Page 10 of Fatal Betrayal

"How would you know what I know?"

"I've heard you talk on television. I've read articles about you. You believe that too many people are falsely accused. I understand why you've made that problem your mission in life. But today isn't about you or me or your brother. So, start the car, or I'm going to call for a ride and get back to the office."

Cooper's gaze drilled into hers. Then he started the car and pulled away from the curb. "Tell me what you know," he said.

She related the facts she'd been given, reaffirming the scene in her mind. The fact that the back door was open, and no cries had been heard over the baby monitor, bothered her the most, suggesting that either the nanny had let someone in or taken Elisa downstairs and handed her off to someone.

"What do you make of the missing cameras in the back?" Cooper asked.

"According to Neil, they were taken down during a remodel that lasted several weeks. Any number of people on the construction crew might have been aware of that. The nanny or the housekeeper could have tipped someone off as well."

"They would both be easy suspects."

She bristled at the suggestion that she was zeroing in on anyone because it was easy. "Everyone in that house is a suspect. This child was taken out of her crib. The kidnapper knew how to get into the house and how to get out without alerting anyone."

"But as you said, the house has recently been under construction. A lot of people might have known the layout of the interior."

"Exactly. Are you trying to make a point, Cooper?"

"Are you, Andi?" he countered. "I'm just talking."

"More like accusing. You don't trust me, but I'm good at what I do."

"I'm sure you are. You wanted to be an investigator since you were eight years old."

"But?"

He flung her a quick look as he stopped at a light. "I didn't say but."

"You didn't say it, but I heard it."

"Well, that's on you. Don't put words in my mouth."

"Let's get back to the case," she said, annoyed with herself for getting distracted by Cooper. "What is your relationship with the Benedicts? How long have you known them?"

"I met Neil about three years ago, but we started working together last year on a potential docuseries based on my books. We've been developing that project for a while now and are good friends."

"Did you know his first wife?"

"Yes. I met Neil and Shana right before they divorced. I actually pitched my project to both of them, but Neil was the one who later followed up about it."

"Was it an amicable divorce?"

"No. From what I understand, it was a nasty breakup. Neil said he'd stayed in the marriage far too long. Once he met Claire, he discovered what real love was. He adores Claire and calls her the love of his life. He was over the moon when they had Elisa. He has been incredibly happy the last few months."

"What do you think of Claire?"

"She's very sweet, kind, a little on the quiet side. She loves kids. She works as a children's casting agent."

"Does Claire love being a wife and mother?"

"She seems very devoted to Elisa, and she and Neil always seem to be happy."

"No one is always happy," she said cynically.

"That's true," he conceded.

"Have you ever spoken to the nanny, Kristine, or to Solange, the housekeeper?"