Page 185 of State of Alert

Captain Malone was coming into the pit as she returned. “What did Myerson want?”

“To confess.”

“Really?”

“Yes, but it was bullshit and I called him on it. We’re askingthat he be held without bail at his arraignment since he implied that he’d help Zoe stay in the wind if he was released.”

“Got it.”

“Any word from the marshals?”

“They found the silver SUV abandoned outside of Chicago.”

“Shit. So now they have no clue what they’re looking for.”

“They’re reviewing cars stolen in the area as well as bus and train stations and airports.”

“I hope something pops soon.”

“How’s it possible that two teenagers can lead us on a multiday, multistate chase?”

“They planned every step of this. That’s how. The sister should be here later today. I really want to talk to her.”

“Jesse said she’s not saying anything to anyone.”

“How can she be protecting them when they left her bound and gagged when they took off?”

“I don’t know what she’s thinking.”

“Maybe we can use Frank to get her to talk in exchange for dropping the charges against him.”

“That’s an idea.”

“We’ll float it when she’s back here. Can you get me an ETA on that?”

“Yep.”

While Malone headed to his office, she went into hers, planning to review the reports filed on the case thus far. Before she did that, though, she reached out to Archie to see how his friend was doing.

Thanks for checking in. She’s doing okay. Today she asked for me to come into her room. She said she remembers my face and that I was kind to her.

That’s great news. What’s SVU saying about the investigation?

Nothing yet, but Erica is on it.

Let me know if there’s anything I can do.

Thanks. Sorry to leave you hanging in the middle of a case.

Sergeant Walters has been great.

Glad to hear it.

Keep me posted on how she’s doing.

I will.

Sam hoped they caught a break in the case that could explain what’d happened to Archie’s friend and that he wasn’t setting himself up for heartbreak.

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