Page 52 of Seeking Evil

“Anytime.” Jack leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

Zeke shared his misgivings about Inez’s husband. “Patrick is going to check in with his employer.”

“You think he might be the kidnapper?” Jack obviously had doubts.

Zeke shook his head. “At this point, I have no idea. I guess we can’t afford to dismiss anyone, though.”

“Drake’s pulling up with Flannigan.” Patrick stepped into the room and announced. “I’d like to try something different. Jack, how about you and one of your people take the lead? I’ll watch from the viewing room. He and I have known each other a long time. We’re friends. He might feel as if he can manipulate me in some way.”

“You got it.” Jack finished off the last of his donut. “Megan, why don’t you and Zeke come with me?”

Zeke was happy to be able to sit in on the interview but surprised Jack had picked him, considering his relationship with Sierra.

As they prepared to enter the interrogation room, Jack warned him to keep his head about him, which meant keep your mouth shut.

Jack stepped into the room along with Megan and Zeke.

Flannigan was clearly surprised. “Where’s Patrick?”

Jack pulled out a chair across from Flannigan. Megan and Zeke remained standing near the door.

“I’m Jack Montgomery. I’m with the FBI. I’ll be handling the interrogation.”

“FBI.” Flannigan latched onto the identification. “What’s this about? Deputy Drake wouldn’t tell me anything.”

“We have some questions about your earlier interview with Sheriff Taylor.”

“Alright.” This time, instead of being at ease, Flannigan was nervous. “But I don’t know what else I can tell you about those missing women. As I said earlier, I’ve never met them.”

“You’re sure about that?” Jack showed photos of both women.

Flannigan barely looked at the photos. “I’m positive.”

“Would it interest you to know we have an eyewitness that says you spoke to Dawn Collins the day before she went missing?”

“What?” Flannigan’s surprise seemed real. “Who?”

“That’s not important,” Jack told him. “Maybe you’d care to take another look.” He pushed the photo of Dawn closer.

Flannigan made an annoyed sound and picked up the photo. He stared at Dawn for a long moment before snapping his fingers. “I did run into her outside of the diner. But we didn’t really talk. I said excuse me. She said no problem. I asked how she was doing, and she said good. That was the extent of the conversation. I never saw her again.”

Jack sat back in his seat. “This is why we’re looking at you, Dr. Flannigan. You lied about meeting Dawn Collins, and the vehicle we believe was used to kidnap both Dawn and Sierra Parker was found on your property.”

“I–I didn’t lie. I just forgot, and I have no idea why that tow truck is on my property.”

This bit of news grabbed Zeke’s attention. “Then where have you been staying?”

Jack tossed him a look meant to silence.

Flannigan looked his way. “I told you before. At my office. There’s an apartment upstairs. I sometimes use it.”

“If you’re innocent, then you won’t mind us taking a look around your apartment.” Jack waited for Flannigan to give them permission.

The doctor sighed deeply. “If it will help clear this up, then be my guest.” Flannigan dug into his pocket and pulled out a key. “Here you go.”

“Alright. Sit tight.”

Flannigan didn’t respond.

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