Page 7 of Fatal Betrayal

"Where is your room in relationship to Elisa's room?"

"It's down the hall. There's a bathroom and a guestroom in between," Kristine answered.

"Do you remember closing the door to the backyard when you came inside?"

"I'm sure I did, but it was open when I ran downstairs."

"Why did you run downstairs? What did you think had happened?" she asked curiously.

"I thought Claire or Neil had come home and taken the baby downstairs or outside. But there was no one in the house or the yard. I called Neil and told him what happened and then I called the police. Everyone arrived within a few minutes." Kristine blew out a breath. "I don't know what happened. I can't believe she's gone."

There appeared to be genuine fear and emotion in Kristine's eyes, but it was interesting that she had called Neil before she'd contacted the police.

"You have to find her," Neil said. "It's almost noon. She's going to be hungry."

"And scared," Claire mumbled through more body-shaking sobs. She gave Andi a desperate look. "I have to get her back. I have to hold her in my arms again."

"I will do everything I can to find her." She paused, looking at Solange. "Were you in the house this morning, Ms. Guerrero? Do you live here as well?"

"I only stay here when I work late, a couple of times a year," Solange said. "I wasn't here last night or this morning. I got here right after the police did."

She stood up. "I'd like to see the baby's room and also your room, Ms. Rozic."

"I'll take you upstairs," Neil said.

Leaving Flynn with the rest of the family, she followed Neil up a grand staircase to the second floor. He pointed out the master bedroom, which was just across the hall from Elisa's room. As they stepped into the baby's room, she was impressed by how beautifully decorated it was. Everything was luxurious and very pink.

Along with the crib, there was a beautiful rocker in the corner, a changing table, dresser, and walls filled with art and photographs. A mobile with circus animals hung over the crib. The windows were closed. There was a door to an adjacent bathroom and one to the hall. She checked out the bathroom, then asked Neil to show her Kristine's room.

It was at the end of the hall with the guestroom and bathroom in between, but still not that far from Elisa's room. The furnishings were comfortable but not over the top, a queen-size bed that was neatly made, a desk that held a laptop computer, and a matching dresser. A pair of running shoes were by the bed.

"The police already went through these rooms," Neil said. "I don't think they found anything."

"How long has Kristine worked for you?" she asked, turning to face him.

"Four months. We hired her when Elisa was two months old. She came highly recommended. She worked for a friend of mine before the family moved."

"Where is she from? I heard a slight accent."

"Croatia originally. But I believe she spent some time in Belarus before coming to the US for college."

"Where did she go to school?"

"She went to Long Beach State. She graduated three years ago and has been working as a nanny since then." He paused, his lips tightening. "You don't think she had something to do with this, do you? Kristine is a sweet girl, very good to Elisa. We've been happy with her work."

"I'm just asking questions. Kristine was the only one here, so her actions will be under a microscope. What about Solange? How long has she worked for you?"

"I've known Solange for ten years. She worked for me and my first wife for a long time. She actually stayed with Shana after we divorced, but last year she told me that she and Shana weren't getting along that well and asked if I would hire her, which I did. She's great. And she also helps with Elisa when Kristine has time off."

"Okay. Is there anyone you might suspect of doing this? Anyone who doesn't like you? Unusual visitors to the house? Threats?"

"No. Nothing. I've already gone over all of this with the police. We need to stop talking and start acting," he said in frustration.

"We're already acting. We're gathering security footage around the area, interviewing neighbors, and going over any forensic evidence that may have come to light during the initial search. We're going to do everything we can to bring your little girl home."

"They won't hurt her, right? This has to be about money." He ran a hand through his disheveled hair. "But no one has asked me for anything yet."

"That could still happen. If someone contacts you or your wife, they'll ask you not to talk to the police or to us, but you must tell us. You cannot handle this on your own," she said firmly. "I cannot emphasize that enough."

---