Aidan O'Reilly Thriller 03-A Killer's Cell by Kay Angela

Author:Kay, Angela [Kay, Angela]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Suspense, American Suspense, Police Procedural, Murder Investigation, Crime Thriller, FBI, Serial Killer
Publisher: Stained Glass Publishing
Published: 2021-04-26T16:00:00+00:00

39

“HOW CAN THIS be?” Miranda Knox wiped at the tears in the corners of her eyes. “That poor child. Marsha’s devastated. She and Jackie have been the best of friends, since ... well, forever. We were neighbors from the time the girls were born.”

The rain drummed against the roof, almost quieting Miranda’s words. A crack of thunder sounded, creating a rise in Aidan.

“We understand you were with Jackie when she was abducted,” Eva began, her voice consoling.

Miranda nodded. “At Toys-R-Us. We were Christmas shopping. It was our last stop before taking Jackie home.”

“Did you notice anyone following the girls through the store?” Shaun asked.

“No. I mean, they went off on their own to look at the dolls. I should have been more ... oh, dear.” She covered her face with her hands, stifling a sob.

“This wasn’t your fault, Mrs. Knox,” Eva said. “This could have happened anytime.”

“I know, but she was under my watch. How can I ever face her mother again? How can I ever forgive myself? She’s just a little girl.”

“Tell us what happened that day,” Aidan suggested.

“Uh ...” she drew in a long, shaky breath as she considered the events that had happened the day Jackie was kidnapped. “As I said, they were looking at the dolls. I called to them, telling them it was time to go. They came to the checkout and asked for quarters to ride the little pony out front. Next thing I know, I was walking out and they were by an SUV.”

“You’re sure it was an SUV?” Aidan pressed.

Miranda nodded.

“What color?”

“It was blue.”

“You’re certain of that?”

“Quite so.”

“What happened next?” Shaun prodded.

“I yelled for Marsha. I-I saw him grab Jackie in a bear hug ...” She mimicked the motion, her arms shivering as she did, “... pulling her into the SUV. He tried to take my little girl, too, but she managed to get away.”

“If you saw him again, would you be able to recognize him?” Eva asked.

“I’m afraid not. It was too far away and it all happened so fast. Everything’s a blur. I couldn’t see clearly.”

“All right,” Shaun assured her. “May we speak to Marsha?”

Miranda frowned. “Must you now? She was just told what happened to her friend. I sent her to her room to rest.”

“We understand, ma’am,” Shaun said, “However, your daughter’s the only one who has seen the assailant up close. “It’s possible she could lead us in the right direction.”

With hesitation, Miranda nodded, then rose. “I’ll go get her.”

They waited in silence until Miranda returned, her daughter lagging behind.

“Honey, these people are the police. They need to ask you questions about Jackie.”

Marsha sat on the couch next to her mother, keeping her head focused on the carpet.

Simultaneously, Aidan and Shaun looked over at Eva, who widened her eyes, then nodded in understanding, returning her gaze to the young girl.

“Hey, Marsha, my name’s Eva.”

No response.

“I want you to know how very sorry I am—how sorry we all are—about your loss. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. I

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