She was found in the stairwell between the third and fourth floor of the hotel. She was so tiny and small. No one on the team could understand how anyone could do that to a child. Martha Ebert was only six years old.
Her parents understandably were a mess. Her father Nick, hadn't been feeling well the night before. So they all went to bed early. When he and his wife, Janet woke up in the morning they discovered Martha missing.
Something was wrong. Didn't they lock their door? And if not, why not? Why would anyone take Martha?
Martha had been stranggled then placed in the stairwell. No sign of sexual assault which was they only thing to be glad of. According to Nick and Janet, Martha was an out going little girl. Not people shy at all. If someone had taken her, than she would have most likely gone willingly.
Jane on the other hand suspected the parents. Especially Nick. Something about him wasn't right.
This was Jane's first case since coming down with the flu the week before. Man, was he glad to be back. But now he wished he'd been sick for this case instead. The unit solved the last case without Jane, but not as fast or well as they do when Jane's around. So they were all glad Jane was back.
Jane was certain Nick and Janet knew more than what they were saying. He was also discusted by it/
"Why would someone take a little girl from a hotel room?" Van Pelt asked.
"I don't know. I want to talk to Janet Ebert though." Jane said. He then went over to where Janet and Nick were. "Excuse me, Mrs. Ebert I would like to talk to you if I may."
Janet followed Jane to an empty conference room. Her face puffy from crying. She sat across the tabe from him her head turned to the left gazing out the door.
"Mrs. Ebert, I know what you are going through."
"You have children?"
"No."
"Than you can't know."
"I do know."
"How?"
"I don't say this to many others, but I need you to understand I know and understand your pain. Almost ten years ago my wife and daughter were murdered."
Janet looked at Jane, her red hair had a few starnds stuck to her face. She looked at him deeply for a moment as if to see if Jane was telling the truth. "You know."
"Yes."