Page 127 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

“Actually, we can,” Freddie said. “We’re testing the brick right now to see if her prints are on it. They’re on file from when she was arrested.”

Jeannie’s phone chimed with a text. “We’ve received notification that her prints are on the brick.”

“This is a setup!”

“No, it isn’t.” Freddie struggled to stay patient when he wanted to arrest the woman for being obtuse. If only that were a chargeable offense. “We need to find her before this gets worse. Where would she be?”

The woman folded her arms over her ample bosom. “I have no idea.”

“You’re not helping her by stonewalling us,” Jeannie said. “In fact, if you know where she is and don’t help us find her, you can be charged as an accessory.”

That seemed to permeate the aura of denial the woman had been putting forth. “She couldn’t have done this,” she said with much less conviction than she’d shown thus far.

“She did do it,” Jeannie said. “Where is she?” When Mrs. Patrick didn’t reply, Jeannie slapped her hand on the table, making her startle. “Where is she?”

“She… You should check… her grandmother’s house.”

“Write down the address.” Freddie pushed a notebook and pen across the table to her. “And make sure it’s correct. You’ve wasted enough of our time.”

After she wrote down the address in Stafford, Virginia, Freddie stood, grabbed the notebook and pen and headed for the door.

“If you tell her we’re coming,” Jeannie said as she followed him, “we’ll be back to arrest you.” When they were outside, Jeannie said, “For fuck’s sake.”

“That’s exactly what Sam would say.”

“I learned from the best—and so did Jaycee, apparently. No wonder she is the way she is if that’s her mother. The girl probably got away with everything short of murder growing up, and now thinks she’s entitled to have whatever she wants—even a man who doesn’t want her.”

“That about sums it up.”

While Freddie drove, Jeannie called Malone with an update on their progress. “Can you request a warrant in case she makes this difficult?”

“Yep. Contact Stafford County to back you up, and keep me posted.”

“Will do.” Jeannie ended that call and placed another to Stafford to request backup, adding, “It’s important to keep the cars hidden until we arrive so we don’t tip her off.”

“Understood. We’ll send two cars right away and request they hold back until you arrive.”

“Thank you.”

“What a freaking waste of time this is,” Jeannie said. “We’ve got better things to be doing than chasing down a lunatic who can’t take no for an answer.”

“We’re on hold with the serial rapist case until we get the FDS results,” Freddie said. “And P.S., good job with the mother.”

“She was pissing me off. If I ever lie to cops on behalf of my kid, give me a slap upside the head, will you?”

“I suspect that won’t be an issue for you or your future child.”

“I’d smack the crap out of my kid if they behaved the way Jaycee has.”

“I hear you. Me, too.”

When they arrived in the grandmother’s neighborhood, Jeannie called Stafford County to let them know they were pulling up to the address.

“Our officers are ready to provide backup, Detective.”

“Thanks again.”

Freddie and Jeannie parked on the street and walked up a long driveway.

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