Page 9 of One Step Sideways

“Unfortunately. School parents knew nearly immediately. I couldn’t move right away, as all our assets were seized. The house is up for sale as you can see, but I’ve no family.”

“We can put you up in an apartment whenever you’re ready,” Rawlings said, and my respect for the guy went up a notch.

“I can’t leave here yet.”

“When you have Rain home,” Rawlings confirmed with quiet confidence. “No family at all? How was Saunders in touch with Rain?”

“He has a grandmother. I couldn’t stop Rain from seeing her, and Rain used to go regularly even though the woman’s not a fan of mine. And yes, the cops have been there.”

Danny immediately asked for a name and address.

“Tell us what happened last night and today,” Rawlings asked.

“We ate dinner around six, she said she had homework and spent the evening—”

“Who’s Alicia Brenner?” Danny interrupted.

Katy stared at Rawlings’ phone. “She’s a school friend. Her parents have still been friendly.” Which meant there were plenty that hadn’t if it was remarkable enough for Katy to comment on it.

“I’m just going through their direct messages on social media.”

She winced. “I know she’s only ten, but she’s lost so much, and I have the ability to block things if I need to.”

Rawlings nodded. “And I’m assuming the cops are talking to her friends and looking at all these?”

The scoff from Danny was clear over the line, and for the first time, Katy smiled a little. “She came down at nine for a drink and said goodnight. I stuck my head in her room around ten when I went to bed and she was asleep. That was the last time I saw her.” Katy forced a swallow down her throat.

“And you actually saw her, not just a lump under the covers?” Rawlings confirmed.

“Yes. The alarm woke me at six and when Rain hadn’t appeared by six thirty, I went into her room, and she was gone.”

“She has her own key?” Danny asked. “House alarm?”

“Yes and No,” Katy replied.

The detective barely knocked before he opened the door again. “We have Roswell Street Bus Station footage showing your daughter. We’re heading out to intercept the bus and thought you’d like to come.”

Katy jumped to her feet, hugged Rawlings, and rushed out. We headed to the truck and climbed in.

“Did they say which bus station?”

I startled, having forgotten Danny was still on the phone.

“Roswell Street, but I think there’s at least two bus stations close.” Rawlings didn’t start the engine, and Danny was silent for a long few seconds.

“I have a picture. I’ll run it on both. Should have something by the time you get back.”

Rawlings nodded, put his phone back in the holder, and drove back to the apartment. He was silent, so I juststayed quiet.

“It was Cobb street,” Danny greeted us with when we got back. “There’s no CCTV near Katy’s home. I’ve checked all the ride apps and there were no logged bookings. It’s walkable in just over two hours, and I’m just checking all external cameras on the route.” He winced. “Wish Gael was here.”

“Who’s Gael?” I asked.

“One of the Tampa enhanced team. He can get cameras to ‘talk’ to him,” Danny said, the envy obvious in his voice. I managed this time not to use the “f” word even to myself.

“Let’s wait and see if they’ve found her. If not, we’ll give them a call.” Rawlings decreed.

“Do you have the photo they used to confirm it’s her at the bus station?” I asked, trying to be casual. “And any others of her you have,” I added.

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