Search for Her by Rick Mofina

Author:Rick Mofina
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: MIRA Books
Published: 2020-12-18T15:34:38+00:00

* * *

“We continue to hope for the best,” McDowell said, “but you must be prepared for all possibilities.”

John and Grace exchanged looks. “What the hell does that mean?” John said.

“And why didn’t you keep us updated?” Grace said. “Why are we learning everything from the press?”

“I’m sorry,” McDowell said. “I did call but the connection was weak and we got cut off, then we got busy.”

“We had our hands full at the time,” Elsen said.

“We have to protect the integrity of the investigation,” McDowell said. “That said; we should’ve done better.”

McDowell glanced at Elsen; their sober expressions signaled that things had deteriorated in the case. The family stood alone inside the mobile command center with the two investigators.

“What is it you want us to be prepared for?” John said.

McDowell’s eyes threw John’s question to Elsen.

“Rykhirt is dead,” Elsen said.

“What?” John said.

“During a bathroom break while being questioned, he escaped custody, flung himself down a stairwell and died of his injuries. We wanted you to hear it from us first.”

Grace’s hand found a counter to steady herself while staring at the detectives.

“But you talked to him?” John said. “What did he tell you about Riley?”

“We know he was involved,” Elsen said.

“We all know that!” Grace said. “What does his death mean now?”

“We’re still investigating, working on evidence,” Elsen said.

“Didn’t he tell you anything?” John said. “We know he was with Riley. Where is she? Did he hurt her?”

Searching their faces, Grace gave her head a shake. “You don’t know, do you?” she said.

“We have nothing to confirm she’s been hurt,” Elsen said.

“That’s wrong. We found her shoe out there,” Grace shouted. “We found it, not you!”

“Mrs. Jarrett, we know this is difficult,” McDowell said.

“Difficult? He was a sex offender who liked young girls! We know he touched my daughter! She’s gone and now he’s dead!” She closed her hands into fists and pounded her knees. “From the start you accused us of hurting her, being drug dealers and liars. Then you find the man who took my daughter and you won’t tell us the truth. Why are you torturing me? Tell me the truth!”

“We’re telling you the truth,” Elsen said.

“You’re not!” Grace shook her head wildly, tears flowing. “It’s just like that other girl, Eva. My daughter Riley’s buried out there somewhere, isn’t she? Isn’t that what you want me to brace for?”

“Grace,” McDowell said.

“Riley’s dead, isn’t she?” she screamed.

Blake put his hands on her shoulders to comfort her as she dropped her head and sobbed.

McDowell lowered herself before Grace and placed her hands on her knees.

“I know this is hard and nothing we say helps,” McDowell said. “But until we know for certain, we can’t lose hope.”

Grace stared at the floor, her tears falling.

A moment passed then the detectives left.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.