Page 60 of The Graveyard Girls (Detective Ellie Reeves #11)

FIFTY-NINE

Brambletown

On the drive to the graveyard, Ellie called the ME and an ERT. If Cord had discovered another body, they needed the remains to be removed properly and the scene preserved and processed.

She relayed her conversation with Ruth’s mother to Derrick. “It’s disturbing that she’s created a replica of Ruth’s room.”

“People hold onto hope as long as they can,” he said.

“I suppose so,” Ellie said. “But it’s also unsettling that she didn’t have a designated room for Tilly or her son.”

A muscle ticked in Derrick’s jaw. “The couple obviously favored Ruth over their other two children,” he said. “Mr. Higgins had nothing good to say about Hayden.”

The family dynamics had to have affected Tilly and Hayden. “No wonder Tilly or Hayden never sought them out.”

“I know. Ruth’s disappearance destroyed the family just like my sister’s did ours.”

Emotions clogged Ellie’s throat. She hated that her family had any part in that. Even if she apologized a million times, it wouldn’t change things. But at least Derrick didn’t resent her for it.

He checked his phone. “I have a message from Bennett.” His expression darkened as he listened to the voicemail. “Bennett found out Hayden left the Army after his first tour. Apparently, he renewed his driver’s license but hasn’t tracked him down yet. No info on a car registration or address.”

“Arrests?”

“One arrest for assault. Charges were dropped because the woman claimed Hayden was protecting her from the man who was stalking her.”

Ellie wrinkled her nose in thought. “He could have moved off the grid after that kind of trouble,” Ellie said. “And now he’s avoiding the media and police.”

Assault indicated he had a violent streak. Could Hayden have lost that temper on his sister?