Page 64 of The Fragile Ones

“Like a tattoo?”

“The forensic team has determined that they were branded when she was very young.”

“Branded?” she said, looking at her husband.

“Are you sure?” he replied.

“Yes, I’m afraid so.”

“Why? What were these numbers?”

“Three numbers: 372,” said Katie. “Does 372 mean anything to you?”

Barely taking a breath, Mr. Homestead said, “No. I don’t understand this.” It was clear he was disturbed by the news.

“We’re trying to run this down, but I wanted to let you know before you saw her.”

“Of course, thank you, Detective,” he said.

The room felt stuffy and confining, even though it was large enough for a banquet.

Katie focused her questions carefully. “Has anyone ever contacted you that seemed out of place? Or have you noticed anyone after the abduction following you or watching you?”

“No, nothing. We’re very careful with our family now—in fact, almost to the point of madness,” she said with sincerity.

“We appreciate you meeting with us today. If you think of anything you might have forgotten, please don’t hesitate to call me,” said Katie, leaving a card on the table.

Katie and McGaven stood up to leave.

“Detective?” said Mrs. Homestead still clutching the photo.

“Yes?”

“Let us know when you catch my baby’s killer.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Friday 2005 hours

Still drained from her moderate panic attack earlier in the day, Katie headed straight home from the hotel. Chad had dropped by her house to keep Cisco company for the afternoon and would still be there if she got back in time.

As she drove up her driveway, she saw Chad’s SUV parked on the right side. Relief flooded through her. Chad and Cisco were her lifeline, and the fact they were waiting for her to come home was all that really mattered at the end of the day.

Katie got out of the Jeep and hurried to the front door, which flung open before she was able to get there. Cisco ran out to greet her, doing circles around her accompanied by whines of joy.

“Hi, boy,” she said, petting and ruffling his heavy fur.

Katie looked up to see Chad standing in the doorway, with his mischievous smile and hometown good looks. Even though they had grown up together, spending endless days and summers in each other’s company, she knew the first time she saw him when she returned from the army that she would be with him forever.

“Hard day?” he said. “You looked so far away just now.”

“Just thinking about stuff.” She entered the house and closed the door behind her. “Crazy week.”

“I know.” He pulled her close and kissed her. “Now, I couldn’t very well do that with both our departments looking on.”

“Not very professional,” she laughed, returning his lingering kiss.

“Oh, the sheriff came by and left you something.”