Page 41 of Seeking Justice

They stepped out of the station, the evening air crisp and cool. The town seemed peaceful, but Jo knew that under the calm surface, there were undercurrents of turmoil. They were getting close.

In the car, Jo turned to Sam. “Harry’s visit was timely. I think we need to find more about the Websters for Tammy’s case. Ricky and Hazel are pretty tight-lipped, but I bet we can get something out of Lily. Seems like it would be easy to get her to talk.”

Sam nodded. “I agree, but first let’s see what Hank Madden has to say.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT

The Tahoe pulled up to a modest, weathered house, a stark contrast to the grandeur of Beryl’s residence. Sam, Jo, and Lucy got out and approached the door, seeing a shadow peek out through a side window as they walked toward the front steps. They were surprised when the door swung open to reveal Danika Ryder, the woman from the logging area, her face etched with worry.

“Detectives? What brings you here?” she asked, her voice tinged with nervousness.

“We’re here to see Hank Madden,” Sam stated, his tone professional yet firm.

Danika looked relieved. Had she thought they were here for her? Then she hesitated, eyeing the detectives with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. “I was just getting ready to go to work. I had the morning off. Does this have anything to do with what you were questioning Travis about out at the logging site?” she asked cautiously, referencing their previous visit.

Sam, maintaining a neutral expression, replied, “We really just need to talk to Hank. Don’t let us keep you from getting to work. Though it is an interesting coincidence, finding you here.”

Danika shifted her weight, a flicker of concern crossing her features. “Well, I live here,” she explained, as if to justify her presence. “With Hank.”

Just then, Hank appeared beside her, his expression a blend of surprise and wariness.

“Detectives? What’s this about?” he inquired, his expression shifting from surprise to guarded caution upon seeing them. Lucy sniffed the air, sensing the tension.

Sam wasted no time. “Mr. Madden, I’m Chief Mason, and this is Sergeant Harris. Could we come in?”

Apprehension crossed Hank’s face, but he nodded and opened the door for them to enter. The living room, into which they stepped, was a stark contrast to the unassuming exterior of the house. It was unexpectedly spacious and neatly kept, yet there was an air of simplicity to it.

The walls were adorned with a few framed photographs, capturing what seemed like happier times—a younger Hank with friends, a few hunting trophies, and scenic landscapes. The furniture was modest but comfortable, an older-style sofa and matching armchairs arranged around a well-worn coffee table.

Hank stood to the side and motioned for them to sit.

“This won’t take long,” Sam said and remained standing. Lucy stood beside him, her nose twitching as she took in a variety of smells that were undetectable to Sam.

“You were married to Mary Madden, is that right?” Sam asked.

Hank crossed his arms over his chest. “Yes. That was a long time ago, though.”

“Were you aware that she changed her name to April Summers?”

Hank’s eyes flickered with a mixture of recognition and discomfort. “Yes, I was aware. Toward the end of our marriage, Mary… She started changing. It was one of the reasons we couldn’t make it work.”

Jo observed him closely, noting the mix of resignation and bitterness in his tone. “Changed how?” she probed.

“She became distant, secretive. Like she was becoming someone else. When I heard she changed her name, I wasn’t surprised,” Hank admitted, his gaze drifting momentarily.

Sam turned to Danika. She didn’t look at all surprised to hear this news. “Did you know that Hank had been married to April Summers?”

Danika nodded.

“And you didn’t think to mention that when we were at the logging site the other day?” Sam asked.

“I didn’t think it was relevant. You were questioning Travis about April’s escapades with the tree. That has nothing to do with us.” Danika gestured from herself to Hank.

Sam stared at Danika for a few beats. It made her nervous, judging by the way her eyes darted from Sam to Hank.

He turned back to Hank. “Are you aware that April Summers was murdered?”

Hank nodded. “Danika told me you were out at the logging site the other day.”

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