Page 43 of Sachie's Hero

The woman, her hair in disarray, dark circles under her eyes, her face pale and gaunt like those poor souls who were strung out on drugs, screamed at the judge until he slammed down his gavel and called for order. She had to be forcibly removed from the courtroom by the bailiff. The article accompanyingthe video clip reported that the man, Travis Finkel, had been sentenced to two years in prison for child abuse. The woman, Candice Franklin, had her child officially remanded into the custody of Child Protective Services, as Ms. Franklin had been accused of neglect and endangering her child. She’d been determined unfit to care for the girl. The report was dated six months ago.

A moment later, another link appeared in a text message from Swede.

It was a link to a news article from a Hawaiian online news source, reporting the same woman, Candice Franklin, had been rushed to the hospital after her boyfriend, fresh out of prison after only serving six months of a two-year sentence for child abuse, had violated his parole, brutally attacked her and then disappeared. The police had issued an All-Points Bulletin for Travis Finkel, warning the public he was dangerous. The article was dated two weeks ago—around the same time Luke had shot himself and Sachie’s troubles had begun.

A man fresh out of prison might be interested in dishing out some payback for the ones responsible for putting him there, especially if he’d promised to do just that during his hearing.

Swede also sent the name, address and phone number of Finkel’s parole officer and the man’sgrandmother, who lived on the opposite side of the island.

“We’ll check into these people,” the detective said.

Teller glanced up. “My contact says Travis Finkel was released from prison two weeks ago and has since put Candice Franklin in the hospital. You’ll have to find him before you can ask if he’s the one who has been targeting Ms. Moore because he’s since disappeared.”

The detective frowned. “I hadn’t heard, but I’ll be sure to let you know when we find him.”

Teller’s eyes narrowed. “Hopefully, before he finds Ms. Moore.”

Detective Mahalawai looked from Teller to Sachie. “Will you two be staying on Oahu?”

Sachie’s gaze met Teller’s. “We’ll be here until we determine who’s stalking me.”

Teller added, “And put a stop to his terror campaign against Ms. Moore.”

Mahalawai nodded. “I take it you’ll be looking into the potential suspects as well?”

Teller nodded.

“I’ll let you know what we find,” the detective said. “Please keep us informed on anything you uncover or names of other people you might suspect.”

“We will.” Sachie slipped her hand into the crookof Teller’s elbow. “Thank you for your time, Detective Mahalawai.”

Teller led Sachie back through the maze of desks to the exit.

Before they reached the exit, a police officer waved at them from across the room. “Sachie Moore, is that you?”

Sachie smiled and waited while the man made his way toward them. “Officer Roland, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

“Yes, it has.” He shook her hand. “What was it? The case with the teen runaway who was reported missing?”

She nodded. “I think that was the one. What was it, almost two years ago?”

Roland nodded. “It’s good to see you. Are you still consulting for the Child Protective Services?”

Sachie shook her head. “No. I moved to another island. I’m only on Oahu for a brief stay.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I’m sure they miss you with all the work you did helping get kids out of bad situations.”

The officer frowned. “Did your move have anything to do with the teen who committed suicide?” The man shook his head. “That had to have been a traumatic experience.”

Sachie nodded, but didn’t respond.

“What makes a kid do something like that?” the officer asked. “Did he tell you what was bothering him?”

“He was a troubled you man. I thought he was on his way to getting his life together and then—” she waved her hand. “I was shocked.”

Roland touched her arm. “I’m sure you were. I’m sorry that happened to you.”

“I’m sorry it happened to him.” Sachie gave the officer a stiff smile. “I need to go. It was good to see you again.”

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