Page 25 of The Fragile Ones

She sighed and then slowly turned to him. This was one of the downsides of getting close to your partner; sometimes she just wanted to let things ride and not get into a deep conversation. It was enough to know that he cared, but she didn’t want to talk about it.

“Hey…” he said gently and then moved back out of her immediate space.

“Look, I appreciate the concern. The last few days have been long and filled with stresses and details.”

“That’s the job.Ourjob.”

“Of course I know that, but it’s just difficult…Those two sisters. It’s a lot to deal with…and I know you’re supposed to maintain an emotional distance and look at the investigation more scientifically.”

“I guarantee everyone up at the crime scene felt the same way you do.”

Katie nodded in agreement. “I know. It was just a tough day for me, that’s all.”

“Okay. You can talk to me anytime you like. We’re partners, remember?” he said, accompanied by his huge infectious smile.

“I know…” she said, and couldn’t help but smile back.

“Okay, now that we have that business out of the way.” He glanced at the lists and the maps posted on the wall. “What are you working on?”

“I called the girls’ mother, Mrs. Mayfield, and set up a time to speak with her today in Rock Creek. I’ve been reading over the case files from the Rock Creek PD from the time they went missing. There isn’t much information, unfortunately.”

“What about Mr. Mayfield?”

“Don’t know. He moved out before the girls disappeared and there’s no forwarding address for him. I checked a few phone numbers in the old statements, but they are all disconnected.”

“Hmmm…”

“And he has had no contact with his family since,” she said.

McGaven turned to his laptop. “Okay, what’s his full name?”

“Whitney Allen Mayfield.”

“Whitney?” he repeated.

Katie shrugged. “His monikers are Whit, Whitey, and Wit if that helps. He was arrested twice for trespassing and minor assault about five years ago, then released. From there, no one knows.”

“I’ll see what I can find out,” he said as his fingers glided over the keyboard with speed.

“And,” said Katie, “after we check out the area where the girls were last seen, we are going to talk to Rock Creek’s police chief—by the name of Osborne. Police Chief Richard Osborne. There are only two police officers on the force. Have you ever met him or the officers?”

“Nope. This will be my first time meeting any of them,” he said, watching Katie. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s just that from my experience, which may not be a lot, these small-town folk don’t trust outsiders too easily. Know what I mean?”

“I know completely what you mean. But…”

“But what?”

“I’m sure you’ll find a way to charm them.”

She laughed. “You sureyoudon’t want to do it?”

“Nope, I’m just the muscle.” He winked.

Chapter Twelve

Tuesday 0930 hours