Page 132 of State of Alert

“I did, and it went straight to voice mail. But she was supposed to be visiting Ali.”

“Ali has been at cheerleading practice since school let out. She’s not due home until after nine.”

“Thank you for letting me know. If you or Ali hear from her, will you give me a call?”

“Yes, of course. Jada isn’t in trouble, is she?”

Sam never blinked as she continued to stare at Frank. “I’m not sure yet. Thank you for your help.”

“Whatever we can do.”

“I’ll be in touch if we need anything further.”

After she ended the call, Sam said, “Did you hear that? ‘Whatever we can do.’ That’s called cooperation with a homicide investigation. Also, did you hear the part where Ali has been at cheerleading practice all afternoon and not available for a visit from Jada, who told you that’s where she was going?”

“I heard it.”

“So where’s Jada, Mr. Myerson?”

“I have no idea.”

“Track down Zeke Bellamy’sparents, will you?” Sam said to Freddie when she met him outside the interview room where she’d left Frank working to acquire a new attorney. She’d tried to call Zeke and had gotten his voice mail, too.

“I think Cam has the dirt on them. I’ll ask him.”

“I’m going back in there to make sure Frank is only shopping for a new lawyer.”

It was unusual for them to allow a potential suspect to keep his cell phone, but he wasn’t technically in custody, and they didn’t have enough evidence to charge him or anyone in the case. She was giving him some latitude while the pieces fell into place, or so she hoped. After learning that Jada had lied about where she was going and that large sums of money had been withdrawn from both accounts, Sam was more convinced than ever that the girls were involved. What she didn’t know yet was whether Frank was, too.

Sam sent another text to Nick on the secure BlackBerry.Might have a break in the case. Will be later than expected. Tell the kids I love them and I’m sorry to miss dinner.

She hated missing dinner with her kids and hearing about a day they’d never experience again. As she was about to step back into the room with Frank, Dr. Trulo came around the corner from the pit.

“Ah, there you are.”

Oh shit. The grief group. She’d totally forgotten. “Not sure I can make it tonight, Doc. Got a case heating up fast.”

“No worries. I was just coming to give you the reminder you requested.”

“Thank you, because I did forget.”

“I’m shocked.”

“Haha, no, you’re not.”

“Is there any word from the lawyers about the twins?”

“Not yet.”

“That’s got to be weighing on you.”

“It is, but I’m keeping busy, which helps. And everyone keeps telling me we’ve got the parents’ will on our side, not to mention what the kids themselves want.”

“Those are all strong points in your column. Keep me posted?”

“I will, and I’ll run upstairs if I get the chance tonight. Please give everyone my regards if I can’t get there.”

“You got it, kiddo. Hang in there.”

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