Page 12 of Deadly Past

“Well, that’s all of it,” JT said while looking around the table. “What are your thoughts?”

The silence that followed lasted only a second before Eli responded. “I’d like to speak with the former police officers handling the case back when Lacey disappeared as well as the current cold-case detective. And I’d like to take a look around the house.” He shrugged. “You never know what might jump out at someone not connected to the case.”

“One of the original detectives has passed away; the other moved to a different state. Mrs. Blevins, the woman who saw the vehicle pass by our house with New York plates has passed away as well,” Wynona told him.

Eli scratched his head. “That will certainly make things more difficult. Will, we can probably use your help opening law enforcement doors.”

“I’d be happy to assist. Once I get my people lined up on gathering evidence at Declan’s house, I’ll reach out.”

Eli nodded. “Sounds good.”

JT looked to Janine. “I’d like for you to get in touch with some of your FBI buddies and see if they can do an age-advanced photo using the one of Lacey in the file to show what she might look like today.”

“Wait, you think my sister might still be alive?” Wynona asked incredulously.

JT’s expression softened as he looked at her. “I don’t know. But if she is and we can get this out to different news agencies, maybe someone can tell us where she is.” He inclined his head. “I’m not trying to get your hopes up, Wynona. Many children who are kidnapped aren’t found alive.”

Wynona jerked back in her seat as if he’d struck her.

“I’m sorry to be so blunt, but you need to know what you’re facing.”

Her mouth twisted into a smile that held no humor. “I know exactly what I’m facing. The original detectives said she was probably dead after only a few days of searching for her.”

“If it weren’t for what you’re going through now, I’d say that’s exactly what happened, but if that’s the case, then what does her killer want with you? I think we all agree that this is connected to your sister somehow.”

Everyone nodded.

“And I’m guessing this all stemmed from Wynona spotting the perp at her family home. He screwed up by being at the house when she showed up and realized she could identify him.” Declan glanced her way and hated that she had to go through all this again.

“That makes sense. Only why return to the house at all?” Janine voiced Declan’s biggest concern. “He had to know there was a chance he’d run into a neighbor at the very least who might report him to the police.”

“Unless he was after something—” Declan jerked his head toward Wynona. “Is it possible the police missed something all those years ago?”

Her frown deepened. “I don’t see how. They went through every room in the house and everything outside very thoroughly. And even if they did, why wait so long? At this point the police really don’t have any suspects. He was pretty much scot-free.”

That was true. It didn’t add up. “Still, there has to be a reason why he came back after all these years, and why he’s coming after you.”

Only her eyes showed how frightened those words were to hear.

“Whatever the reason, we’re going to figure it out,” Declan assured her. “We’ll find out what happened to Lacey this time because we have the edge. He’s desperate for something. Which means he’s vulnerable.”

“Declan’s right,” JT assured her. “He needs you for whatever reason more than he needs to stay hidden. That makes him vulnerable. Let’s adjourn. You all know your assignments. We’ll meet back here tomorrow. Eli, keep us apprised of anything new.”

“You got it.” Eli scraped back his chair and rose. He headed out the door while Will waved another man in.

“Wynona, this is Pete, the police sketch artist.” Will introduced the man to Wynona and for the next half hour, she worked on giving an accurate description of the man she believed abducted her sister.

Once the artist finished, he held it out to Wynona who clasped her hand to her throat. “That’s him.”

Pete nodded and looked to Will.

“Thanks, Pete. Send that out to all law enforcement agencies around the state, will ya?”

“You got it.” Pete rose and shook Wynona’s hand before leaving.

“Until we get a handle on what’s happening, it’s not wise for you to return to your house,” JT warned Declan.

“I thought the same thing. My fishing cabin on Breakers is only accessible by boat. We can go there.” He turned to Wynona. “We’ll grab your stuff from the house while we have police presence, and then we’ll head out.”

---