Page 194 of State of Alert

“How so?”

“I was all set to pin this on Zoe and her boyfriend. It’s very possible it wasn’t them. I posted a message to Zeke’s social media, and he called me like I asked him to. I mean… Would he do that if he was involved in a murder?”

“You’re liking this Robinson guy for it?”

“That depends on whether we can put him in the area on Sunday.”

“We can.” Walters approached with printouts of grainy images. “That’s him getting out of an Uber four blocks from the Myerson home at two o’clock on Sunday.”

“Let’s pick him up,” Malone said. “I’ll notify Fairfax County and submit warrant requests for DNA, electronics and his house.”

Officer Clare came down the hallway. “Detective Cruz asked me to keep an eye on interview one.”

“Thank you.”

“How’s the Myerson case coming?” he asked.

“We’ve had a big break today. Keep your fingers crossed.”

“I will. Good luck.”

“Thanks.”

Sam went to the pit. “Gonzo, Sergeant Walters found video that puts Robinson in Crestwood on Sunday afternoon. Will you and Matt please go pick him up? The captain is reaching out to Fairfax County for backup.”

Gonzo grabbed his jacket and handheld radio. “We’re on it.”

“Be careful and wear vests. He could be armed.”

“Got it.”

Sam had barely gottento take a breath when Jada Myerson was escorted in by two Patrol officers and a U.S. Marshal.

Sam gasped at the dark bruise on her swollen face. “Thank you all,” she said to the other officers. “We’ll take it from here.” The girl wore a red sweatshirt that was several sizes too big for her, a pair of gray sweatpants and flip-flops.

The female marshal handed Sam a folder. “Medical details.”

“Thanks.”

“Right this way, Jada. Your dad is eager to see you.”

The girl began to cry the minute Sam mentioned her dad.

Sam opened the door to the conference room, and Jada ran to him.

Frank wept as he held his daughter.

Sam stepped into the room and gave them a few minutes before she spoke. Since she no longer considered Elaine’s family members suspects, she decided against bringing in Erica Lucas. “I’m so sorry to have to do business at a time like this.”

Frank helped his daughter into a chair and then sat next to her.

“Why are you wearing that?” Jada asked of his orange jumpsuit.

“I was detained for obstructing the investigation.”

“Theyarrestedyou? That’s what Zoe said was going to happen, that if they couldn’t find another suspect, they’d charge us because of all the fighting we did with Mom.”

“Is that why she talked you into running away?”

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