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As in ransom money. Neither Lionel nor Teague had any on them, so Eloise and Denny must have taken the bags and thrown them in the car to hide the evidence. They must not have had time to grab the drugs.

“No money. We’re still looking.”

“Okay. They might have gotten the bags of money for the kidnapping and thrown it in the car or hidden it somewhere else before they came here.” Monica wished they had at least found that.

“You would think the other men, Teague and Lionel, would want their cuts.”

Monica agreed. She figured they weren’t too far away from the money. “They might already have their cuts and then have them hidden elsewhere. These people aren’t the smartest criminals. Gathering like they did was sure to get them caught.”

“Yeah, I agree, which is good for us. Maybe we can catch these guys.”

“We will.” She was determined to do so. She just wished, like before, that the others hadn’t gotten away. “Good luck on the search.”

“Did you gather anything from looking around?”

“Not much. Just that they left quickly.”

“Good luck with your case.”

“Thanks.” Monica left Eloise’s house and joined Andy and Roger.

Andy immediately hugged her. She hadn’t expected it because she was on the job, and so was he, even though they were both supposed to be off duty. But she appreciated it and hugged him back.

“Are you ready to interview Harvey, Teague, and Lionel?” Monica asked Andy.

“Yeah, I sure am.”

“Let’s go. And thanks, Roger, for helping again,” Monica said.

“My pleasure.” Roger saluted them and headed to his car.

Monica got into Andy’s SUV.

“How are you?”

“Good. My hand is much better, and so is my back. I still can’t touch my thumb to my pinky, but I’m gently working on getting more mobility in it.”

“That’s good.” He took her hand and pressed a gentle kiss on it. Then he started the car and drove to the police department. “What did you learn in Eloise’s house?”

She loved that Andy was always so affectionate. “That Denny and Eloise had sex recently in her bedroom.”

“Hell, no kidding?”

“Yeah, and there was no sign of Wendell or Helen having been there.” She explained about the drugs. “But no money.”

“Good that they got her on drugs once they capture her.”

“Right. I opt for us to talk to Teague and Lionel first. Maybe they’ll spill the truth about where the others went.”

“I agree.”

The police department loomed ahead, its brick exterior imposing and intimidating. As they approached, they could see people coming and going, some in uniform, others in handcuffs. The building's windows gleamed, reflecting the sunlight with a touch of authority.

Monica took a deep breath and exhaled.

Andy rubbed her arm to offer support, which she so appreciated. Not in a million years would she have thought she’d need someone to bolster her like that.

“Are you okay?”