, of course, you saw the CARD team arrive. Plus, two agents from BAU-3 should be here in an hour, she added, referring to the division of the Behavioral Analysis Unit that dealt with crimes against children. Were leaving no stone unturned.