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FORTY

CROOKED CREEK POLICE STATION

Although Ellie had wanted to go straight to Barbara’s after visiting Thacker, her boss called a press conference and Ellie had to handle it. At least this time she was armed with some information.

Knowing Angelica was waiting, she checked her phone for the photos of the girls the ME had sent. Emotions squeezed in her chest at the sight of the headshots of the precious children. Laney had definitely made them more presentable, using makeup to cover visible bruises and discoloration from death. She’d even managed to comb their brown hair into nice ponytails and added a little color to their pale cheeks.

Ellie searched for similarities in looks from the twins to Barbara’s DMV photo, but the twins’ noses were small and button-like, their eyes green instead of Barbara’s blue. Barbara’s hair was a dirty brown with blond streaks that looked as if it was a home dye job. She remembered Thomas Thacker’s stout physique and brown eyes. He looked nothing like the little girls either.

A lot of children were composites of both parents or other relatives like a grandmother or aunt, Ellie reminded herself.

Voices sounded in the bullpen, and she realized Angelica and her cameraman had arrived. Plagued with questions, Ellie gathered her composure and hurried to meet the reporter in the press room. “Thanks for coming,” she told Angelica. “Let’s get this over with.”

Angelica’s cameraman was ready, and Angelica signaled for him to start rolling. “This is Angelica Gomez live with Detective Ellie Reeves from Crooked Creek.” She angled the mic toward Ellie. “Do you have an update on the children found at Emerald Falls?”

Ellie adopted her professional tone. “Unfortunately, we still have not identified them, but we are prepared to post a picture of the twins in hopes that someone will call in with helpful information.”

She inhaled to steady the small tremor in her voice. “We’re also looking for a woman named Barbara Thacker who we believe is related to the girls. She was brought into the hospital with injuries from a car accident. If anyone has seen or heard from her, please call the police.” Ellie chose her words carefully. “Barbara, if you’re listening and need help, please get in touch.”

Angelica offered a tiny smile of understanding and wrapped up by displaying the photos of the twins and Barbara.

Ellie said a silent prayer that the press conference would bring them a lead. Or that if Barbara was in trouble, she’d call them herself.

Hopefully Barbara had gone home from the hospital. Her house might offer some answers.