Page 33 of The Fragile Ones

“That’s part of it. But a crime this heinous has everyone scared, looking at each other differently, not feeling safe. So we welcome help in any way. I know that the bodies were found in your jurisdiction, but I would like to think that we could help you too—with whatever we can.”

Katie remembered the police files lying on a table when they entered. There were probably complaints as well as unfiled crime reports available for everyone to see. “We’re just trying to get some background information. It appears that the two girls were taken from their own neighborhood and it’s more than possible that someone here knows or saw something.”

“That might be difficult,” he said. “People are close-lipped here—but I’ll do whatever I can.”

“Even if it might help catch a murderer?” asked Katie, trying to keep her frustration under control.

The chief sighed and said, “I know exactly where you’re coming from. I was born and raised in Missouri and things are different there. These people don’t want to be bothered or reminded about anything unpleasant.”

Unpleasant?

“Chief, can you tell us anything about the Mayfields? Like, what about Mr. Mayfield?” she said.

“He’s got problems. Can’t make up his mind…leaving his wife.”

“How about the girls? What was the family like when they bought the house and moved here—was it ten years ago?”

The chief leaned back. “They were always a nice family, quiet, no problems, everyone seemed to like them.”

“Did either of the girls have any medical issues or accidents that you know of?”

He took a moment to contemplate the question but finally said, “No, none that I can think of. Even when they were at the first house.”

“First house?” Katie asked, surprised.

“The one over on Sycamore. But no one has lived there in years.”

“Why did they move?”

“Well, they were just married, not much money, no kids yet, and that was all they could afford. Then when the girls were about one and two, they bought that house Mrs. Mayfield is living in now.”

“Would you have any idea where Mr. Mayfield is now? Or is there anyone in town that might still be in contact with him?”

“I’ll have to think about that, Detective.”

“That’s fine.”

“So where is the Sycamore place?” asked McGaven.

“It’s a couple of blocks away, the last house at the end of the road. You can’t miss it. Don’t know what you’re going to find though…”

Katie stood up. “We run down every possible lead that might give more information about the case.”

Police Chief Osborne stood up respectfully as Katie made to leave. “Is it true that you found the bodies?”

“Yes. I was with a film crew who were looking for sites for a documentary.”

“Well, what do you think about that…those girls might never have been found if it weren’t for you and the film crew. Does that seem strange to you?” he asked.

Those words struck Katie. She had never thought about the case from that perspective before, but it did seem strange. What were the odds? “You never know who’s going to lead you to the truth,” she said. “Well, thank you, Chief. We’ll be in touch.”

“Just a word of advice.”

“Yes?” she said, looking directly at him.

“Be careful where you go poking around.”

“Chief Osborne, we are going wherever the investigation takes us. I hope that we have your support.”