Page 145 of Another Girl Lost

A soft smile tipped her lips. “I can’t explain all of Scarlett’s drama right now. Give me a day or two.”

Not drawn in by her humor, he mentally imposed the sketches of Della over Margo’s face. The images were close, but close didn’t count in court. He’d need DNA proof. “Confess to what?”

“Lynn helped Tanner. She knew what was happening in the basement.”

“Why do you say that?”

“I read the original interviews. Gut feeling, but she was lying. But instinct isn’t proof.”

Margo didn’t have evidence. Would she have drugged and bound Lynn for a confession? “Do you want to make your statement now?”

“Are you here for my statement or as a friend?” Margo asked.

“The statement can wait.”

“I can give it now,” she said. “I don’t want to forget a detail.”

“I know. But wait. You know it takes a good night’s sleep to process a trauma like this.”

“I’m fine. I’m not your average victim. I’m a cop.”

“Still a human, last I checked, so we’ll wait.” The nurse came into the room. She was carrying a tray of bland, simple shrink-wrapped food.

Margo grimaced. “Yum.”

“Let me refill your water jug,” Dawson said as the nurse set the tray in front of Margo. He took the cup and pitcher to the sink. Water, ripe with DNA, glistened on the edges of the glass. If the DNA on Sandra’sbody was viable, it would answer a lot of questions. He’d pull Margo’s DNA in her personnel file so he could put an end to the doubts.

When he turned, Margo was watching as the caregiver opened a cup of broth. She scowled. “Don’t suppose you have wine?”

The caregiver shook her head. “No, ma’am.”

When the woman left, he handed Margo a fresh cup of water. “Don’t look so grim.”

“I’m all smiles,” Margo said, finding that electric grin.

“I’ve got to get going.” He was tempted to lean in for a kiss, but it felt too civilized for them.

“Talk to Lynn Yeats. I know she must be in this building somewhere. She’ll have an idea of who took her. And she knows more than she’s said about Tanner.”

“Gut feeling?”

She shifted, winced. “It’s only steered me wrong once in my life.”

“When was that?”

She laughed. “For another day.”

“I’ll return tomorrow.”

“Be ready to bust me out of here. If you don’t spring me, I’ll break myself out. I’m an excellent escape artist. Brilliant with locks.”

Like Della. “Your release depends on the doctor.”

“I’m outta here come hell or high water, Dawson.”

“To be negotiated.”

He needed the damn DNA test results to nip his growing doubts. For years he’d had misgivings about his wife, but he’d ignored them. He wouldn’t now. And once Margo was in the clear, or not, he’d deal with Scarlett.

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