Page 81 of Pretty Broken Dolls

Katie stood at the door of room 212 at the Hobson Inn & Suites once again. This time she had a purpose that overrode everything else, but she couldn’t let Campbell know.

It began to drizzle—lightly at first and then more of a shower. The drops were large and dappled the foliage around them, making a calming sound.

She knocked on the door.

It was difficult for her to focus and keep her reaction calm and professional but she was determined not to let her anger get the better of her.

Katie knocked again.

No answer.

“He’s not home?” said McGaven, with a hint of sarcasm.

“It looks like his car is here.”

“Maybe he left with someone else? That agent…”

“Agent Haley?”

“Maybe. Call him or we can come back tomorrow.”

“No,” said Katie.

“No? What do you suggest we do?”

She tried the door and surprisingly found it unlocked. It seemed odd because usually at motels, doors automatically locked when you left. Agent Campbell must have deliberately unlocked the door, which seemed odd with the equipment and confidential information inside.

The doorknob turned in her hand and she hesitated before pushing the door open. To her surprise, McGaven didn’t say anything.

“Agent Campbell?” she said. “Anyone home?” She tried to make her voice sound casual.

Katie and McGaven stood at the threshold, not entering the suite. They could see the command center with photos and reports on the wall. The computers were humming, and there were stacks of various paperwork, file folders, and bankers’ boxes filled with even more information.

“Oh hi, Detective,” came a voice behind them. It was Agent Haley carrying a sealed container that had some type of meal inside and a drink with a straw.

“Is Agent Campbell here?” asked Katie.

“No, he’s doing some errands—I believe personal in nature. Can I help you with something?” She forced a smile.

Katie noticed that the perky agent assistant was different, more solemn. Based on the darkened areas under her eyes, she had probably been working all hours.

“We’re waiting for the results from forensics and autopsy report for the victim at the fairgrounds. I wanted to double-check some information that we received for the Trenton case—I think there might be some missing.”

“Of course,” she said. “Come in.” She walked past them and paused a moment to catch McGaven’s eye.

“Thanks,” said Katie and gave her partner a look, raising her eyebrow.

McGaven shut the door.

Agent Haley put down her food and went to one of the computers. “What are you looking for?” She sat poised with her fingers on the keyboard.

“Trenton case. There was an interview with Mrs. Sadie Caldwell. We seem to be missing some pages.”

“Oh?” she said. “Let’s see here…” She keyed up the case and scrolled through files. Then she opened a desk drawer, rummaged around through various office supplies and retrieved a flash drive, inserting it into the computer. “This will just take a few seconds.”

“That’s great. Thank you,” said Katie as she slowly skimmed the room again. Nothing had changed since their last visit.

The computer hummed as it transferred the information.