Page 104 of Pretty Broken Dolls

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Katie drove in silence; she eased her anger and frustration, determined to be professional and keep a clear head. That didn’t mean she wasn’t still steaming about the phone cloning or spoofing, but McGaven was right that she shouldn’t go to Agent Campbell’s suite spewing anger.

“I’ve been thinking,” began McGaven. “What would be the reason for someone to spoof someone’s ID to text your phone? To get your personal information? Send you information about the investigation? What?”

“Think about it, Gav. Who would want my personal information? To see what I’m doing, who my contacts are. To keep an eye on me?”

“It could be anybody.”

“No, what’s been a change in our work? What’s different?”

McGaven thought about it. “I’m so dense. Of course, it’s the elusive Agent Campbell—he has the means and has been in direct contact with you several times. But why would he be sending those cryptic messages?”

“I can say that he’s got some serious issues. I should probably call and talk to his supervisor or someone else that helped to work these cases with him. Not to tattle on him but maybe get more perspective?”

“I don’t know, Katie…that’s a thin line you’re walking.”

“I don’t want to say anything to my uncle yet.”

“What if you’re wrong?”

“Then I’m wrong. I just want to find out more about him and these cases. Get some insight.”

Her cell phone rang.

Hands free, she pressed the speaker button. “Detective Scott.”

“Hey, Katie,” said Lizzy with an upbeat voice.

“What’s up? You’re not mad, are you?”

“What? About last night? Nah, it’s going to take more than that after what we’ve been through.”

They laughed.

“I don’t mean to keep you, I know you’re busy,” she said. “You want to meet at the bistro downtown for drinks and dinner? Just us. I’m only going to be in town for two more days and then I have to return to the coast. I don’t know when I’ll be back.”

“You know what, Lizzy? That’s sounds perfect. Seven thirty?”

“See you there.”

The call ended.

“I like her,” said McGaven. “She’s solid. And very cool.”

“Yeah, we went through some serious stuff in the army. She’s always been someone that I can really count on as a friend.”

Katie pulled into the health services parking lot and searched for an empty place.

“I’m curious to see what Sadie wants to talk about,” said McGaven.

“Me too. I feel bad for her, wrestling with this mental problem. I think she thinks that she’s doing the right thing.” Katie knew what it was like to cope with psychological issues that pulled the ground from beneath your feet.

“We’ll see.”

They got out of the car and headed into the building. Walking through the double glass doors, they came to a front desk where an older woman with short grayish hair sat.

The woman looked at them and removed her glasses. “May I help you?”