Page 89 of Trapper Road

Gratitude shines in her eyes as she reaches across the table, her hand finding mine. “Thank you.”

* * *

My first stop is the Gardenia Police Station. Unlike my previous visits, it’s now bustling with activity. Several news vans are parked in the lot, remote cameras stationed around the steps where a custodian is setting up a podium. Preparing for a press conference, I have no doubt, so Chief Parks can crow about solving the case.

I bypass them all and head inside. The receptionist is busy at the front desk, fielding questions from eager journalists and juggling a constantly ringing phone. I skirt around her desk and start for the door leading to the offices in back. Unfortunately she notices.

“Ms. Proctor, may I help you?”

“Chief Parks asked me to come in. I know the way.” It’s not technically a lie. He did ask that I come give my statement this morning.

“If you don’t mind, I’ll just let him know you’re here—”

I give a wave and a smile, but don’t stop. “No need, I know the way.”

“Mrs. Proctor—”

I already have my hand on the door to the back, and I’m banking on the receptionist’s rigorous southern upbringing to keep her from making a scene, especially in front of the crowd of reporters. Sure enough, before she can say anything more I’m through the door and in the wide wooden hallway. I head straight for Chief Parks’ office at the end, not even bothering knocking.

The receptionist must have had time to warn him of my approach because he’s already standing when I push through the door. He gives me a wide smile that would pass for genuine were it not for the iciness of his eyes. “Morning, Ms. Proctor. I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

“You’ve arrested Trevor Martindale for Juliette’s murder.”

He nods, his grin widening. “We have. You here to take your victory lap?”

He seems entirely too pleased with himself. “You’re sure it was him?”

“We have a confession.”

“I’ve read it. It’s very… explicit.”

“A terrible crime for sure. We’re exploring the death penalty.”

I’m taken aback by that. “He’s a kid.”

He spreads his hands. “It’s a high profile case. Tragic too.”

He could care less about any kind of tragedy. It’s the publicity he wants. “It seems a little early in the investigation to jump to conclusions. Have you even looked for any witnesses that could disprove he was involved? Alibis for the day Juliette went missing?”

He sighs and settles into his chair. “What is it you want, Ms. Proctor? Weren’t you hired by the Larsons to find out what happened to their daughter? Well, thanks to your assistance, now we know. Case closed. Is it publicity you want? Fine, I’ll invite you to the press conference.”

I practically shudder at the thought of joining him in front of so many cameras. That’s the last thing I need right now — to announce far and wide where I am. “I want the truth,” I tell him.

He rolls his eyes. “You’re awfully idealistic and naive given your own personal experience with the justice system.”

I press a hand to his desk. “That’s exactly why I’m not convinced about Trevor’s guilt. I’ve been falsely accused. I know what it’s like to have the system stacked against you.”

Parks’s eyes are cold and hard, his voice carrying a sharp edge. “The boy confessed. This case is closed.”

“I want to talk to the eyewitnesses — Willa and Mandy.”

His cheeks begin to glow red with anger. “Absolutely not.”

I straighten my back. “Are you afraid I’ll find something that will undermine your rock-solid case?”

He stands back up and fists his hands against the desk, leaning forward. “You will go to your hotel. You will wait until you are needed at the probable-cause hearing tomorrow morning. And then your business here will be concluded. Please believe me when I tell you that I will have you arrested if you interfere any further in this case. Understand?”

There’s no point engaging with this man any longer. Nor in wasting time talking to him. Not when I have an investigation to continue. I give him my most pleasant, disarming smile. “Perfectly.”