Page 11 of Liberating Mallory

“Alright. Let’s go talk to the parents and the sheriff.” Carter nodded, getting out of the SUV so he could help Pratt get out.

The group of four got out of the SUV and met the sheriff and Charles Hart on the front porch.

“Sir, ladies, what can I help you with?” The sheriff asked, eyeing Carter for a moment before glancing at the three women.

“We’d like to speak with you, and both of Mallory’s parents for a few moments.” Sgt. Brocard started to say before the sheriff cut her off.

“Now, don’t you ladies go interfering in our investigation…”

“Sheriff, I’m eight months pregnant, hungry as a fucking elephant and extremely irritated right now, so you have one of two choices. One, you and your boys can work with us, together, to find Mallory, our common goal. Or, option two, since Mallory is an active duty Marine, I make one phone call right now, which by law you were supposed to have already done, but didn’t do, and NCIS will be swarming these hills. Unlike you, they will work with us, and you’re still stuck with answering these questions. The choice is yours.” Pratt fired back, rubbing her baby belly as she swayed side to side.

The sheriff stared at Pratt for several seconds before nodding. “Fine, we can talk here.”

“No. Either bring Mrs. Hart outside, we go inside, or we can do this at the station with NCIS present.” Pratt answered, determination in her voice.

“Why do we need to involve my wife? She’s already upset over all this mess as it is.” Charles Hart asked, confusion in his voice.

“Sir, we are aware of your wife’s continued friendship with Mallory’s ex-boyfriend, Kevin…” Sgt. Brocard said, hands on her hips.

“So? That’s not a crime. He’s a good kid.” Charles stated, irritation evident on his face.

“Then why has he gone to visit Greenly on several occasions and put money on the guy’s books? The man who kidnapped your daughter, threatened to gang bang her with his brothers, then intended to kill her.” Pratt reminded both men of what Mallory went through with Greenly.

“Ma’am are you okay? You’re swaying there.” Charles asked, carefully watching Pratt.

“Yes, I’m fine. Please get your wife, Mr. Hart. We only need to talk to you guys for a few moments. You may not even realize you have information that is helpful.” Pratt answered, softening her voice as she slightly winced.

“Hey! Are you sure you’re okay there, Red?” Carter asked, concern in his voice.

“Yeah, I’m good. Just tired and these damn Braxton Hicks are annoying shits. That’s all.”

Charles Hart led everyone into the house, showing them into the living room while the sheriff watched as the small group sat down. Carter and Sgt. Brocard sat near Pratt to keep an eye on her. Charles left the room to go and get his wife.

Several minutes later, Charles and his wife Susan Hart entered the room, the wife carrying a small tray with glasses and a pitcher of what looked like lemonade. Pratt could see where Mallory got her looks as she observed Mrs. Hart putter around pouring drinks. Pratt knew from conversations with Mallory that she had joined the Marines to follow in her father and uncle’s footsteps, both who had served when they were younger.

“Ladies, Mr. Carter, may I get anyone anything?” Charles asked, escorting his wife to her seat.

“No, sir. We are good for now. Thank you. The sooner we do this, the sooner we get out of your hair.” Sgt. Brocard informed the sheriff and the Harts.

The group watched as Mallory’s parents and the sheriff sat down across from them. Pratt watched the mother’s movements as she looked between her husband and the sheriff in confusion. Pratt assessed the three before leaning forward as much as her pregnant belly would allow her.

“Ma’am, when was the last time you spoke with Kevin?” Pratt asked, keeping her voice soft, yet firm.

“I don’t know why you people…” Susan Hart started, clearly upset.

“Honey, just answer the question, please.” Charles asked his wife, his hand on her knee.

Susan sighed deeply, staring at her husband or a few moments before looking over at Pratt. “I saw him the other day, Mallory was here. He came by to see her and have lunch with us.”

“What was Mallory’s reaction to him coming to the house for lunch?” Sgt. Brocard asked, staring the mother down.

“She was quiet. Kind of rude actually. Got up and left when I said something to her in front of Kevin about them spending time together. I just don’t understand her issue with him. Kevin is a good boy. He clearly cares about my daughter!” Susan huffed, shrugging her shoulder.

“Would a man who cares for your daughter visit the man who kidnapped her, intended to rape and kill her, in prison where he’s incarcerated for the rest of his life? Would the man who cares for your daughter visit her in California, smack her in front of her team and tell her she was a whore or tell her she was wasting her time pretending to be a man by joining the Marine Corps? Would the man who cares for your daughter follow her, stalk her, break into her house, attempt to assault her in her home because she refuses to come home with him? Would the man who cares for your daughter threaten the man she is dating in front of his teammates because she chose him? Explain to me, Mrs. Hart, how Kevin cares for your daughter when he’s done all this?” Pratt asked, staring the woman down, trying to keep her voice soft, yet letting her confusion sound obvious in her voice.

“He wouldn’t do that!” Susan venomously denied, defending Kevin.

“Yes, honey, he did. Wayne called the police department in both Jacksonville and in San Diego to verify their information.” Charles informed his wife, his age starting to show in his features at the stress he’s going through worrying about his daughter.

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